Flash of Genius, 2008

Based on actual events, Flash of Genius follows the bittersweet story of inventor Bob Kearns (Greg Kinnear). With the support of his wife (Lauren Graham) and their six children, Kearns invented the intermittent windshield wiper. With his business partner (Dermot Mulroney), Kearns brings his design to Ford. At first they are interested, but then he is told that there will be no deal.

When Kearns discovers that Ford no longer wants his product because they have stole his design, he finds a lawyer (Alan Alda) to take up his case. Ford agrees to settle for a large sum, but Kearns refuses to take the offer without public acknowledgement of his work.

Unable to move on with his life until Ford admits that they used his designs, Kearns risks his the well-being of his health, family, and job in order to gain public credit.



This film moves a bit slowly towards the end, but is otherwise very good. My favorite moment is probably when Kearns is cross-examining himself.


Directed by Marc Abraham.
Written by Philip Railsback.
Based on an article by John Seabrook.

Melody's Stars: ****


Rating System:
*****=Worth Buying
****=Worth Seeing in Theaters
***=Worth Renting
**=Worth Watching on TV
*=Worth Watching if also cleaning house or doing paperwork
0=Total waste of time
Fail=So bad it doesn't even make the rating system