Flash of Genius is a movie about the story of Robert Kearns’ fight for justice!

Such a reality line certainly amps up the anticipation for the viewing that could very easily cause one to have their [fish] breath baited that one could be viewing a movie of the “big catch” variety.

I am a sucker for submitting to the alluring anticipation of seeing the human experiment rise to unusual heights in historical circumstances on cinematic reel, thereby, having one’s own self encouraged with the justice being done… and dusted.

When one throws in that it is based on a true story, such a reality will further encourage one to shell out $4 [on "half price" new release day], anticipating a night of marital entertainment, as the wife and I sit… Transfixed… and the movie will hopefully be mesmeric as well!

Enough said…

While the story, isolated from any fuller context, may be an example of such hope, where the little guy, fighting the good fight, standing up for truth, in the face of overwhelming opposition… and winning… When one looks at the greater context of Robert Kearns’ life, one is left with a bitter aftertaste in one’s mouth, one is left with a hollow sense that for all the good that is endemic in this account of  justice, even when it is late-on-arrival, one will be witness to an individual, Robert Kearns, who exemplifies the all-too-often very un-trivial pursuit of the human condition sold out to perpetual servitude, a servitude that is heavenly in its scope, but hellish in its consequences, as one will serve what one ultimately finds most important in one’s life, one will bend the knee to what breaks the heart, and one will give oneself to what captivates the mind, even as it capitulates in the soul… sold to the highest bidder… Prostituted!

Sadly, all the justice Kearns gained in one area of his life, he was more than willing to give up so many much more important callings in his life that were worth much more than all the T in Dilmah, and all the money gained after a protracted legal battle.

However, all this rabbiting on could be for naught if one is not familiar with this story.  Therefore, let me give a little historical context [fading memory notwithstanding]!

Kearns is a University Professor who has a passion for inventing, and it just so happens that he has developed the modern intermittent windshield wiper.  Yes, how exciting, but someone had to think of it.  Deciding to get this invention patented after teaming up with some smart folk, Kearns meets with the big automobile companies who were also trying to develop this wiper intervention, but were having some trouble.

Kearns and Co. submitted this to the companies in question, with the focus being on Ford, who after what seemed like willing receptivity, rejected Kearns’ invitation.

Much ado about nothing until Kearns viewed the new Ford model that has the earth-breaking reality of a intermittent windshield wiper, Kearns’ intermittent windshield wiper.  Kearns had wanted to maximise his invention by also mass producing these as well.  However, he was just a little guy with a big idea… what was he going to do about the car companies five-finger discount of his invention.

Not wanting to battle the big boys, whom they already had a relationship with, Kearns’ patents were released to him solely.  If there was going to be a fight, it would be his versus the motoring might and muscle of America.

However, Kearns was up for the fight and was not about to give up.

After going through mental, not motoring breakdown, Kearns committed himself to this pursuit that would define his life.  After years of fighting, seeing his wife and his kids live in another area code, Kearns would take his battle to the Supreme Court, where he would represent himself, and after the decades long battle, would receive his recompense and the acclaim that was due him for his invention.

Even as I write this, there is a positive emotion involved in recounting these details.  In this area of his life, Robert Kearns has shown admirable commitment and belief that what happened was wrong, and this should be put right.

When put in the greater context of his life well lived under the Sun, I am Jonny King affirms that all Kearns has accomplished is to affirm what was ultimately important to him, which in the context of this film was, his honour.  He wanted recognition in an area that was rightly his, and one may be thinking that this is just.  However, Kearns made a good thing, an ultimate thing, as in his pursuit for his glory, he was willing to give up what should have been more important, thereby, exemplifying what he ultimately served in his life, what finally made his existence worthwhile, what ultimately gave him joy!

Let me explain why this was so.

As the movie unfolded their story, the family was very involved in what was happening.  In fact, this invention was framed in a familial context, which was indeed great.  But as the case came into being and Kearns pursued this with ever-growing single-mindedness, his interaction with his children and with his wife suffered, with his wife leaving him as this had taken over his living, which was looking like it might be the source of his dying if this spiral continued.

