"He is not finding the answers" vs "He has not found the answers"

Example (1) is a line from a TV show/movie. I’d like to know what the difference in meaning is between (1) and (2):

(1) [It (i.e. Peter’s attic workroom) is filled with electronic equipment. Camera pans to Peter at a desk which is piled high with books. Camera moves in close to show they are books on physiology and biology. Peter is intent on them but] he [b]is not finding[/b] the answers to his strange, new prowess. (Scenario in [i]Spider-Man: The Mind Stealers[/i])
(2) ...but he [b]has not found[/b] the answers to his strange, new prowess.

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Muthafukajones · 46-50, M

Not finding is present continuous it means in the present going into the future

Has not found is past perfect, a completed action in the past.

The difference is meaning has shades of difference in the exact time and continuity of the actions. If you aren’t specifically interested in the exactness of the time frame of the actions either may be used.

Hidenori · 46-50, M

@Muthafukajones Thanks. Very much appreciated.

SW-User

They can both be used interchangeably in this context but generally speaking it is as @R5000 as said. Has not found indicates past tense and is not finding indicates present tense.

Hidenori · 46-50, M

@SW-User Thanks. That helps.

DeWayfarer · 61-69, M

Finding indicates that he is still looking.

Found indicates no need to look further.

So in 1 Peter is still looking. He hasn't given up looking.
In 2 Peter is likely giving up looking.

Hidenori · 46-50, M

@DeWayfarer Thank you for your insightful feedback. That helps. 😀

bookerdana · M

Its ambiguous,the first is a screenwriters overview but the second implies only that he "has not found it..up to this point.....Peter is taking the math test but has not finished

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Hidenori · 46-50, M

@R5000 Thanks. That helps.

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