Flash Of Genius Movie
| Resolution | Size | Download | ||
|
320x128 | 536.17 MiB | ipod | |
Storyline
TAGLINES
Corporations have time, money, and power on their side. All Bob Kearns had was the truth.
Based on the true story of college professor and part-time inventor Robert Kearns' (Greg Kinnear) long battle with the U.S. automobile industry, Flash of Genius tells the tale of one man whose fight to receive recognition for his ingenuity would come at a heavy price. But this determined engineer refused to be silenced, and he took on the corporate titans in a battle that nobody thought he could win. The Kearns were a typical 1960s Detroit family, trying to live their version of the American Dream. Local university professor Bob married teacher Phyllis (Lauren Graham) and, by their mid-thirties, had six kids who brought them a hectic but satisfying Midwestern existence. When Bob invents a device that would eventually be used by every car in the world, the Kearns think they have struck gold. But their aspirations are dashed after the auto giants who embraced Bob's creation unceremoniously shunned the man who invented it. Ignored, threatened and then buried in years of litigation, Bob is haunted by what was done to his family and their future. He becomes a man obsessed with justice and the conviction that his life's work-or for that matter, anyone's work-be acknowledged by those who stood to benefit. And while paying the toll for refusing to compromise his dignity, this everyday David will try the unthinkable: to bring Goliath to his knees.
| Jake Abel | Dennis Kearns |
| Aaron Abrams | Ian Miellor |
| Alan Alda | Gregory Lawson |
| London Angelis | Wade Previck |
| Dylan Authors | Young Pat Kearns |
| Warren Belle | Cop #2 |
| Grant Boyle | Patrick Kearns |
| Ashton Doudelet | Older Tim |
| Tim Eddis | Cop #1 |
| Andrew Gillies | Paul Previck |
| Tim Kelleher | Charlie Defao |
| Greg Kinnear | Bob Kearns |
| Gavin & Ben Kuiack | Infant Bob Kearns Jr |
| Isaac Lupien | Older Bob Kearns Jr |
| Dermot Mulroney | Gil Privick |
| Marc Abraham |
6.80 out of 10 (834 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Simplistic but Gratifying
posted on 28 Aug 2009A beautiful story of honor, ethics, hard work and the American Dream. I believe the true story was a bit more complex; read somewhere that Kerns had at one time 12 lawsuits going simultaneously and several law firms on them. And I think his mental health problems were sanitized in the film. Nevertheless, the thread of maintaining integrity comes through in this film. And as far as being a true story, I wonder what role his victory has had for victories we occasionally read about today. (probably too few that end in victory but at least some do make it). Kerns certainly gave hope to many, and it seemed like the American justice system worked back then.The film is interesting. It lacks the usual Hollywood melodrama--which I was glad some plot twists that I thought were so predictable did NOT turn out to happen, and it lacks the pace of fast action, special effects and sex. All of which contribute to a quieter, more thoughtful, and ultimately more touching film. It stayed with me throughout the next day.I highly recommend it, for reasons of believing in what we were and what we can become again....maybe.
Good interesting movie
posted on 08 Aug 2009This is another true David & Goliath story which pits a home inventor, Bob Kearns, who develops a working intermittent windshield wiper control, against the Ford Motor Company who stole his idea after he demonstrated it to them. The strain is at times too much for Kearns who eventually suffers a mental breakdown, but comes back to take on Ford in a monumental lawsuit despite the strains on his marriage & family.While a lot of people probably won't be interested in true life stories like this, I enjoy them and did enjoy this movie. The acting is good, and since the story is set in the 1960's & 1970's, you really get a feel for that era. It's worth a watch.
