It’s not surprising this film didn’t set the box office on fire. A quiet film outlining the patient claims a man has against the Ford Motor Company over the development of the intermittent windshield wiper isn’t a recipe for cinematic gold. This film should have gotten more attention however. For what it is, an underdog story, it is quite good.

Bob Kearns, an engineering professor, created the intermittent windshield wiper. He, along with his business partners, approached Ford with the concept. Ford loved the idea but didn’t much care for Kearns. The company then broke his patient and produced their own version of the device, shutting the man out. Kearns’ life is then sent into disarray as he spends decades trying to get the company to own up to their deceit. At first glance this may seem like yet another anti-corporation film. I am sensitive to agenda laced films and was on the lookout while viewing this movie. This is not an anti-corporation film. In fact, it is strictly pro-business, but only honest business. Ford is the perfect villain here since they represent what is indeed wrong with modern corporate culture. In this time of companies being “too big to fail” (an oligarchic phrase if there ever was one,) the dismissive attitudes of the Ford executives shown in this film have deeper value. Kearns, an inventor, is what America is made of – individuals looking to improve the world and their place in it. This is proudly shown throughout this film.

The film also has a sturdy performance by Greg Kinnear in the lead. He’s a solid actor but he has trouble getting past his game show host face at times. He hits all the right chords but he’s a tad too handsome for the role. In other words, he’s good but he doesn’t disappear into his character so we’re left watching an actor instead of seeing a character.

The biggest flaw to the film is the handling of the expanse of time. The takes place over the span of a couple of decades and much happens in this time. Representing the rather boring machinations of the United States Court System is always problematic. The legal wrangling is usually uninspiring narrative and the length of time it takes to find any resolution or even interest can kill a story. This is what stifles this story. Kearns’ legal battle is important and has the seeds for an inspiring story. It also is weighed down In typical legal nonsense. Screenwriter Philip Railsback wisely avoids much of the legal business until the final act but he fails to fill in the gaps. Kearns has a nervous breakdown at one point. This whole life shattering event, which has an impact on his marriage, health, employment and legal case, is treated as a diversion from his path to justice. It does not afford the situation the gravity it deserves. This sort of whitewashing drains the film of an extra dimension that could have given this movie the depth that would have made it memorable. Instead we’re left with something that’s merely watchable.




Related Reviews:
Greg Kinnear movies
Ghost Town (2008)
The Matador (2005)


Other Critic’s Reviews:
Roger Ebert
Combustible Celluloid

Labels: Alan Alda, film, Greg Kinnear, Lauren Graham, movie review