Flash of Genius

Flash of Genius

Year: 2008

Runtime: 119 min

Language: English

Director: Marc Abraham

Drama

Robert Kearns, an unacknowledged inventor, fights for recognition when his windshield wiper design is secretly adopted by major American car manufacturers. This professor’s persistent quest to claim his due leads to a protracted legal battle against the powerful auto industry. Facing significant setbacks and personal consequences, Kearns refuses to back down, ultimately challenging corporate giants in a dramatic fight for justice and the validation of his ingenuity.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Flash of Genius yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Flash of Genius (2008)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Flash of Genius (2008). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1953, 1960s

The movie begins in 1953 and progresses through the 1960s, a period marked by technological advancements and economic changes in the United States. The post-war era saw the rise of the automobile industry, drastically affecting American life and culture. This time frame also witnesses significant developments in consumer rights and legal battles.

Location

Detroit, Michigan

Detroit, known as the automobile capital of the USA, is a vibrant city rich in automotive history and innovation. Home to major car manufacturers like Ford and Chrysler, it has played a crucial role in shaping the automotive industry. The city's industrial legacy is reflected in its architecture, culture, and the resilience of its community.

🏙️ City 🚗 Automobile Capital

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:16

Main Characters – Flash of Genius (2008)

Meet the key characters of Flash of Genius (2008), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Robert Kearns (Greg Kinnear)

Robert Kearns is a determined and innovative engineering professor who invents an intermittent wiper system for cars. After suffering a personal tragedy and facing corporate greed, he becomes a passionate advocate for his rights as an inventor. Robert's character embodies resilience and the complexities of balancing professional ambition with family life.

👨‍💼 Inventor 💪 Resilient 👨‍👧‍👦 Family Man

Phyllis Kearns (Lauren Graham)

Phyllis Kearns is Robert's supportive wife, who stands by him as he navigates his tumultuous journey. She embodies warmth and strength, yet her character also reflects the strain that Robert's obsession with his invention places on their family. Phyllis represents the emotional anchor in Robert's life, illustrating the powerful influence of love and support.

❤️ Supportive 👩‍👧‍👦 Nurturing 😔 Strained

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:16

Major Themes – Flash of Genius (2008)

Explore the central themes of Flash of Genius (2008), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Justice

The quest for justice is a central theme of this film, highlighting the personal and legal battles faced by Robert Kearns. His fight against automotive giants showcases the struggle of an individual against corporate power. The narrative reveals the emotional toll and complexities surrounding innovation, intellectual property, and recognition.

💡 Innovation

Innovation is a driving force in the story, illustrated through Robert's invention of the intermittent wiper system. The theme reflects how creativity and engineering can challenge established norms. Robert's journey emphasizes the importance of protecting one's ideas and the impact they can have on an industry.

💔 Family Strain

The film explores the theme of family strain exacerbated by Robert's legal battles. As he pursues his fight against Ford, the pressures of his ambitions create emotional rifts within his marriage and his relationship with his children. This theme underscores the personal sacrifices that accompany the pursuit of one's passions.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:16

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Obsessive underdog stories like Flash of Genius

When one ordinary person becomes consumed by a fight for principle.Find more movies like Flash of Genius where a lone protagonist engages in a long, draining battle against a powerful system. These stories explore the psychological toll of obsession and the bittersweet nature of fighting for what's right, perfect for viewers who appreciate tense, character-driven legal and ethical dramas.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a linear, often years-long, progression where a protagonist's initial grievance or discovery spirals into an all-consuming battle. The central conflict is less about physical action and more about intellectual, legal, or ethical endurance. The story structure typically involves escalating setbacks, personal strain on relationships, and a final outcome that validates the fight but underscores its heavy price.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here by their shared focus on a character's obsessive, lonely journey. They share a tense, determined mood, a steady pace that mirrors the protracted nature of the struggle, and a thematic core centered on justice, recognition, and the cost of principle.

Bittersweet legal dramas like Flash of Genius

Stories where winning the case doesn't mean winning back your life.If you liked the ending of Flash of Genius, explore these movies about costly legal and ethical battles. These films feature tense courtroom drama or moral conflicts that culminate in a victory tempered by personal loss, offering similar themes of justice, obsession, and the price of principle.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative builds towards a climactic legal or moral reckoning. While the protagonist achieves a form of victory—a court win, an ethical vindication—the journey has irrevocably damaged their relationships, mental well-being, or former life. The story emphasizes that some battles are won at a price that outweighs the prize, leaving the audience with a complex, contemplative feeling.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their specific emotional arc: a hard-fought struggle leading to a Pyrrhic victory. They share a bittersweet ending feel, a medium to heavy emotional weight, and a thematic exploration of the true cost of justice and recognition.

Unlock the Full Story of Flash of Genius

Don't stop at just watching — explore Flash of Genius in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Flash of Genius is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Flash of Genius Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Flash of Genius, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Flash of Genius Summary

Flash of Genius Timeline

Track the full timeline of Flash of Genius with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Flash of Genius Timeline

Flash of Genius Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Flash of Genius that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Flash of Genius Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Flash of Genius

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Flash of Genius: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Flash of Genius

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