Review of Flash of Genius (2008) by Jean V — 09 Nov 2009

What exactly was stolen is this film I am not entirely sure. It seemed to be the speed control on your windscreen wiper. Yes I know I thought the different settings on my wipers were always there too but alas it appears this little gem of an idea was much valued by the machine (in this case) Ford. To see those shiny new Mustangs purring like a kitten was magical, but I'm getting off track.

Flash of Genius may not exactly be a film of genius but if like me you love an underdog and despise (perhaps too harsh?) a corporation you will find something in this film.

This film is one that tinkers with a few aspects of ones self. You barrack for the underdog with vigor, "Go man go bring em down!". All the while the fight is slowly but surely eating away at a very mans soul. An obsession stemmed seemingly from a mans lack of selfworth not only consumes him whole but the all consuming obsession takes not only a mans mind but his world down with him.

To watch a withering flower bloom back to life through minute drops of water is always a tease on the heart and to watch through this film the frustrating emotion of a man at the end of his teather, to see a person hanging by a thread get back on their feet and continue to fight the cause that all but destroyed them is stirring.

You sometimes wonder how the emotion is kept in the film with years skipped here and there but somehow it is held together and nothing lost (not for the viewer anyway). An inspiring and saddening film in one, if you have ever fought for anything in your life than you will take something this film.