mrncat

Based upon true events, this movie mixes a bank heist, romance and being a fan of actor, Steve McQueen, into ultimately kind of a refreshing ride. There is an earnestness to this movie as well as humor -- I haven't genuinely laughed out loud at a movie in a long time. The soundtrack is spot on, also, and enhanced the movie. The only actor I recognized is Forest Whitaker, and he adds needed credibility in his depiction of a decent member of law enforcement.

I've watched this film now twice within a week time span. Being familiar with some aspects of Steve Jobs' life, I was fascinated with how biographical details are woven into the script. Also seeing the launching of 3 different products was compelling on some level as it is the behind the scenes look at these events that makes up the action.

This film is written more like a theater piece with very strong dialogue and characters. I'm not familiar with screenwriter, Aaron Sorkin, and his other work so I was not prepared to be drawn into this film as much as I was.

Regarding the acting, Kate Winslet's immersion into her role was admirable and something I've grown to realize she, as an actor, does very very well. Michael Fassbinder, I'd heard about being a talented actor, and his portrayal of Steve Jobs is a testament to this. I also believe Seth Rogen as "Woz" is very good, and I was glad to see him in a dramatic role.

I actually read the novel Labor Day by Joyce Maynard before I rented the film. The book is very good and packs an emotional wallop at the end (a similar ending with some added nuances). Having read the book, I knew what was going to happen so in some ways it took away any of the suspense that existed in the film for people who were seeing the story for the first time.

I think the book fills in the details of the characters' lives better than the film does, however the director obviously had to choose how to provide the background stories of Adele and Frank, and given their individual pasts, it wasn't an easy feat. The director did an admirable job in my opinion, yet I don't know if I hadn't read the book if I'd have been able to piece together Frank's story all that well.

The casting of Kate Winslet and Josh Brolin was very inspired and they each captured their characters believably. This is a love story ultimately and being told from the perspective of a 13 year old boy adds a perspective that is refreshing.