Writer-director Scott Hardie’s Father Of The Flying Car is about precisely what the title promises. The documentary is about Dr. Paul Moller, whose life goal is to make and sell a viable automobile capable of flight. Throughout the decades, Moller International has conducted a few successful tests, which has attracted some investors. Well, for a while, at least, which is where the trouble lies.
Unfortunately, technology takes millions upon millions to research and develop. Moller and his employees never could secure enough funds to keep that up. Instead, they always had enough to scrap on by. But, their ideas do attract new talent and younger people, which helps to some degree. However, is it enough to keep Moller International afloat until technology catches up with their vision?
As the title, Father Of The Flying Car implies, Hardie isn’t just interested in giving a rundown of the history of the flying car. He also wants to examine and chronicle the man determined to make it a reality. So aside from interviews with employees and stockholders, the filmmaker also includes Moller’s children and wives. As reported, he has a big heart and always makes time for his kids.
“…Moller, whose life goal is to make and sell a viable automobile capable of flight.”
Moller’s also an eternal optimist, which is where the heart of the picture lays. No matter how bleak things seem to get or how often they have to move offices, the man never loses sight of his dream, why he believes it is important, and how it could help humanity. This is best illustrated in an anecdote about the Wright brothers and the United States military. I don’t know if it is true, but it is a good story.
As a documentary, Father Of The Flying Car is a fairly standard talking heads affair. There are some news segments here or there and some archival footage of older test flights, but for the most part, it’s point, shoot, interview. While some style might have helped enliven the proceedings overall, the strength of Moller’s convictions and decent-hearted ways make him a compelling figure.
Father Of The Flying Car is interesting because of the parallel stories at play. While it is about as standard as films like this come, it still works. Moller is hardworking and deserves to see his life’s dream become a reality.
For screening information, visit the Father Of The Flying Car official website.
"…interesting because of the parallel stories at play."
