Akito HirataReview - Flash of Genius
March 13th 2009 04:34
Going up against the big guys is a tale we all love to hear particularly when it involves a successful outcome. But what of the actual sacrifice that comes with this challenging task? When Bob discovers that Ford has stolen his invention and ignoring all patent laws, he is blinkered on getting the recognition he craves and so rightly deserves, but to what detriment? He alienates his friends, destroys his marriage, pushes his children away and ultimately succumbs to a nervous breakdown.
Directed by first time director Marc Abraham, the movie is subtle and underplayed. Bob denied his family millions of dollars by way of a quick settlement and endured years of struggle in order to have his day in court. As reported in the LA Times, "That's the reason I was passionate about it. . . . It was about principle," Abraham says. "And principle is a very gray idea. And that's what I thought was exciting."
Unable to find a law firm which would go up against Ford, he took on the case himself. Like Julia Roberts' Erin Brockovich he will not let go and views his fight as a fight for inventors everywhere. He displays no underhanded trickery in court and just presents his facts as they occurred, even managing a direct comparison between himself and his invention to Charles Dickens and his writing.
The overall cast is superb and Kinnear is supported by Lauren Graham (as his wife), Dermot Mulraney (Gil Privick, his friend) and Alan Alda (his lawyer). The script however does not take us below the surface of his relationship with his children or his wife. She was a staunch supporter throughout the early period of his case but seemingly stress and the continuous struggle between them eventually drove a wedge in their relationship. Unfortunately we don't see this as part of their character development as much as we are told this.
Overall this is one of those predictable feel good movies with no major surprises or punches drawn. But regardless of it's formulaic approach, I enjoyed it for the simple reminder that our individual actions do matter in the broader scheme of things.
Voyage Review: 3/5
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