iSteve

iSteve is a whimsical and irreverent take on the legendary story of Steve Jobs, the visionary behind Apple Inc. This 2013 biographical comedy was produced by Funny or Die and is fronted by the charismatic Justin Long in the title role. The supporting cast boasts talents such as Art Evans and Juzo Yoshida, who all contribute to the movie's twisted take on biography and silicon-valley folklore.

The story, set against a backdrop of the rapid technological changes of the late 20th and early 21st century, traces an irreverent and humorous reimagining of Steve Job's journey. From his early years as a college dropout to his rise as an innovative titan, the humorous undertone of the plot offers a unique perspective on a narrative often depicted with biographical seriousness. While the movie follows Jobs's life, it doesn't shy away from bending the facts to elicit laughter and stimulate intrigue.

The character of Steve Jobs, played remarkably by Justin Long, shines through his signature black turtleneck and an insatiable desire to produce groundbreaking technology. Long's performance gives the portrayal a personal touch, harnessing the oddities of Jobs's character and projecting a caricaturish yet memorable view of the Tech Wizard. Beyond Jobs himself, the film explores several key personalities who were influential in his life and work.

Art Evans stars as Ed Roberts, the developer behind the world's first commercial personal computer. He is depicted as a rival to Jobs, embodying the competitive spirit that was prevalent during the early technology boom. His character portrayal ranges between a tech-guru and an oddball, a perfect fit within this comedic biography.

Spotlight on the Japanese technology giant, Sony's co-founder Akio Morita, is assured by Juzo Yoshida's stirring performance. Yoshida's embodiment of Morita not only illustrates the technology battlefields of the era but also adds a delightful performance filled with humor, wisdom, and antics.

iSteve, although containing elements of a biographical narrative, leans heavily into humor, parody, and some extravagance borrowed from other popular genres. The aim is not to provide an accurate timeline of events, but rather to use those events as stepping stones for laughter and entertainment. The typical cut-throat corporate world of Silicon Valley is transformed into an arena of chaotic comedy, with Steve Jobs at the center, leading the mayhem in his iconic style.

Director Ryan Perez, known for his work with Funny or Die, and writer Nick Corirossi, have imprinted their signature comedy style on this project. iSteve is filled with their notable flair for spoof and satire which, combined with the subject's inherent drama, forms an appealing mix for fans of unconventional comedy.

As you navigate through iSteve's 79 minutes, you'll catch glimpses of the tech world magnates like Bill Gates and Steve Wozniak, who play essential roles in the Steve Jobs legend. However, their portrayal is as much part of the comic weave as they are part of the real-life narrative.

The cinematographic style of iSteve plays a significant role in its presentation. Instead of an ultra-polished, sleek look typical of other films concerning technology giants, the movie embraces a sense of low-budget aesthetics. The somewhat grainy texture reflected in its cinematography, the simple yet effective set designs, and the popping of early computer fonts all contribute to the overall 80s and 90s vibe, the era where technology was just making its strides.

It’s also worth mentioning that the film’s soundtrack adds an extra layer of amusing eccentricity. Much like its narrative, the music selection is diverse, playing around themes of nostalgia, innovation, and of course, in true Funny or Die style, humor.

All things considered, iSteve is a fascinating exploration of how comedy can be seamlessly fused with biographical storytelling. Its light-hearted approach to a well-known narrative offers a unique, entertaining experience for both fans of Steve Jobs and comedic cinema.

In short, if you're looking for an outrageous, funny, and unusual biopic that challenges the norms of the genre, iSteve would fit the bill. It's a reminder that the stories of our icons can be multi-dimensional and that there's space for humor even in the most unexpected places, like the life of a tech revolutionary.