Flash of Genius (2008)

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

Director:

Marc Abraham

Writers:

Philip Railsback, John Seabrook (article)

Stars:

Greg Kinnear, Lauren Graham, Alan Alda

1 win.

Cast

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

Storyline

Based on the true story of college professor and part-time inventor Robert Kearns' 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 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 ...

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Plot Keywords:

intellectual property | ford | windshield wiper | automaker | engineer | 

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Taglines:

Based on a true story.

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Genres:

Biography | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for brief strong language

Did You Know?

Trivia

Remained in theaters for only three weeks.

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Goofs

Ford had electric intermittent wipers available for the full size models by 1968, same year as the Lincoln Mark III they installed his invention on. The Ford version also had a "ready" and "park" position, which his didn't.

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Quotes

Bob Kearns: Whatever happened to this little thing called justice we talked about?
Gregory Lawson: This is justice, Bob. This is how justice is dispensed in this country - with checkbooks. There are no brass bands, you know, there are no ticker tape parades, the mayor doesn't give you the key to the city and call you a hero. You get a check, and that check makes the lives of you and your family a little easier... a little more pleasant. It's that simple.

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Crazy Credits

Following his verdict over Ford, Bob received $18.7 million from the Chrysler Corporation.

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Connections

References Frankenstein (1931)

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Soundtracks

Go Go Go Go
Written by Jerry Livingston & Mack David
Performed by Jonathan Whitaker

User Reviews

" It isn't so much they wanted to steal my invention, they wanted my life as well "

Time after time, Anerican audiences have stood witness to the fact Inventors have created and continue to create some of the most important breakthroughs in history. As a result, America has become the Land of Opportunity for any young inventor to make his mark in history. However, there are those in high position who believe they are so powerful, they can reach out and steal anything they want with total impunity. This movie is a case in point. The worthy film is called a " Flash of Genius. " It is essentially the story of Bob Kearns (Greg Kinnear) a college professor who in a moment of inspiration, invents a wind shield wiper with an oscillating program. A top executive of the Ford Motor company ( Mitch Pileggi) tries to plays the professor for a fool and disregarding the little man, steals his patents. Though it will take money, time, effort and patience to fight the industrial giant, Kearns risks all to fight for what he believes is the right thing to do. Alan Alda plays a wimp of a lawyer and tries to convince Kearns to take a tiny settlement and give up the fight. Despite the risk of losing his wife, his family and even his sanity, Kearns is determined and creates a wonderful David vs Goliath story. Highly recommended to anyone who believe in fighting with the best weapon of all; the truth. ****

Details

Country:

Canada USA

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

3 October 2008 (USA)

Also Known As:

Flash of Genius

Filming Locations:

Cinespace Studios, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Box Office

Budget:

$20,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$2,251,075, 5 October 2008

Gross USA:

$4,442,377

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$4,802,953

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal Pictures, Spyglass Entertainment, Strike Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

119 min

Sound Mix:

SDDS Dolby Digital DTS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1