Review of Flash of Genius (2008) by Benjamin M — 16 Aug 2010

Flash of Genius is a solid and enjoyable film that explores the frustrations experienced by Robert Kearns from the late 1960's. A man who considered himself to be an inventor, Kearns' latest invention, the "intermittent windshield wiper", was unethically taken from him and used by the Ford Motor Company.

What's unfortunate about the film is the fact that he, Robert Kearns, isn't the most likeable person. His relationship with his wife, children and friend become secondary to him as he strives for recognition. This is a big hurdle to overcome; why should we care for someone who has become so selfish in his endeavour to expose the truth? Greg Kinnear ensures we don't just see this side of the story. He provides us with an understanding of Kearns' thinking as we experience his emotions and therefore comprehend his feelings of frustration.

Some may find the film a little slow... but then again we are being told a story that in essence was 20+ years in the making. This foregrounds just how much time was lost to Dr Kearns. Too bad his time was wasted to court rooms and not devoted to bigger and better things..