Flash of Genius (2008)

User Rating:

6.9/10   

Director:

Marc Abraham

Writers (WGA):

Philip Railsback (written by)
John Seabrook (article)

Release Date:

3 October 2008 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

Corporations have time, money, and power on their side. All Bob Kearns had was the truth.

Plot:

Robert Kearns takes on the Detroit automakers who he claims stole his idea for the intermittent windshield wiper.

Plot Keywords:

Professor | Teacher | Automobile Industry | Automobile | Inventor

Cast

Greg Kinnear	...	Bob Kearns
Tim Eddis	...	Maryland Cop #1
Warren Belle	...	Maryland Cop #2
Karl Pruner	...	Pete
Bill Lake	...	Scott
Dermot Mulroney	...	Gil Privick
Lauren Graham	...	Phyllis Kearns
Landon Norris	...	Young Dennis Kearns
Shae Norris	...	Young Kathy Kearns
Steven Woodworth	...	Young Tim Kearns
Victoria Learn	...	Young Maureen Kearns
Dylan Authors	...	Young Pat Kearns
Ronn Sarosiak	...	Reverend
Gavin Kuiack	...	Baby Bob Kearns Jr
Ben Kuiak	...	Baby Bob Kearns Jr.

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for brief strong language.

Runtime:

USA:119 min | Canada:119 min (Toronto International Film Festival)

Country:

USA | Canada

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

SDDS | Dolby Digital | DTS

Certification:

USA:PG-13 (certificate #44181) | Australia:PG | UK:12A | Ireland:PG | France:U | Germany:o.Al.

Filming Locations:

Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Company:

Universal Pictures

Goofs:

Anachronisms: After the first meeting with Ford there is a orange '68 Camaro that stops on the bridge, the wheels on the Camaro are clearly aftermarket and were not made in that era.

Movie Connections:

References Frankenstein (1931)

Soundtrack:

Praise To The Lord, The Almighty, The King of Creation

Every Law Student Should Be Required To See This Film Before Graduating!

This 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!