Flash Of Genius: A Few Thoughts About The Movie
I just watched a pretty good movie called Flash Of Genius. I enjoyed the film. But, I’ll have to be honest and say it is likely not to hang around in the theatres for a long and prosperous run. The theatre had a good attendance, but as I looked around I realized there was not a single teenager in the room. Most looked around my age, and likely that does not portend well. The movie is about a guy who invented the intermittent windshield wiper. O.K. I understand, such is likely enough to propel anybody under 30 far from the building. Plus, there is not a bit of gratuitous sex and no violence, except for references to an eye injury by a champagne cork.
Have I convinced you yet to see the movie? No?
Of course, even as you watch the previews you can pretty well discern how this film will end. But there are some twists, and I will not spoil the outcome for you.
O.K. I will do little bit of spoiling. The main character, an otherwise mild-mannered College professor and spare-time inventor, has his invention stolen by a big automaker. The movie is about his obsessive pursuit of justice within the legal and business communities. Along the way, he loses a lot, including his wife.
The question I ask: Is it worth it?
Is it worth losing the person who loves you the most and tries hardest to be your biggest fan? The guy obtains justice and money. But he loses everything else.
Here is how Jesus states the matter:
Mat 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
Go see this movie. It’s not a blockbuster. But it will make you think.
10.04.08 (9:52 pm) [
edit]
posted by:
inkspector (
reply)
post date:
10.04.08 (7:01 pm)
I saw Greg Kinnear interviewed and I had heard about this also. Greg said you like the character and then you don't but in the end you see why he did what he did. I would like to see it. It is a real story about someone up against the odds of a big company.
posted by:
bawdy (
reply)
post date:
10.05.08 (11:37 am)
It sounds like it was a matter of principles for him. No one likes to be railroaded by a bully.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
10.05.08 (1:19 pm)
Reply to: kurtmaddox
Please enlighten me as to how this comment applies to the review of this movie.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
10.06.08 (6:24 am)
Reply to: kurtmaddox
In regard to being "obvious", I think the point I make is clear. Getting justice from a big corporation is not worth the loss of your family in the process. This man had a healthy family and loving wife, who supported him thoroughly until his pursuit of vengence became irresponsible and highly unhealthy. Figuratively, he gained the world but lost his soul. The words ascribed to Jesus have been used through the centuries to make this point. Really, it is more than just a religious application.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
10.06.08 (6:26 am)
Reply to: bawdy
True, it is a matter of principle. Sometimes, though, it is best to cut our losses and move on with life, instead of pursuing the battle to the bitter conclusion.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
10.06.08 (6:28 am)
Reply to: inkspector
Yes, his character is not overly likeable. alan Alda plays a big-shot corporate lawyer, and in his dialog he tells Canier's character that indeed he is a jerk. At this point, the man does not care what others think of him or how hurtful he may be in his behavio. He only wants justice.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
10.06.08 (11:55 am)
Reply to: kurtmaddox
I do not mind a spirited conversation. But your bloviation on this silly point is so outside the realms of sensible debate that I think I'll just let you have the last word here. You just like to argue! And, to hear yourself wax eloquently.
posted by:
auntconi (
reply)
post date:
10.07.08 (1:44 am)
I do believe this sounds worth a viewing ~ thanks for the suggestion!
posted by:
surrogate (
reply)
post date:
10.08.08 (5:09 am)
Reply to: kurtmaddox
"I do not mind a spirited conversation. But your bloviation on this silly point is so outside the realms of sensible debate that I think I'll just let you have the last word here. You just like to argue! And, to hear yourself wax eloquently."
Typical. When PD knows he can't argue a point logically, he'll either ignore it completely or complain that it's not worth his time. Interestingly, I read this post the other day and chuckled when I saw Dave's take on "How Jesus states the matter." The childlike application of this particular scripture to this particular story (haven't seen the movie yet, but I've known the story behind it for twenty years) struck me as sad, but like Dave, I decided it wasn't worth pointing it out.
posted by:
Intricategirl (
reply)
post date:
10.08.08 (1:38 pm)
Interesting. I haven't heard of this. I think I might have really enjoyed it as a documentary, rather than as a normal feature film. The subject matter would lend itself very well to that format. I'm sure it will make it onto the Netflix queue.
posted by:
sppok102956 (
reply)
post date:
10.08.08 (6:16 pm)
Thanks for the movie review, PD, I think I'll see it.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
10.08.08 (7:00 pm)
Reply to: sppok102956
You are welcome. I think you will enjoy the movie. It's not Raiders Of Lost Ark level of fun, but it is a thoughtful, adult movie.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
10.08.08 (7:01 pm)
Reply to: Intricategirl
Well, I think this is better than a documentary. It has some twists and personalities that make it interesting, although you won't walk away saying "Wow". Well, maybe wow, I've got to debate with myself whether this flick was worth a $9 ticket.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
10.08.08 (7:02 pm)
Reply to: auntconi
If you see the movie, let me know your thoughts. Thanks.
posted by:
auntconi (
reply)
post date:
10.08.08 (9:03 pm)
Reply to: PastorDave
I most certainly will ~ thanks for the heads up!