Decent (true) Underdog Story
posted on 21 Jul 2009When professor/inventor/engineer Dr. Bob Kearns was willing to drive his family home from church one rainy day without the use of wiper blades, to prove how incredulous he was that engineers could not invent a better automobile wiper blade, he almost crashed his car and wrecked his family.Well, that was symbolic, because that's exactly what happened a few years later, when Dr. Kearns invented the intermittent wiper but was finessed by corporate giant Ford Motor Company, who stole his invention, and Dr. Kearns spent the remaining decades of his life fighting them, wrecking his marriage, family and career in the process.It would've been easier to just crash the car.Realistic, slightly uplifting, but mostly depressing story. The actors who played the corporation snakes were interesting, too.7 pts.
"Solid" is probably the nicest thing you can say about it
posted on 03 Jul 2009OK, so, on paper you must confess that any film that dramatises anything involving windscreen-wipers runs the risk of being pretty darn dull. But then at the same time maybe it is one of those films that sounds dull but is actually thrilling by way of drawing the viewer into the subject. When you thing about it, ignoring the part of the car that it involves, this story of the little man put down by a heartless corporation is pretty well timed with the strength of feeling towards our economic ruling class nowadays. So maybe Flash of Genius could ride that wave and deliver an impacting and uplifting story of overcoming at the same time – full of tension and emotion. Well, yes, I guess it "could" but the question is "does it?"Unfortunately the answer to that is "no" and at best the film could be described as "solid". Contrary to my preconception the film is not dull because of the subject or because it gives lots of detail on engineering but rather because it seems to drag everything out and offer the viewer very little reason to care. It doesn't appear to focus on forward motion because if there is an opportunity to go over old ground or get into a rut then you best believe that it takes it. It is not a grind though, don't get me wrong, it is not a bad film, but just one that seems happy to do very little other than the basics. The courtroom scenes are where it should have come to life but even these fail to thrill or engage – OK they are there and they are "fine" for what they are but how am I the viewer supposed to be excited by what I am watching if the film itself seems all very underwhelmed by it.I won't say that the cast are the problem but they are certainly part of it. Kinnear tries to deliver the character with real emotion in a way that will draw sympathy from the audience but his drab performance and repetitive delivery is part of the film being slowed down and not allowed to fizz. Graham doesn't help because she is part of this aspect of his character. In fairness she is quite lively and real but she cannot lift the film when the rest of it seems so intent on being average and sluggish. Alda turns up to offer the viewer hope as he enters the film with his custom delivery and energy, having several good scenes before disappearing again. Pileggi is a good solid "baddie" in the corporate sense and perhaps it would have helped to have allowed him more room to play with his character. Sadly none of the cast really gets to do this other than Kinnear, who has to take his scenes down into "despair" in a way that deadens the film and robs it of pace. Perhaps this is an accurate telling of the story but in this case it comes at a price and that price is the film's effectiveness and entertainment value.This leaves Flash of Genius as a film that is far too worthy for its own good. It plays like a solid TVM and it certainly offered me nothing to justify why it was in the cinema with me when at best it was a DVD release. It has little in the way of drama or tension to it and it is hard to emotionally buy into the film in the way I needed to be able to in order to stick with it. If "solid" is what you are after then this is an OK film but the only remarkable thing about it is just how unremarkable, sluggish and frankly dull the whole thing is.
