Films about inventions capture the imagination of audiences by exploring the endless possibilities of human creativity and ingenuity. These movies often delve into the lives of inventors, the process of invention, and the profound impact these innovations can have on society. From biographical films that detail the struggles and triumphs of real-life inventors to fictional tales that imagine groundbreaking gadgets and technologies, films about inventions inspire viewers to dream and wonder about the potential of human intellect and perseverance. Whether set in the past, present, or future, these films share a common appreciation for the inventive spirit that drives humanity forward.
“Jobs”, 2013
Director: Joshua Michael Stern
Starring Ashton Kutcher as Steve Jobs, this biographical film chronicles the life of the Apple Inc. co-founder from 1974 while a student at Reed College to the introduction of the iPod in 2001. It captures his spirit of innovation, his drive to revolutionize personal computing, and the ups and downs of his career.
Starring: Ashton Kutcher, Dermot Mulroney, Josh Gad, Lukas Haas, J.K. Simmons, Lesley Ann Warren, Ron Eldard, Ahna O'Reilly, John Getz, James Woods;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: drama, biography;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 122 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6;
“Iron Man”, 2008
Director: Jon Favreau
While not a true story, “Iron Man” tells the fictional tale of Tony Stark, an industrialist and master engineer who builds a powered exoskeleton and becomes the technologically advanced superhero, Iron Man. This film celebrates inventive genius and the potential of technology to change the world for the better.
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Jeff Bridges, Gwyneth Paltrow, Terrence Howard, Leslie Bibb, Shaun Toub, Faran Tahir, Clark Gregg, Jon Favreau, Sayed Badreya;
Production year: 2008;
Genre: science fiction, action, adventure;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 126 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,9;
More information about the film “Iron Man” on the website imdb.com
“The Current War”, 2017
Director: Alfonso Gomez-Rejon
This historical drama stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Thomas Edison and Michael Shannon as George Westinghouse, focusing on the late 19th-century competition between the two inventors to determine whose electrical system would power the new century. It's a story of rivalry, innovation, and the quest for power—both literal and metaphorical.
Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Holland, Michael Shannon, Nicholas Hoult, Katherine Waterston, Matthew Macfadyen, Oliver Powell, Sophia Ally, Tuppence Middleton, Woody Norman;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: biography, history, drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 108 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,5;
More information about the film “The Current War” on the website imdb.com
“Hidden Figures”, 2016
Director: Theodore Melfi
This inspiring true story highlights the contributions of Katherine G. Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, three African American female mathematicians who worked at NASA during the Space Race. Their groundbreaking calculations, including those for the Project Mercury and Apollo 11 mission to the Moon, emphasize the critical role of intellectual invention and determination in achieving monumental goals.
Starring: Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae, Kevin Costner, Kirsten Dunst, Jim Parsons, Mahershala Ali, Aldis Hodge, Glen Powell, Kimberly Quinn;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: drama, biography, history;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 127 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
More information about the film “Hidden Figures” on the website imdb.com
“Flash of Genius”, 2008
Director: Marc Abraham
Based on the true story of Robert Kearns, an engineer and inventor who battled the automotive industry for recognition for his invention of the intermittent windshield wiper. It explores the personal and legal struggles Kearns faced in his journey, highlighting the often-unseen cost of innovation.
Starring: Greg Kinnear, Tim Eddis, Warren Belle, Karl Pruner, Bill Lake, Dermot Mulroney, Lauren Graham, Landon Norris, Shae Norris, Steven Woodworth;
Production year: 2008;
Genre: drama, biography;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 119 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
More information about the film “Flash of Genius” on the website imdb.com
These films about inventions, whether rooted in fact or fiction, underscore the profound effects that creative and determined minds can have on the world. They inspire admiration for those who push the boundaries of what's possible and remind us of the transformative power of invention.
In the canvas of cinema, films about inventions stand as a testament to the indomitable spirit of human creativity and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. These narratives, ranging from the struggles of solitary geniuses to the collaborative efforts that have shaped our modern world, not only entertain but inspire. They remind us of the arduous journey from conception to realization, highlighting the perseverance, sacrifice, and sometimes serendipity involved in bringing an idea to life. As much as these films are a celebration of human ingenuity, they are also a profound reflection on the impact of these inventions on society and the ethical dilemmas they often entail. Through captivating storytelling and compelling character arcs, films about inventions illuminate the intricacies of innovation, encouraging viewers to appreciate the complex tapestry of technology and its creators, who dare to dream and, in doing so, shape the future.
