Flash of Genius (2008)

In the bustling heart of 1960s Detroit, Dr. Robert W. Kearns, a devoted husband, father, and respected engineering professor, balances his life between academia and inventive pursuits. A chance drive in a rainstorm, paired with the lingering effects of an old eye injury, sparks an idea within Kearns: why can't windshield wipers mimic the human eyelid, clearing the view as required? This flash of genius leads Kearns to invent a windshield wiper that functions at variable speeds, adapting to any rain condition. Teaming up with his old friend and automotive industry insider, Gil Previck, Kearns patents his revolutionary design and dreams of manufacturing it for the big auto makers. However, the industry is a tough arena, with its giants already grappling with similar ideas but failing to produce a workable design. Kearns' invention attracts the attention of Ford executive Macklin Tyler, leading Kearns to believe he has secured a verbal contract. As Kearns begins the process of finding a factory, Ford suddenly backs out, leaving a trail of unreturned phone calls. Kearns and Previck soon discover the bitter truth: Ford has stolen the design and manufactured the wiper themselves. Previck prefers a cautious approach to avoid upsetting the industry, while Kearns passionately seeks recognition for his stolen idea. The path to justice proves lonely as Kearns finds most people siding with the powerful Ford. "Flash of Genius" is a compelling journey through Robert Kearns' relentless battle with the U.S. automobile industry, a battle where victory seems improbable. Kearns, the embodiment of the American Dream, is ignored, threatened, and buried in years of litigation, haunting him with the injustices done to his family and their future. His life's work reduced to a stolen commodity, Kearns becomes a man obsessed with justice and the need for his contributions to be acknowledged by those who stand to profit from them. At the crossroads of personal sacrifice and the pursuit of dignity, Kearns decides to take on the corporate Goliath. The toll this fight takes on his relationships with his wife Phyllis, his children, and his own health and mental well-being, forms the emotional core of this tale. "Flash of Genius" is an inspiring testament to one man's conviction and his daring attempt to bring a giant to its knees. It's a story of an everyday David, refusing to be silenced, daring to challenge the unthinkable.

Flash of Genius is a drama movie featuring Greg Kinnear and directed by Marc Abraham.

Flash of Genius is currently streaming on DIRECTV and Max Amazon Channel.

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