"Flash of Genius" Movie Review
posted on 03 Jul 2009The issue of ethics is front and center in "Flash of Genius," a film about one man who sacrifices everything for his principles. Based on real-life events, the movie is a strong morality play grounded by the performance of Greg Kinnear.Kinnear stars as inventor Robert Kearns, a passionate thinker, a loving husband and father, and a dedicated university professor. Aided by his wife, Phyllis (Lauren Graham from the TV show "Gilmore Girls") and their six kids, Kearns invents the intermittent windshield wiper – a device that would eventually be used by every car in the world.Helping Kearns in his patent application is family friend Gil Previck (Dermot Mulroney). They develop the revolutionary product and market it to Ford Motor Company. The automotive giant embraces Kearns' invention at first, but unceremoniously takes his creation and rejects the man behind it.Now, the stage is set for a David vs. Goliath story that will take decades before finding resolution. Kearns, who's been ignored and threatened by Ford, seeks counsel from attorney Gregory Lawson (the scene-stealing Alan Alda). Lawson is able to get some compensation for Kearns, but our fierce inventor does not want money – he wants Ford to apologize for his family's sufferings.Veteran producer Mark Abraham ("Air Force One," "Thirteen Days") tries his hands at directing for the first time. When I interviewed him and asked about his career change, Abraham said, "I've always wanted to direct this David and Goliath story since I heard about it years ago." Based on the New Yorker article by John Seabrook, "Flash of Genius" is ably directed. The film flows and does not drag on, which I find very surprising because most biopic have tendencies to heighten the melodrama quotient of their real-life subjects.That doesn't mean that screenwriter Philip Railsback ("The Stars Fell on Henrietta") avoided feel-good clichés. There are some moments, especially the family scenes, where you feel the script is trying mightily hard to tug at your heartstrings.Kinnear succeeds in injecting humanity to the character. You may not agree with Kearns and his principles, but you will certainly share his triumph when he brings Goliath to his knees."I was attracted by the character," Kinnear says about his motivation for playing Kearns. "He's not heroic like other man against corporation movies; he struck me as a very human guy." That human guy and his well-told fight against the big machine are the reasons why I'm recommending this movie. You may wince at the idea of a film about the inventor of the intermittent windshield wiper, but you will stand up and cheer when his principles are finally honored. And for that, "Flash of Genius" gets 3 Genius Kisses
David v. Goliath
posted on 01 Jul 2009I cherish this movie; a lot of this is for personal reasons. The film is well done; Greg Kinnear really impressed me with this and little miss sunshine.I am a sales guy who sells to big companies. I recently gave ford a free education in a service we offer, and it took so much evangalizing, repetition, re-explanation and hitting them over the head. I was astonished that a business this big didn't have smarter people.Then, when we gave them our price and offer, they said "no thanks were going to build this in house rather than use you".........I felt a visceral connections to Bob Kearns.Suddenly, Ford is an expert on this. I would talk to anyone who would listen, and I put my blood into helping them improve their business. I have a new opinion of the buying and technology that Ford uses to run its operations. One of the reasons they might be the "least screwed up" of the auto makers" is their soul-less way of getting companies on their knees, and then kicking them down when you cry "uncle" for them.Sorry for blabbing. It just hurts to know we really wanted to help them , and help us make a buck in the process. And we were treated like dogs.
Every Law Student Should Be Required To See This Film Before Graduating!
posted on 27 Jun 2009This is absolutely the best movie I have seen, so far, this year! I sincerely hope Flash of Genius gets a few Academy Awards! But one thing is for certain! People will be watching this powerful film a 100 years from now! It's that good! When I left the theater and reached the safety of my car, I sobbed uncontrollably! Why? The reason is simple! I can identify with what Dr. Kearns went through, having had a somewhat similar gut-wrenching experience as a whistleblower.I really don't think most people can begin to understand what it is like to stand up for one's honor and to confront a powerful institution, such as a huge transnational corporation, (or in my case a government agency) - no matter what the personal cost.Making matters even more difficult is that many politicians with a conservative bent love to turn the issue of litigation awards into a political football! Oh, how rich and powerful institutions are the "victims" of shady lawyers and questionable plaintiffs, they cry! But what these unethical politicians don't tell you is the mind-boggling amount of work that goes into preparing your case before you can even find a lawyer willing to take it! Or, that no matter how serious the injury, there's no guarantee your case will ever see the light of day!This true story is also about love & family! Dr. Kearns is so fortunate to have such wonderful children. It's amazing how much can be accomplished when a human being gets emotional and logistical support from those he loves! Ultimately, I think that's the bottom line, here!
