Review of Flash of Genius (2008) by Hatem A — 16 Aug 2010

3.0/4.0.

?Flash of Genius? tells the tale of the decades? long fight by engineering professor Robert Kearns (Greg Kinnear) against the Ford Motor Company for patent infringement over his invention of the intermittent wind shield wiper. An inspiring true story (with a lot of dramatization I presume) that is well worth watching despite, at times, dragging and having some TV movie sensibilities. One particular aspect I liked is that Kearns is not portrayed as a particularly likeable character with his perseverance sometimes showcased as nagging and at many points the audience will disagree with his choices and root for out-for-court settlement. A good cast also helps ? including Lauren Graham as Kearns? wife, Alan Alda as an attorney and Dermot Mulroney as Kearns? friend and (initial) supporter ? but it is without a doubt Kinner?s movie in a role that is a marked departure from his lighter parts. Adapted from the 1993 New Yorker article by John Seabrook. Directorial debut of producer Marc Abrahams.