War of the Currents
Genre: Historical/Drama
Director: Michel Gondry
Writer: Meirad Tako
Based on the interactive game Nikola Tesla: War of the Currents
Cast: Forrest Goodluck, Michael Keaton, Nikola Djuricko, Forest Whitaker, Simone Ashley, Jeff Daniels
Plot: The humid summer air clung to Jakomis Tamack's (Forrest Goodluck) skin as he hurried through the bustling streets of New York City. The young Lenape engineer apprentice dodged horse-drawn carriages and weaved between pedestrians, his mind racing with anticipation. It was August 7, 1884, and Jakomis was already late for his shift at the Edison Illuminating Company.
Rounding the corner onto Pearl Street, Jakomis caught sight of the imposing brick façade of the power station. He paused briefly to catch his breath, wiping sweat from his brow with a handkerchief. At just twenty years old, he considered himself fortunate to have secured an apprenticeship with the famous Thomas Edison—an opportunity few Native Americans were afforded. Determined to make the most of it, Jakomis stepped inside the building, greeted by the familiar hum of machinery and the acrid smell of ozone.
He made his way swiftly to the workshop, nodding respectfully to other engineers as he passed. Just as he was about to clock in, a commotion near the entrance drew his attention.
"Excuse me, I'm looking for Mr. Edison," called a heavily accented voice. "I have a letter of recommendation from Charles Batchelor."
Turning, Jakomis saw a tall, slender man (Nikola Djuricko) with piercing eyes and a distinguished mustache, looking lost and slightly disheveled as he clutched a piece of paper. Something about the man's demeanor piqued Jakomis's curiosity.
"Mr. Edison isn't here right now," Jakomis explained, approaching the newcomer. "Perhaps I can assist? I'm Jakomis Tamack, one of the apprentices."
Relief flooded the stranger's eyes. "Ah, yes, thank you. My name is Nikola Tesla. I've just arrived from Paris, and Mr. Batchelor assured me there would be work here for me."
Jakomis raised an eyebrow in recognition. He had heard whispers of Tesla's brilliance among the other engineers. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Tesla. May I see your letter?"
Tesla handed over the document, and Jakomis quickly scanned its contents. His heart sank as he read Batchelor's glowing praise of Tesla's work on alternating current systems. Edison, staunchly favoring his own direct current technology, would likely dismiss Tesla outright upon seeing it.
In that moment, Jakomis made a pivotal decision that would alter the course of both their lives and the future of electricity itself. "Mr. Tesla," he began in a lowered voice, "perhaps it would be wise to adjust the wording of this letter slightly before presenting it to Mr. Edison."
Tesla furrowed his brow. "I don't understand. Why would we need to change it?"
Glancing around cautiously, Jakomis explained, "Mr. Edison has strong opinions about certain technologies. If we emphasize your broader skills and downplay your work on alternating current, you might have a better chance of being hired."
Tesla hesitated, torn between his integrity and his need for employment. "I'm not comfortable with deception, Mr. Tamack."
"I understand your hesitation," Jakomis replied calmly, "but consider this: once you're inside and prove your worth, you'll have the chance to introduce your ideas gradually. Sometimes, a small compromise now can lead to greater opportunities later."
After a moment of internal struggle, Tesla reluctantly nodded. "Very well. I'll trust your judgment in this matter."
Jakomis swiftly reworked the letter, highlighting Tesla's expertise in electrical engineering while omitting any mention of alternating current. When Edison (Michael Keaton) returned to the workshop later that afternoon, Jakomis personally introduced Tesla and presented the revised letter.
Edison perused the document, his bushy eyebrows rising with interest. "Impressive credentials, Mr. Tesla. We could certainly use a man of your talents here. When can you start?"
Relief and excitement washed over Tesla's face. "Immediately, sir. I'm eager to begin."
As Tesla was escorted away to be briefed on his new role, he shot a grateful glance back at Jakomis. The young apprentice felt a mix of pride and unease at what he had orchestrated. He knew he had given Tesla a crucial opportunity, yet he also understood the risks of his deception.