It's About Giving Credit To The Right Person For The Effort And Hardwork
posted on 17 Jun 2009I, for one, strongly oppose any kind of plagiarism because nobody has the right to steal someone else's work and claim it to be theirs. 'Flash of Genius' tells the heartbreaking story of inventer Dr. Kearns. While windshield wipers may sound like a small thing that hardly many give consideration to (as Kearns's friends have told him), it's not a matter of the object at hand but the effort that went behind it and why should credit go to somebody else? I admire Kearns for putting up a fight and keeping up the battle for justice and even though it cost him his family, he fought to the end. I'm surprised as to how little recognition 'Flash of Genius' received considering that the story is extremely relevant even for today's world.The director does a splendid job in telling this moving story. Greg Kinnear delivers a heartfelt lowkeyed performance which is among one of the best of his career. Unfortunately, he remains an underrated actor but I hope he keeps making the wise film choices and gets his due soon. Lauren Graham is wonderfully restrained and marvelous but she's risking getting typecast (she's played supportive wife in two other recent movies 'Evan Almighty' and 'Birds of America'). Dermot Mulroney too stands out as Privick. Where the technical department is concerned, the director has used a lot of subtlety with the cinematography, soundtrack and visuals. It is only later that we realize what an important symbol rain is in this movie. The washed out colour adds to the tense, stressful and sad atmosphere. 'Flash of Genius' is definitely a worthy watch not only because it tells an engaging story but a very relevant one.
A Very Decent and Underrated Movie
posted on 09 Jun 2009I started to watch this movie after a hit Seven Pound, with a Will Smith in main role. That movie was so bored and predictable for me and I decided to watch Flash Of Genius with Greg Kinnear. I haven't know anything about this movie and in few minutes I've been noticed that this work is ten times better than the popular Seven Pounds. FOG has only 1,500 votes on IMDb and SP has a 35 000 votes. OMG, Flash Of genius is so damn underrated movie. It isn't bored, it very good directed and interesting and almost better than similar movie A Beautiful Mind. But in this movie role of Greg Kinnear isn't that genius as Russel Crowe role but he isn't also crazy and schizophrenic as Crowe role. FOG has no pathetic music and in some scenes is heart touching and enjoyable and I must say Greg Kinnear is very god actor in this role - he perfectly fit into family man who has invented a car viper, but soon Ford Company stole his invent. Greg is so depressed by that act so his starting to work on court trial. I was so happy he get lawsuit on his side and get a lots of money for his family. What can I say more? This movie is very good in my opinion and I have no complaint to it. For those who don't know, this movie is a based on actual events in the 1940's. I give it a 9/10 because it deserves fully. Don't miss this, you won't regret it for sure.
Flags for a bit, but concludes beautifully
posted on 24 May 2009Flash of Genius is the true story of the man who invented the intermittent wiper blade - only to see the Ford Mother company swipe the invention for their own benefit. But of course, this being a Hollywood film, the little guy fights back against the big, mean corporation, losing his family, wife, and sanity in the process.Bob Kearns (Greg Kinnear) is an engineering professor who comes up with the idea of the intermittent blade while driving his family - wife and six kids - home from church one rainy afternoon. He puts together a prototype and shops it to Ford, which quickly warms to the idea. Then suddenly changes its mind, saying it’s just not ready. And then double-plus suddenly, there are all these Ford cars on the road with those very same wiper blades. This is probably not a coincidence.What follows is your standard David/Goliath courtroom drama, without the courtroom (save for the finale). Bob fights back against Ford, but no one, not even high-powered attorney Alan Alda, really wants to help. Worse still, Bob doesn’t even want a cash settlement, he wants an apology from Ford, an acknowledgment that they stole his awesome idea. This might surprise you, but they decline to do so.On the one hand, this is a straightforward story about the little buy fighting back against all odds, taking on the big automakers at a time when the Big Three reigned supreme. After all, Ford has all the time in the world to devote to defending itself against Kearns’ claims, whereas Bob has to scrimp and hope he can make some headway; they can outlast him as surely as a rock can outlast a summer storm. They have resources, and all he has is his devoted family.Well, not so much. Devoted to a point, perhaps. The strain of the legal battles soon take their toll on Bob and his wife, Phyllis (Lauren Graham), as well as the various kids. Which brings us to the second, even more important, conflict in this story, that between Bob and Everyone Who Means Something To Him.This is an innocuous, slight movie; it doesn’t grab you so much as kind of pull you along reluctantly, until the final, courtroom scene. The rule for courtroom dramas seems to be this: If the protagonist has been built up sufficiently but the audience does NOT tear up when the inevitable verdict is read, then the movie is a failure. I mean, it’s really not complicated. If there’s no payoff, then everything leading up to that point has been for naught, so everyone involved has to pull off that final scene. The nice thing is that pulling off that scene, otherwise known as manipulating the audience, is pretty elementary, high-school stuff. It’s tough to mess it up.And they don’t. True to form, that final scene makes up for all the methodical pacing of the other 90 minutes or so. Kinnear’s earnest and well cast, and Graham is a delight as his doting, no-nonsense wife. Alda’s showy role doesn’t really amount to much at all, contrary to what the trailer showed. But all in all, it’s a well done, if somewhat forgettable, movie.
