Un éclair de génie

This movie was the proverbial big bad corporation taking advantage of a little guys talents. Excellently acted by all. I especially enjoyed the supporting acting in this film as much as the headliner actors. Alan Alda had a minor role as an attorney but he was excellent. This movie was about an idealistic guy that cared more about his place in history than anything else in the world. His ideals may or may not be misplaced. He seemed to care more about what is right but neglecting his family in the process. He was obsessed with an invention that was stolen from him by Ford originally and other manufacturers shortly after. I liked Greg Kinnear in this role and thought he was his finest. Truth be told , none of us know how we would feel, what our price would be if someone stole any one of our ideas. I , for one, would not judge Robert Kearns. As the years dragged on he seemed to show more appreciation toward his family , perhaps realizing they are worth more than anything. Thus, still pursuing his dream of going down in history as the inventor of Intermittent Windshield Wipers. All in all , the movie was a great experience and one I highly recommend. I know Intermittent Wipers are about as sexy as say an ice tray... but give the movie a try. It is highly informative and entertaining.

I saw the Premier of Flash of Genius tonight... I don't know what I was really expecting, but the emotions this movie takes the viewer on are wild. It's a common David vs. Goliath type movie, and it shows that a huge corporation will do everything in it's power to stomp on the little man. What is so emotional is the length one man goes to for something he invented. He sacrificed his family (marriage and all) to prove he was wronged, and ultimately, won. (But with a very high cost) I don't know about anyone else, but I don't think I will buy a Ford anytime in the future. I think a best actor nomination is deserved beyond a doubt. Greg Kinnear has proved what an amazing actor he truly is.

I'm an inventor and an engineer at hart and wanted to see this movie as addition to my experience. Did you know Robert Kearns died in 2005 before seeing this movie? If you did some background search about him, the movie will be different. Yes, it will be the same "David vs. Goliath" but you will see a different David. So you might want to see this movie twice and stop reading revues NOW. Yes, he wins in the end. Hollywood won't make a movie where David looses in the end. The story of inventing the intermittent wiper in 1953 was great, but a tad long. In my opinion there were too many scenes to make Robert more compassionate before we get the actual trial. His family life is shown mostly from Roberts perspective alone. At some brief points I did believe the entire world was against him. But the lawsuit itself is short for an "epic" fight. And the ending wasn't really an ending - he got a lot more cash after that. Everyone's acting is good for a history reenactment. Tim Kelleher looks like dramatic Jim Carrey at some angle in this movie. Nicely edited to see on TV if it ever comes out. OK, now about the story that follows and THIS is the part where you STOP reading if you haven't seen the movie yet. SPOILER. Robert Kearns is listed as #3 in "7 People Who Never Gave Up (But Absolutely Should Have)". See the phrase for more info on that, but I'll tell it short. He was crazy, probably partly because of the propaganda lifestyle at the times. He set his primary goal to get justice, like some superhero, that he was THE inventor. Though he won, he lost his family in the process. And after that he set ALL his cash into (are you ready?) more lawsuits. Yep, he didn't invest the money, nor did he retire. He went for the name of THE inventor of intermittent wiper. It wasn't ever about the money. He became his own lawyer AFTER the Ford trial. In 1991, a federal judge dismissed all his outstanding lawsuits because Kearns' patents had expired. Kearns retired to a big house in the country to devote himself to a new hobby: trying to reclaim his patents. His craziness wasn't a mental breakdown – it was his way of life. Knowing this you will not see a man with some problems, you will see some crazy guy going for god knows what and slowly loosing his family in the process. Good thing he died in 2005 or he would have used this film for his crusade. A crazy David vs. Goliath? Now that's an interesting movie.

TRUE My rating is based on the fine acting & production. This is supposedly a true story. The script however is not as accurate in details or characterizations as it should have been. Kearns the main character is not very likable & according to Google he was even less likable than portrayed. Kearns was an inventor who sued Ford Motor Co, & won. To me this story was dull. Greg Kineer,a very fine actor plays Kearns & does OK. However he is the only named actor in cast.Alan Alda has a small role. The film runs 2 hrs & it seems at least that long. Only more,Why were there so many scenes in the rain. Its supposed to be Detroit & I am sure some days are sunny. Ratings: **1/2 (out of 4) 77 points(out of 100) IMDb 7 (out of 10)

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. ****