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Flash of Genius
Based on a true story and from an article by The New Yorker,
Flash of Genius is the depressing yet inspirational tale of Bob
Kearns (Greg Kinnear), a university professor who also happened to be a
part-time inventor.
The
story revolves around the Kearns family, a middle class family living in
Detroit whose lives could be considered average. Bob is married to
Phyllis (Lauren Graham), a teacher who provides some stability and
normality to his life. With six children, there lives are soon about to
be changed when Bob has the idea of the "blinking eye" or the
intermittent wiper which motorcar companies such as Ford and Chrysler
have been spending millions of dollar into research but as of yet have
been unable to perfect it.
After creating a prototype, Bob has a plan of manufacturing these wipers
across America and seeks help from his close and rich friend Gil Privick
(Dermot Mulroney) Together they take the invention to Ford and after the
company agrees to incorporate this into their vehicles, they suddenly
renege the deal.
With
no explanations whatsoever about Fords withdrawal, Bob starts his
downward spiral journey into depression and reclusiveness which becomes
triggered when he sees a Ford can with his wipers. Even though his
invention was patented, Ford ignored this and incorporated this
invention into all their vehicles.
Attempting to take matters into his own hands, he ignores his wife,
family and job, only to become institutionalised for a brief time and
eventually seeks legal aid once he becomes stabilised. When the lawyers
fail to admit that Ford stole his idea and would rather have Bob settle,
Bob represents himself in court in a classic battle of David versus
Goliath that is quite moving and inspirational.
Final Thoughts
Flash of Genius is a very engaging drama that takes the viewer of
one man's journey of justice and redemption against all unbeatable odds
and although when Bob starts his spiral journey downwards, the movie
does become quite depressing, however director Marc Abraham successfully
makes the viewer care about the man.
The
video quality is quite impressive on DVD that has this real 60's feel to
it with the colours and cinematography that is matched by a good use of
surround sound at times. Matched with some interesting special features,
Flash of Genius... dare I admit it is the best drama that I have seen
all year. |