Is it Possible.. a Great movie without Sex and Violence??
posted on 14 May 2009I cannot believe how much I enjoyed this movie! There was NEVER a moment when I felt bored,uninterested,or confused about the plot.It is based on the true story of Dr.Bob Kearns from Detroit Michigan.The casting,I felt was perfect and Greg Kinnear definitely deserves an Oscar nomination for his performance as Dr.Bob Kearns, an engineer and inventor. His wife,played by Phyllis Graham,was the typical wife of the 50's. And her performance was also top notch..not over or underacted, but right on cue. I absolutely loved the clothes, decor and cars of that era..really brings back memories..the little blue "frigidaire", "mixmaster", and chrome kitchen set along with the rotary phones,and huge "boat cars."(we would call them that) Life seemed so simple then. Mom stayed home and looked after the kids, cooked,and took care of her husband while dad brought home the "bacon."But things changed when Dr. Kearns stubbornly refused to give up his pursuit of justice when he felt he had been wronged by Ford Motor Company. The script is excellent and performances great. Even Alan Alda played the lawyer part very believable. I saw the movie a couple of hours ago and still feel so "Up' having finally seen a movie with No special effects,No digitalization,No remake, but just a GOOD,GOOD STORY that happens to be true.Although Dr.Kearns died in 2005, he definitely made the case for following your instincts and seeking the truth.We CAN fight city hall and all the money in the world will not make up for that vindication, even though it is a tough road with many losses by the wayside.Listen,if you are tired of all the Superhero,Violent,Sex-driven,and Mind-Numbing Stupid movies out today,this is a very refreshing change, and All Ages will appreciate the solid entertainment and heart-warming storytelling! Digital is great but a good storyline is something we can all relate to for sure!!
Can the little man, inventor, successfully go against the big motor company?
posted on 28 Apr 2009This movie is the story of the little man, a professor and inventor, who dared to go up against the big motor companies and their legal team. The focus is the intermittent windshield wiper mechanism, which this engineering professor claims to have invented.Greg Kinnear is such a good actor it is hard to understand why he didn't hit the big time until his 30s, when he appeared in "Sabrina". Here he is the engineer, the inventor, Bob Kearns. As we find out he had the inspiration driving his family home from church one Sunday, when it was raining lightly, and he was switching the wipers on and off manually. He figured there must be an invention in all this, a way to give wipers the ability to wipe intermittently and at different intervals. Today all automobiles have this feature.So Bob tried a number of different approaches and finally settled on the one which persisted, an electronic solution using a simple circuit with capacitors and variable resistors. He took this to Ford who expressed enough interest that they agreed in principle to have Kern develop a manufacturing plant in Detroit to supply their needs. But after he gave them a working model, they backed out, then quickly came out with the same intermittent wiper technology in their new cars.Kearns' fight was never for the money, because in fact on several occasions he turned down rather handsome sums in settlement because he insisted that Ford also take out a newspaper ad admitting that they stole his patent. They wouldn't do that. During the eventual trial, where Kearns was his own legal representation, Ford's lawyer even offered him $30Million to settle before it was given to the jury but was turned down. It was always about doing the right thing, and not letting large companies steal inventions from the little inventors.Lauren Graham was good as his wife, Phyllis Kearns. Dermot Mulroney as his long-time friend and early business partner Gil Privick. And Alan Alda as an early lawyer helping Kearns, Gregory Lawson.SPOILER: The jury decided for Kearns and Ford was ordered to pay him just over $10Million, less than he had been offered, but the moral victory was his. But he also later got $18Million from Chrysler, and in the process wrecked his marriage.
