Flash of Genius

1hr 59min - Rated PG-13

Flash of Genius

Director

  • Marc Abraham

Cast

  • Alan Alda
  • Dermot Mulroney
  • Greg Kinnear
  • Lauren Graham

Writers

  • John Seabrook
  • Philip Railsback

About This Movie

The Kearns were a typical 1960s Detroit family, trying to live their version of the American Dream. Local university professor Bob married teacher Phyllis and, by their mid-30s, had six kids who brought them a hectic but satisfying Midwestern existence. When Bob invents a device that would eventually be used by every car in the world, the Kearns think they have struck gold. But their aspirations are dashed after the auto giants who embraced Bob's creation unceremoniously shunned the man who invented it. Ignored, threatened and then buried in years of litigation, Bob is haunted by what was done to his family and their future. He becomes a man obsessed with justice and the conviction that his life's work--or for that matter, anyone's work--be acknowledged by those who stood to benefit. And while paying the toll for refusing to compromise his dignity, this everyday David will try the unthinkable: to bring Goliath to his knees.

Showtimes for Flash of Genius

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Reviews & Previews

npr.org

In "Flash of Genius," Greg Kinnear plays Robert Kearns, a professor who invented intermittent windshield wipers. Based on a true story, Kearns clai... (npr.org)

movies.nytimes.com

“Flash of Genius” is a doggedly workmanlike variation of an old story: the lone crusader doing battle with the big bad establishment. (movies.nytimes.com)

avclub.com

An unexpected biopic pays tribute to the underdog creator of multi-speed windshield wipers. (avclub.com)

npr.org

In 1967, Robert Kearns received patents for inventing intermittent car windshield wipers. He offered his idea to automakers but was turned away. Wh... (npr.org)

npr.org

Would you see a movie about patenting the intermittent windshield wiper? It's a modestly stylish movie, but critic Mark Jenkins says the answer may... (npr.org)

User Comments and Reviews

1 Comment. Add Your Comments

Profile

Flash of Genius

Movie: Drama
Comment by: Ross

Flash of Genius is nothing less than TERRIFIC. Besides being a compelling story, it also celebrates INVENTION. Garage Inventors have made this country great--their innovation, creativity and ingenuity are what set this country apart from the world. And don't think garage inventors are only from a time gone by--check out the book "GADGET NATION: A Journey Through The Eccentric World of Invention" (www.gadgetnation.net) it showcases more than 100 off-beat gadgets and the inventors behind them. From Bird Diapers to Slippers with headlights--its a fun read filled with information--and it honors today's garage inventors as they reach for the American Dream.

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