With his family gone, over many soon-to-be-realised years, Kearns was able to continue in his pursuit, and as the children grew older, they were able to re-assimilate themselves in helping Dad win his case.  However, Mum was nowhere to be seen.

This was until the final day of the case, when she turned up to the Supreme Court to hear the verdict.  Yes… he had won… he had!  Surely this was  a time of joy and celebrating.

However, as Kearns is leaving the courtroom, one is presented with a scene that sadly defines this movie…

Here is Kearns talking to his estranged wife [still I believe] with her congratulating him on winning the case, which he had battled for, for so long.  Kearns responds with words to the effect that he had not won everything.  One is left thinking, maybe now, maybe after all this time, Kearns will have understood that there are more important things in life that one is called to under the Sun, and he seems to be building to the crescendo where sorrow may have felt like it had lasted a lifetime, but this joy would be a catalyst for Kearns to truly win in a much larger context

Then… Then, a group of fans join the conversation, in somewhat worshipful respect, they point the spotlight in Kearns’ direction, affirming that he had become a quasi-symbol of the small guy winning, thereby, encouraging all those in such pursuits.  Kearns was a winner… O the adulation… it was all worth it!

However, as these individuals, with liquid refreshment in hand begin their worship, Mrs Kearns walks off in the other direction, as Kearns’ focus has been taken.  Then, as if to underscore the tragedy before the viewer, Kearns turns and watches his wife walk away.  He stands there and does nothing about it.  When the moment was living, he left it to die.

The reason Kearns made this choice is because what was ultimately important for him was being massaged, what was finally most significant was being stroked, which was his ego, masquerading as justice.  Yes, Kearns could tell these guys that he would talk to them later, as he had more important matters to deal with, and one is thinking, what are you waiting for.

However, he couldn’t do it.  He couldn’t pull himself away.  Love will do that to ya!

Ultimately and finally, although he may have loved his wife, he loved himself more, and people, we all serve what we ultimately worship.

This was the final scene in the movie, Mrs Kearns walking away and Mr Kearns doing nothing about it.  Kearns may have gained a substantial fortune in this world, but he had forfeited something that is worth so much more!

All I am Jonny King can say is what a sadly tragic end that dominated the sense one had of this movie.  It was a hollow end, and thankfully, did justice to what was actually transpiring!

Nevertheless, such a circumstance provides a stark relief to examine our lives as lovers of God, in pursuit of living His reality, where he has placed us.

What can we learn from this?

1) Very often the things in life that steal our soul into sin are not wrong things, but they are good things that we make to be ultimate things, thereby committing a form of idolatry!

2) Our actions will be speaking much louder than all of our words, which begs the question, “What message does the priorities in one’s present living send to those who have the joy of observation?”… It’s a good question to ask the other half (assuming of course)… If you have children (ditto), ask them what is most important in Dad’s/ Mum’s life!  If you are a single, ask your parents or a close reliable friend!

Well, then, let’s finish by redeeming Robert Kearns’ decisions, and ponder a possible different path!

While it surely was wrong what happened to Kearns and the pursuit of justice was surely just, there should have come a time when Kearns, in viewing his responsibilities and the calling of the man, should have asked the right questions as to what is important in his life.  In light of these questions-answers, it should have dawned on Kearns’ that while it was right to pursue justice, it was not right to continue in this pursuit at the expense of his responsibilities to his wife and kids which is far more significant than gaining window wiper redemption at the expense of his family.

He in effect, sold out his family, because he couldn’t sell out on his sense of personal loss and injury.

In a real sense, his desire for justice is divine, but became demonic when he made this good thing become his ultimate thing.

If you are a Christ follower, then you are under divine orders to live a life well lived under the Son.  May you pursue this with passion and commitment to serve Someone greater than yourself.

It would be grand to have a flash of genius that will impact where one is placed, but ultimately, it is not our genius that really counts, but His, and it is all over our existence, our history, and our hope!

Lance Armstrong has caught the phrase, “Live Strong”.

Our past is postscript, but the future will be your present… Therefore, “Finish Strong,” as He holds your future, but wants you to live it in His strength, for the time of His choosing!

Do it to it!

Until Next Time

I am Jonny King

Noted – If you want to view the trailer for this movie… Here it is!