Under advertised
posted on 18 Apr 2009I never knew this movie existed,one day browsing through Marc Abraham profile on IMDb i spotted this movie so, i had a glimpse at the trailer and found out it was based on true events and i was intrigued immediately. Patience and dedication is needed in this biography flick, it gets slow in certain sequences but then again it keeps you wanting more. The court scenes are comical and brilliant. The preparation Bob Kearns and his kids do for his civil case indisputable, they put time, dedictation, and most importantly love which prevailed at the end. The acting of the cast members was a little above average but its excellent for a film like this. Overall i rate it a 7.5/10
Solid
posted on 04 Apr 2009The new film, Flash Of Genius, by first time director Marc Abraham, is one of those films that is well made, well acted, well shot, and technically, there is little to argue with. But, it's still utterly predictable; as predictable as the sports film that features an underdog you just know will win in the end. As with most films that ultimately fail, this film fails for its screenplay. No film can succeed without a good screenplay- one with good dialogue, good characterization, and a good tale. The plot, also, has to come alive, and distinguish itself. Given that this film was based on reality, this constricts, a bit, the play one can have with the reality. So, this is where perspective comes in. Instead of a biopic that tells the whole tale (and at almost two hours in length, this film is 20-40 minutes too long; filled with unneeded passages showing the development of the intermittent windshield wiper, as well as far too much interaction between the lead character, Robert Kearns (Greg Kinnear) and his best friend, Gil Previck (Dermot Mulroney), who disappears 40% of the way into the film, only for a token reappearance at end, when- of course, the little guy perseveres and wins his legal case in the end) there needed to be a set pivot point in the man's life, from which all else could be parallaxed. Now, the problem. It just took a few minutes of researching the life of the real Robert Kearns to see that the film took dramatic liberties with the lawsuit aspect of the tale- Kearns didn't beat the Ford Motor Company in court- he settled, and then beat Chrysler. There are also other elements about the times that events took place in that are not correct. Why this is important is not because art is truth, or nonsense like that, but because it removes the excuses for screenwriter Philip Railsback that all he had to fall back on was the truth.The good is the acting of Kinnear, who is truly the modern equivalent to Jimmy Stewart- an everyman, far much more so than Tom Hanks has ever been. Kinnear can do drama like Hanks never can. Graham is also very good, and the fact that she does not reconcile with Kearns, after his victory, is one of the lone bright spots in the screenplay- based on truth or not. But, so much of the second half of the film is wasted on moments that have been slapped together from so many other us vs. them films that only the winsomeness of Graham and the likability of Kinnear prevent narcolepsy. The principled stand that Kearns makes is an engine for the film, but little else. Mitch Pileggi (of X-Files fame) is good as a scumbag Ford bigwig, and there is potential in familial scenes between Kearns and his six kids (both older and younger sets, as the film takes place over more than a decade), but it is never exploited. Too much time, instead, is wasted on Bob's failures with his friend Gil, and a lawyer, Greg Lawson, played by Alan Alda, who cares not for justice, just money. One good aspect of the film is that it opens with Kearns dazed and confused, a couple of years after his being screwed by Ford, only to make that opening worthless, with a flashback to how he got there, and then, an hour in, we catch up, and proceed chronologically. This does not work because it is a fence sitting position. Since events before and after proceed linearly, why do we start off with the hiccup? And then, we see the scene play out a second time. The screenplay should have either played the film from beginning to end, or played around with time and perception inside the character's mind, especially since he did spend time in a loony bin, and after being released from it, according to the film, was never quite the same. Kinnear displays this subtle change in character wonderfully, and may get an Oscar nod for it- a perfect example of how one can see great aspects in a mediocre work of art.Reputedly, although the bulk of the film is set in Detroit, is was mostly filmed in Hamilton, Ontario, for too much of Detroit has decayed to the point of no return to stand in for its 1960s heyday, when most of the film is set. The title comes from the Flash Of Genius test for patentability, where the Supreme Court affirmed an invention could come to an inventor out of nowhere, without years of work beforehand. The story comes from a 1993 article, by John Seabrook, in the New Yorker, on Kearns, with the same title. But, facts like that are mere trivia. What can set a film apart and above (aside from the already mentioned 'hard' aspects of the art) are the intangibles, something Flash Of Genius just does not have. Why? If one could pinpoint that, they would not be intangibles, and this film would rise a few notches, to the level of films like Inherit The Wind or Erin Brockovich, both films like this, that are definite 'prose' works, but works whose prose is more akin to a Herman Hesse or Mark Twain, rather than a soap opera. As for poetry? Perhaps Ford stole that, too. Wouldn't be the first time, right?