In the ensuing months, Jakomis observed Tesla's relentless dedication to his work. The Serbian inventor often labored eighteen-hour days, impressing Edison and the engineers with innovative solutions to complex problems. Jakomis found himself drawn to Tesla's brilliant mind and passionate approach to science, frequently staying late to assist with various projects.
As autumn yielded to winter, Jakomis and Tesla forged a close friendship. During rare moments of respite, Tesla shared stories of his homeland and his visions for the future of electricity. Jakomis reciprocated by imparting knowledge of Lenape culture and the challenges his people faced in an evolving America.
"You know, Jakomis," Tesla remarked one evening as they strolled under gas-lit streets, "I appreciate the opportunity here, but I feel I'm not fulfilling my true potential."
Understanding his friend's dilemma, Jakomis nodded. "You have many ideas waiting to be explored."
Eyes alight with enthusiasm, Tesla continued, "Exactly! Lately, I've been pondering alternating current. Its applications could revolutionize electricity distribution."
Jakomis felt a pang of concern. "Be cautious, Nikola. Edison has strong feelings about AC."
"But that's precisely it," Tesla insisted eagerly. "If I can demonstrate its benefits, surely he'll reconsider. I've been developing designs in my spare time, ready to present."
Jakomis wanted to caution Tesla against the risky move, but seeing his determination, he relented. "Just promise you'll approach it diplomatically," he urged with a sigh.
Tesla clapped him on the shoulder. "Absolutely, my friend. A scientific discussion among colleagues—what could go wrong?"
As events unfolded, everything could indeed go wrong. And it did.
The following day, Jakomis arrived at work to find the Edison Illuminating Company in an uproar. He quickly learned that Tesla had indeed presented his alternating current ideas to Edison, and the result had been nothing short of disastrous.
"You're fired!" Edison's booming voice echoed through the workshop. "I won't have anyone working for me who wastes time on such dangerous nonsense!"
Jakomis watched in horror as Tesla, face flushed with anger and humiliation, gathered his belongings. Their eyes met briefly, and Jakomis saw a mixture of betrayal and determination in his friend's gaze.
As Tesla stormed out of the building, Jakomis felt torn between his loyalty to Edison and his belief in Tesla's vision. He knew that following Tesla would mean giving up the security and prestige of his position at Edison's company. But something deep within him, perhaps the same spirit that had driven his ancestors to adapt and survive in a changing world, told him that this was a turning point in history.
Without a second thought, Jakomis grabbed his coat and ran after Tesla. He caught up to him a few blocks away, breathless and filled with a strange excitement.
"Nikola, wait!" Jakomis called out. Tesla turned, surprise evident on his face. "I'm coming with you," Jakomis declared. "I believe in your ideas, and I want to help you bring them to life."
Tesla's expression softened, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Are you sure, my friend? It won't be an easy road."
Jakomis nodded firmly. "I'm sure. We're on the brink of something revolutionary, and I want to be part of it."
And so began their journey into the unknown, two unlikely allies united by a shared vision of the future. The next few years were a whirlwind of innovation, struggle, and perseverance.
They started by seeking investors willing to back Tesla's alternating current system. It was an uphill battle, with Edison's influence casting a long shadow over the electrical industry. Many doors were slammed in their faces, and there were nights when they went to bed hungry, their meager funds stretched to the breaking point.
Jakomis's role evolved from apprentice to invaluable assistant and confidant. His practical engineering skills complemented Tesla's theoretical brilliance, and together they refined the AC system, making it more efficient and safer with each iteration.
In 1887, they caught a break when they met Alfred S. Brown and Charles F. Peck, two businessmen who saw the potential in Tesla's ideas. With their backing, Tesla Electric Company was formed, giving them the resources to truly challenge Edison's monopoly on the electrical market.
The peaceful summer afternoon was shattered by an agonized howl that pierced through the air. Jakomis and Tesla, discussing their latest designs in a small park near their laboratory, looked up in alarm. A crowd had gathered at the park's edge, their voices mixing in shock and outrage.
"What's happening?" Jakomis asked, a sense of dread settling in his stomach.
