Inspiring Biopics: The Stories Behind the Screens

Description: While not strictly about computers, this film tells the story of Mark Zuckerberg and the creation of Facebook, highlighting the role of technology in social networking and the legal battles that ensued.

Fact: The film won three Academy Awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay for Aaron Sorkin. Jesse Eisenberg's performance as Zuckerberg was widely praised.

Description: This film, directed by Danny Boyle, offers an intimate look at three pivotal product launches in Jobs' career, showcasing his complex personality and the impact of his work on the world.

Fact: Michael Fassbender's portrayal of Jobs was critically acclaimed, earning him an Academy Award nomination. The screenplay was written by Aaron Sorkin, known for his fast-paced dialogue.

Description: This film chronicles the life of Alan Turing, the brilliant mathematician who cracked the German Enigma code during WWII, laying the groundwork for modern computing. It's a must-watch for its portrayal of Turing's genius and the personal sacrifices he made.

Fact: Benedict Cumberbatch was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Alan Turing. The film also won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.

Description: A biographical drama focusing on the early career of Steve Jobs, from his days at Reed College to the founding of Apple. It captures the essence of his vision and the challenges he faced in bringing it to life.

Fact: Ashton Kutcher, who played Jobs, reportedly lost 18 pounds to better resemble the tech icon. The film was released on the same day as another Steve Jobs biopic, "jOBS."

Description: This made-for-TV movie explores the rivalry between Steve Jobs and Bill Gates, providing a dramatized account of the early days of Apple and Microsoft, showcasing the competitive spirit of the tech industry.

Fact: Noah Wyle, known for his role in "ER," played Steve Jobs, while Anthony Michael Hall portrayed Bill Gates.

Description: While not a traditional biopic, this documentary explores the lives of prominent hackers, delving into the ethics, politics, and personal stories behind the hacking culture, which has significantly influenced computer security.

Fact: The film features interviews with notorious hackers like Andrew "Weev" Auernheimer and Jeremy Hammond, offering a raw look at the hacker community.

Description: A British TV film that focuses on the rivalry between Clive Sinclair and Chris Curry, two key figures in the early UK home computer market, highlighting the birth of the ZX Spectrum and the BBC Micro.

Fact: The film was produced by BBC Four, known for its quality drama productions. It stars Alexander Armstrong as Chris Curry.

Description: This documentary-drama hybrid provides an in-depth look at Alan Turing's life, his contributions to computer science, and the tragic end to his story, offering a more factual perspective than "The Imitation Game."

Fact: The film includes interviews with people who knew Turing, providing personal insights into his character and work.

Description: This German miniseries tells the story of the legal battle between Google and a German company over the invention of the algorithm behind Google Earth, showcasing the human side of tech innovation.

Fact: The series was inspired by real events, although some characters and events were fictionalized for dramatic purposes.

Description: A documentary series that traces the history of the personal computer, featuring interviews with key figures like Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and others, offering a comprehensive look at the rise of the PC.

Fact: The series was produced by Robert X. Cringely, a well-known tech journalist, and provides a wealth of historical context.