Robert and Goliath
posted on 27 Mar 2009In 1963 in his basement workshop, Dr. Robert Kearns invented the intermittent windshield wiper system. He attempted to make a deal to license his invention with Ford Motor Company, but they stole his design, and later claimed that they had created it years earlier. FLASH OF GENIUS is The Kearns family's agonizing attempt to get one of the largest and most powerful corporations in the world to not only compensate them for Dr. Kearn's invention, but admit the theft of his idea. The film showcases the sleazy and tiresome legal tricks which Ford's army of lawyers brought to bear to discredit this mild-mannered family man. It is clear that had Ford been honest at their initial encounter with Kearns, a ton of bad publicity and legal expense could have been easily avoided. At the end of the film I couldn't help but reflect on the inherent error of an unbridled Free Market. The film clearly shows that without a strong framework of checks and balances, a mighty corporate entity will act with arrogance and impunity. FLASH OF GENIUS is the heroic saga of one individual who triumphed against a stacked capitalistic deck.
Needs more inventiveness . . .
posted on 09 Mar 2009Just imagine over 30 years ago inventing something as useful as the intermittent windshield wiper, a device everyone uses when it rains. Now that's immortality for inventor Bob Kearns, professor and engineer.What is more astonishing is he was almost forgotten after the Ford Motor Company usurped the design and promoted it as its own. The dramatic tension is Kearns' fight for recognition involving years of personal and familial losses. The two moments of inspiration, the "flash of genius," one a personal eye injury and the other driving in the driving rain, are dramatically satisfying if not downright underplayed (appealing to my minimalist sensibilities).The film is exciting when Kearns is developing the device with those design inspiration moments fleshed out and the partnering with Ford slowly materializing. The film slows down as if in a school zone when at least a third of the Kearns' time is spent struggling with wife Phyllis Kearns (Lauren Graham) over the cost to them in time and trauma to go after Ford. The dutiful wife suffering the ambitious husband has been played in American cinema and theater too much to be fresh, no different here. The scenes with family, especially his wife, evoke my usual response: All right, already, I get the point. Now get on to the good stuff.Similarly, Kinnear plays Kearns so low key as to be soporific. Although I don't doubt Kearns was an introverted geek, a dramatic rendition would have enlivened the character without compromising his essence.
flash of Hollywoodization
posted on 23 Feb 2009Though this is passed off as a true story, the details are so changed from reality that the only real thing left are the "blinking eye" wiper blades and the names of the characters and car companies. Dennis Kearnes was a far more unlikable, obsessed, and dramatic person than this movie lets on. Most glaringly fictitious is his David against Goliath legal fight against the big bad corporation, where he is portrayed as representing himself all alone (with the legal clerking of his kids). It isn't true. He WAS represented by lawyers in his suit against Ford Motor Company. Google his REAL life and you will find a colorful nut case, who could have made a great biographical figure. But he couldn't make a sympathetic figure. So Hollywood sweetened him up, taking away the drama and conflict to make him a hero for the plot. Just like you know when you see a movie about the Titanic, that the ship will sink in the end, there is no suspense to the court trial (last third of the movie). There would have been no movie if he lost the case.
