'Flash' Foe Ford Clears Up About Wipers
Filed under: Drama, Telluride, Universal, RumorMonger
In this weekend's well-meaning docudrama, Flash of Genius, Greg Kinnear portrays an inventor who struggled for years to sue car manufacturing behemoth Ford and get them to admit that they helped themselves to his patent on the intermittent windshield wiper. (Eugene reviewed it back at Telluride, and I basically agree with his assessment.)
Despite the real-life case being settled a couple of decades ago, Ford has taken this current opportunity to point out the factual inaccuracies in the movie that they've taken issue with, doing so in the form of this handy timeline, without causing any sort of formal stir, as covered in this accompanying text. Especially considering that the film's subject, Robert Kearns, passed away over three years ago, I doubt it would (and hope it won't) come to any sort of renewed head.
Maybe in thirty years or so, we'll get a movie about a blogger battling impossible odds to get all the facts straight on either side of a movie in which an inventor battled impossible odds to get just some facts straight. Now, to just work the word 'Genius' back into the title...
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
10-04-2008 @ 11:28PM
MCW said...
The only thing I wonder (Haven't seen the movie yet), is - didn't the makers of this film have to get Ford's permission to use the company logo's, brand, title, and everything in this movie?
If so, how did they manage to pull that off? Ford had to know that this would be another blow to their reputation (Even if they'll staunchly defend it with their confusing timelines... note to Ford - Timelines should ALWAYS be drawn on actual straight LINES. No need to be cheeky and cute about a man that died defending his idea).
It's also really creepy that Ford Motor Company has a Flickr page. Darn you for tricking me into visiting it.
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10-05-2008 @ 8:39PM
Scott Monty said...
While the producers should have gotten Ford's permission to use the company's logo and other intellectual property (ironic, isn't it?), the company made no efforts to stop it. Our strategy in dealing with this has been to stand by our statement without giving much publicity to the movie.
We appreciate your critique of and feedback on our timeline design. Since Hollywood took various liberties with the facts, we saw no need to play it straight with a traditional timeline.
Scott Monty
Global Digital Communications
Ford Motor Company
10-05-2008 @ 8:39PM
Dennis Kearns said...
Despite Ford's slick graphics re-hashing history and a statement from Ford about no value in re-hashing history
It doesn't take a "Genius" to realize 5 jury trials all recognized who's patents were infringed by the Auto Industry.
In this period of short term profiteering costing Americans 700 Billion dollars, I think this is the perfect time for people to see this movie and learn how ONE MAN CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
*Re-hashing
1. To bring forth again in another form without significant alteration: rehashing old ideas.
2. To discuss again.
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10-05-2008 @ 8:40PM
Bob Kearns said...
How sad it is that even today the "mighty" Ford still won't own up to blatantly stealing this invention and probably many more. Of course the movie has inaccuracies, it's purpose is to entertain. But let's be clear. It's a proven fact Ford stole this invention. Let's not try to pursuade the general public that you didn't steal it by lame illustrations and blogs.
Based on how your company is doing, perhaps I shoud assume your R&D men are cast from a similar die as your PR.
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