Tesla's face went pale as he recognized a familiar figure standing before the crowd. "It's Charles Brown," he said grimly, "one of Edison's men."
Approaching cautiously, they pushed through the throng of onlookers. The sight that met them made Jakomis's blood run cold. Brown stood beside a crude apparatus, wires running from a generator to a metal plate. At his feet lay the lifeless body of a dog, its fur singed and smoking.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Brown called out, his voice carrying over the murmurs of the crowd, "you have just witnessed the deadly power of alternating current. This is the danger that Tesla and his supporters would bring into your homes!"
Fear and anger swept through the crowd, replacing shock. Jakomis felt Tesla's grip tighten on his arm.
"We have to leave," Tesla whispered urgently. "Now."
But it was too late. Someone in the crowd recognized them. "There they are!" a voice shouted. "The AC murderers!"
Panic seized Jakomis as he saw the mob turn towards them, faces contorted with rage. He and Tesla turned and fled, the sound of angry shouts and pounding feet close behind.
Through the streets of New York, they darted, dodging carriages and pushing past startled pedestrians. Jakomis's lungs burned, his legs aching as they sprinted through alleys. But the mob was relentless, driven by fear and the thrill of pursuit.
Just when Jakomis thought they could run no more, a hand reached out from a darkened doorway, pulling them inside. In the dimly lit workshop, they faced a tall, dignified African American man.
"Quickly," the man said, ushering them towards a rear exit. "There's an alley behind where you can lose them."
Jakomis and Tesla didn't need to be told twice. They slipped out the back door. Jakomis turned to their savior. "Thank you," he gasped. "Who are you?"
The man (Forest Whitaker) smiled grimly. "Lewis Howard Latimer. I'm an inventor and Edison's lawyer. I'm afraid I have more bad news for you gentlemen."
Before Latimer could continue, the sound of the mob grew nearer. "Go," he urged. "I'll misdirect them. But you need to prepare. Edison is suing you both for patent infringement."
With a nod of gratitude, Jakomis and Tesla vanished into the maze of back alleys, the sounds of the mob fading behind them.
Hours later, safely hidden in a small boarding house on the city's outskirts, Jakomis and Tesla sat in stunned silence. The day's events seemed too horrific to be real.
"How could they do that?" Jakomis finally spoke, his voice hoarse. "Killing an innocent animal just to make a point..."
Tesla shook his head, his face etched with sorrow. "Edison has always been ruthless, but this... this is beyond anything I could have imagined."
Jakomis stood up abruptly, pacing the small room. "And now he's suing us? On what grounds? Your patents are solid, Nikola. We've been meticulous."
"It doesn't matter," Tesla replied wearily. "Edison has money, influence, and public opinion on his side. This lawsuit could drag on for years, drain our resources, and tarnish our reputation irreparably."
A surge of determination washed over Jakomis. "We can't give up, Nikola. We've come too far, faced too much to back down now."
Tesla looked up at his friend, a faint smile breaking through his gloom. "You're right. But we need to be strategic. We can't fight Edison on his terms."
They spent the night planning their next moves. They needed allies not just among scientists, but in the press and with the public. They had to educate people about the true nature and benefits of alternating current, countering Edison's fear-mongering with facts and demonstrations.
As dawn broke, casting a pale light through the window, Jakomis felt a renewed sense of purpose. Yes, they had been knocked down, but they were far from defeated. The war of the currents had entered a new, more perilous phase.
"We should contact George Westinghouse," Jakomis suggested. "He's supported your work before, and he has the resources to help us in this fight."
Tesla nodded thoughtfully. "Good idea. And we need to organize our own public demonstrations, to show people that AC is not only safe but superior to DC in every aspect."
Fortunately after the their meeting with Westinghouse (Jeff Daniels), they planned to make their demonstration in the 1892's Columbian Exposition.
As the 1892 Columbian Exposition drew near, Jakomis found himself increasingly preoccupied with the looming threat of Edison's lawsuit. While Tesla and George Westinghouse focused on preparing their groundbreaking AC demonstrations for the fair, Jakomis took it upon himself to neutralize the legal danger they faced.