Very good with the problem of a lead character who is tough to take
posted on 15 Feb 2009Greg Kinnear is Robert Kearns who invented the intermittent windshield wiper and then spent the next bunch of years battling the car companies for patent infringement. Its an amazing story, that would be great film except for the fact that Kearns is a very difficult man to warm to. You understand how his tunnelvision disrupted the life of everyone around him. As good as the film was, and it is an excellent film on all levels, I wanted it to be over so I could know how it came out and I could not have to spend any more time with Kearns. (Kinnear is excellent by the way) I understand why this film isn't better known and why it hasn't caught on since as good as the film is, our hero is almost one note. Try it it may click with you.
Well acted and executed, but slightly mundane.
posted on 15 Dec 2008Saw the very first showing of this tonight at the Traverse City Film Festival. It was a good movie and Greg Kinnear was very good. The film felt too restricted and hyper focused on the primary movie subject, Bob Kearns. It could have been made better by infusing a bit of side-story from the conflicting characters points of view. Bob Kearns low point in the movie also seemed to happen abruptly with no run-in to the plot twist, so much so that I felt like I missed something. Lauren Graham offered a fine performance, as did Dermot Mulroney's limited screen time. Overall I liked the movie but felt more could have been done to fill some gaps.
- 1
- 2
A Miracle Of Justice That Actually Happened
posted on 28 Aug 2009When I heard "Flash Of Genius" was about the invention of the intermittent windshield wiper I thought instead of viewing it, perhaps, I might spend my time watching paint dry because it would be of equal entertainment with the added benefit of a freshly painted room. I'm glad I opted to watch the "wiper story" because it is a factual document of one of the world's largest corporations doing what they do on a daily basis, that is to take advantage of their enormous power with little or no regard to the individual...But, I'm glad to report, in this case, having criminal culpability and enormous financial liability.Dr. Bob Kearns was a inventor, college professor, and family man. He solved the deceptively simple task of matching an automobile's windshield wiper wipe frequency to varying rain intensity. Bottom line, he invented the intermittent windshield wiper for the automobile, but he made the mistake of allowing Ford to dissect his invention prior to having an ironclad contract. He trusted Ford to be morally upright and true to their word...Big mistake! What follows is a man's personal descent into Hell. His best friend and business partner bails on him, he suffers a mental breakdown complete with forced hospitalization, more than one or two lawyers claiming to do whatever it takes for justice actually are hoping for fast settlements, and his wife divorces him moving away with their kids. All the while, first Ford, and then all automakers, sell new cars with their miraculous "intermittent wiper" feature. As I watched this I was actually glad I had not owned a Ford vehicle in five or so years! Flash of Genius is "Rudy" by another name and genre. It is akin to David slaying Goliath. It's like cresting Everest in flip-flops, shorts, and a t-shirt! Bob Kearns didn't just win against Ford, he exposed their dishonesty, lack of morals, and treachery in front of the world-a far greater, if not impossible, accomplishment. The story is even better because after exhausting all those high minded "justice seeking" lawyers Bob "took out the garbage" and acted as his own legal counsel. Thus when Dr. Kearns won his settlement Ford also had to pay him legal fees which went 100% to his family. The portrayal of these facts just serve to make the story more rich! For me, Greg Kinnear makes this story come to life. He's not overly sympathetic, but he's completely vulnerable as his old life dissolves into a complete need to have Ford give him his rightful compensation. He deftly plays a brittle, though not completely broken, man who has lost everything save his pride regarding his invention. There is a true low-key brilliance at work here, both in the message and the messenger. If you value true life underdog stories where against all odds the protagonist prevails look no further. A very good film overall I'd say.