Flash of Genius Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A professor gets so mad about windshield wipers that he sues Ford and his family leaves him, all because he REALLY wanted them to say ‘sorry’!

🍿 Flash of Genius: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Invention of the Intermittent Windshield Wiper

Robert Kearns, a college professor and part-time inventor, is inspired to create an intermittent windshield wiper after an eye injury and observing the inefficiencies of existing wipers. He patents his design and, with support from his friend Gil Previck, seeks to partner with Ford Motor Company.

Betrayal and Legal Battles

Ford initially expresses interest but ultimately steals Kearns’ invention, leading him to embark on a lengthy legal battle for recognition. This pursuit consumes his life, straining his marriage and impacting his mental health. His initial lawyer, Gregory Lawson, urges him to settle, but Kearns refuses without an admission of wrongdoing from Ford.

Self-Representation and Courtroom Showdown

Kearns decides to represent himself in court after his lawyer withdraws. Despite the challenges and his lack of legal expertise, he perseveres, driven by his conviction that his work deserves acknowledgment. His determination inspires his children to support him, highlighting the importance of fighting for one’s intellectual property.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Bob Kearns (Greg Kinnear): A determined college professor and inventor who fights the auto industry after they steal his invention of the intermittent windshield wiper.
• Phyllis Kearns (Lauren Graham): Bob’s supportive wife who struggles with the impact of his legal battles on their family.
• Gregory Lawson (Alan Alda): A seasoned lawyer who initially represents Bob but prioritizes a settlement over Bob’s pursuit of justice.
• Gil Previck (Dermot Mulroney): Bob’s friend and business partner who initially supports his invention but becomes wary of antagonizing the auto industry.
• Macklin Tyler (Mitch Pileggi): The Ford executive who orchestrates the theft of Bob’s windshield wiper design.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Bob Kearns: “Whatever happened to this little thing called justice we talked about?” – Kearns expresses his frustration and disillusionment with the legal system after realizing the difficulty of fighting a large corporation.
• Gregory Lawson: “This is justice, Bob. This is how justice is dispensed in this country – with checkbooks.” – Lawson cynically explains that in America, powerful corporations use money to settle disputes rather than acknowledging wrongdoing.
• Bob Kearns: “It isn’t so much they wanted to steal my invention, they wanted my life as well” – Bob says this, expressing the toll the legal battle has taken on him and his family.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $20,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $4,442,377
• Worldwide Gross: $4,802,953

💥 Flash of Genius Reviews

Personal Review

I was really moved by ‘Flash of Genius.’ Greg Kinnear’s performance is just heartbreaking, and you really feel for Bob Kearns as he fights against this huge corporation. Seeing how much it cost him personally was tough to watch. The scene where his wife leaves him, but then his kids rally around him in court? That got me. It’s a slow burn, but it’s a really powerful story about what it means to stand up for what you believe in.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of legal dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in underdog stories”
  • “People who appreciate films about inventors and innovation”
  • “Those interested in ethical dilemmas faced by individuals against corporations”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief strong language”
  • “Moments of sensuality”
  • “Erratic behavior due to a nervous breakdown”
  • “Themes of corporate malfeasance”

Professional Reviews

• HollywoodChicago.com: “Kinnear delivers a nuanced performance, capturing Kearns’ obsessive nature and the toll it takes on his life. While the story is inherently compelling, the film sometimes struggles with pacing, but the performances elevate it above a typical courtroom drama. It’s a story about more than just windshield wipers; it’s about justice and the price of principle.
• Ellen Kimball Reviews, KGW.com: “Greg Kinnear gives his best shot for the character and Lauren Graham does fine too, movie is grim. The movie explores the complexities of ethics, integrity, and the challenges of standing up to large corporations. A good watch.
• Movie Review Query Engine: “Despite being somewhat predictable, ‘Flash of Genius’ boasts strong performances, especially from Greg Kinnear. The film tells an important story about corporate responsibility and fighting for what’s right, even when the odds are stacked against you. However, the script should be more creative and more original. It’s predictable and uninspiring.

Audience Reactions

Kinnear’s performance captures the quiet intensity of an inventor fighting for recognition.: Viewers praised Greg Kinnear’s portrayal of Robert Kearns and how they felt deeply moved by the movie’s message about justice, determination, and the cost of integrity.

The movie shows the emotional toll of fighting corporate giants.: Most people agreed it’s an inspiring David vs. Goliath story but also a somber reflection on the personal sacrifices made in the name of justice.

Overall Consensus: Overall, ‘Flash of Genius’ is a well-acted, thought-provoking drama about one man’s fight for recognition, though some find the pacing slow. It’s praised for its powerful message about standing up for what’s right, even at great personal cost.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on a 1993 New Yorker article by John Seabrook titled ‘Flash of Genius’.”
• “Greg Kinnear initially hesitated to take on the role, joking that he thought the film was about a superhero armed with a squeegee.”
• “Filming primarily took place in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, as Detroit, where the story is set, had changed too much to accurately represent the 1960s.”

🖥️ How to Watch Flash of Genius?

Flash of Genius is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it on services like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu, where it is available for rent or purchase. Check your local listings for availability and pricing.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Flash of Genius, you might like these similar films:

• The Insider (1999): Both films depict a lone individual fighting against a powerful corporation for ethical reasons and facing significant personal consequences.
• Erin Brockovich (2000): Features a determined protagonist taking on a large corporation responsible for environmental damage, highlighting the struggle for justice.
• Tucker: The Man and His Dream (1988): Another film about an individual inventor facing the might of the automotive industry. Though more lighthearted, it shares the theme of innovation versus established power.
• A Civil Action (1998): Legal drama about a lawyer who becomes obsessed with a case against powerful corporations, sacrificing everything in his pursuit of justice, similar to Kearns’s obsession.

🛒 Flash of Genius Related Products

• Flash of Genius [Blu-ray]: Own the inspiring true story of Robert Kearns on Blu-ray. Relive the emotional journey and the powerful performances in stunning high definition. A must-have for movie collectors.
• Engineering Notebook: Inspired by Bob Kearns’ meticulous notes, this high-quality engineering notebook is perfect for jotting down your own inventions and ideas. Durable and stylish, it’s the perfect companion for any aspiring engineer or inventor.
• YouTheFan NCAA Windshield Sunshade: This Sunshade is a must have. It has High-quality graphics screen-printed with official team colors. The size makes it fit most vehicles. Easy to use and install.
• Intermittent Wiper Patent Poster: A beautifully designed poster featuring the original patent diagrams for the intermittent windshield wiper. Printed on high-quality archival paper, this poster is a unique piece of memorabilia for fans of the movie and engineering enthusiasts.

🎧 Soundtrack

Flash of Genius features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Stage Door Queen” – performed by Ursa Major

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Samuel Morse’s Flash of Genius Born of Grief | How We Got Here

Ever wonder what sparked Samuel Morse’s famous invention? This video dives into the emotional backstory and ‘flash of genius’ moment. It’s pretty interesting to see how personal experiences can drive such groundbreaking ideas!

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