"I need to find a way to get Latimer to drop this case," Jakomis confided in Tesla one evening. "I think there might be more to him than just being Edison's lawyer."
Tesla looked up from his workbench, his brow furrowed with concern. "Be careful, my friend. We can't afford any more negative publicity."
Jakomis nodded, understanding the delicate balance they needed to maintain. "Trust me, Nikola. I'll handle this discreetly."
With Tesla's blessing, Jakomis began spending more time away from the laboratory, leaving Tesla to work closely with Bertha Avanella Lamme (Simone Ashley) , the brilliant engineer Westinghouse had assigned to assist them. Jakomis felt a twinge of guilt at leaving so much of the work to them, but he knew that without legal protection, all their efforts could be for naught.
His investigation into Lewis Howard Latimer revealed a man of complexity and principle. Jakomis attended several of Latimer's lectures on draftsmanship and patent work, impressed by the man's knowledge and eloquence. More importantly, he sensed in Latimer a deep commitment to racial equality and justice.
After one such lecture, Jakomis approached Latimer. "Mr. Latimer, I wonder if I might have a word with you in private?"
Latimer regarded him warily but agreed. Once they were alone, Jakomis spoke frankly. "I know you're more than just Edison's lawyer. You're a man of conscience, fighting for the rights of your people. What if I told you there was a way to advance that cause while also doing what's right in the war of the currents?"
Latimer's eyes narrowed. "I'm listening, Mr. Tamack."
Jakomis laid out his proposal: if Latimer would drop the lawsuit against Tesla and publicly support AC power, Jakomis would help organize a major protest to draw attention to the lack of African American representation at the Columbian Exposition.
Latimer was silent for a long moment, weighing the offer. Finally, he spoke. "You make a compelling case, Mr. Tamack. But organizing such a protest won't be easy."
"I have connections," Jakomis assured him. "Leave that to me."
With a handshake, their deal was struck. Jakomis immediately reached out to Emma Goldman, the fiery anarchist and social activist he had met during his earlier days in New York. Goldman was enthusiastic about the cause and agreed to help mobilize supporters for the protest.
As the date of the Columbian Exposition approached, Jakomis found himself pulled in two directions. He was deeply involved in planning the protest with Goldman and other activists, while also trying to support Tesla and Lamme in their preparations for the AC demonstrations.
Tesla, for his part, had become increasingly focused on a new project. "I've been thinking," he told Jakomis one night, his eyes gleaming with excitement, "about the applications of electricity in medicine. What if we could use an electrical shock to restart a stopped heart?"
Jakomis was intrigued but concerned. "That sounds incredibly dangerous, Nikola. Are you sure about this?"
Tesla nodded emphatically. "It's a risk we must take. Imagine the lives we could save!"
As the opening day of the exposition dawned, Jakomis found himself in Chicago, leading a group of protesters outside the fairgrounds. The crowd was diverse and passionate, carrying signs demanding equal representation and recognition for African American achievements.
Meanwhile, inside the fair, Tesla was preparing for his most daring demonstration yet. Word had spread about his plan to revive a "dead" dog using electricity, and a large crowd had gathered to witness the event.
Jakomis's heart raced as he heard distant cheers erupting from within the fairgrounds. He could only imagine what was happening inside.
In the exposition hall, Tesla stood before the hushed audience, a small dog lying motionless on a table before him. With steady hands, he applied his newly invented device to the animal's chest. There was a brief crackle of electricity, and then, to the astonishment of all present, the dog's chest began to rise and fall. It had been brought back from the brink of death.
The crowd erupted in cheers and applause. "The Serbian Wizard!" someone shouted, and soon the name was being chanted throughout the hall.
As evening fell, Jakomis finally made his way into the fairgrounds, exhausted but exhilarated from the day's events. He found Tesla surrounded by admirers, his eyes bright with triumph.
"We did it, my friend," Tesla said as Jakomis approached. "AC power has been vindicated, and we've opened new doors in medical science."
Jakomis grinned, clapping Tesla on the shoulder. "And we've made strides in social justice too. This is just the beginning, Nikola."
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