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News: Ayn Rand Novel now a Movie

Production has wrapped on “Atlas Shrugged, Part I,” which is based on the widely read 1957 novel. Paul Johansson (“One Tree Hill”) directed and the cast includes Grant Bowler, who previously appeared in “True Blood” and “Ugly Betty,” and Nick Cassavetes. The film got made with only fifteen millions but with people such as Harmon Kaslow in the producer chair such sums can go a long way. “Our goal was to, above all, produce a film that is true to the book and maintains the message of Rand’s timeless novel. We aim to please the millions who have read the book in addition to attracting a new audience to her amazing work,” Kaslow has said in a press release.

The film was shot on location in the Los Angeles area in under forty days. I should also tell you that the screenplay was done by a writer called Brian Patrick O’Toole, who’s quietly been earning his stripes as a writer of gorey, creature-feature adaptations among which “Cemetery Gates” is counted as a highlight.

Talking about highlights, back in my days at Columbia University I remember seeing a dogeared a copy of Atlas Shrugged in a classmate’s dorm room. Is there a more widely-read novel on college campuses? For some it might even be called the first political enlightenment, although I wonder if Atlas Shrugged and her other tomes will make as much of an impression on future generations of students.

“Atlas Shrugged, Part I” is slated for a Spring 2011 release.

And now, let’s go to the videotape.

(photo: still from “Atlas Shrugged, Part I”).

Comments

  1. I will never forget the train scene. That one scene is the embodiment of Ayn's philosophy.

  2. I will never forget the train scene. That one scene is the embodiment of Ayn's philosophy.

  3. I will never forget the train scene. That one scene is the embodiment of Ayn's philosophy.

  4. I will never forget the train scene. That one scene is the embodiment of Ayn's philosophy.

  5. I am counting the minutes to watch this film.

    It is so relevant to what we are seeing with Big Government.

  6. I am counting the minutes to watch this film.

    It is so relevant to what we are seeing with Big Government.

  7. I am counting the minutes to watch this film.

    It is so relevant to what we are seeing with Big Government.

  8. I am counting the minutes to watch this film.

    It is so relevant to what we are seeing with Big Government.

  9. Anonymous says

    Can the book appeal to the newer generation: yes. I worked at a school, one of my students started reading it in his Senior year…. he absolutely loved it. Then, his girlfriend started reading it.

    This book has appeal to anyone who is seeking out the true nature of our coexistence.

    I can't wait to see this movie. My wife and I have both read the novel… we are excited to see a film adaptation!

  10. Anonymous says

    Can the book appeal to the newer generation: yes. I worked at a school, one of my students started reading it in his Senior year…. he absolutely loved it. Then, his girlfriend started reading it.

    This book has appeal to anyone who is seeking out the true nature of our coexistence.

    I can't wait to see this movie. My wife and I have both read the novel… we are excited to see a film adaptation!

  11. Anonymous says

    Can the book appeal to the newer generation: yes. I worked at a school, one of my students started reading it in his Senior year…. he absolutely loved it. Then, his girlfriend started reading it.

    This book has appeal to anyone who is seeking out the true nature of our coexistence.

    I can't wait to see this movie. My wife and I have both read the novel… we are excited to see a film adaptation!

  12. Anonymous says

    Can the book appeal to the newer generation: yes. I worked at a school, one of my students started reading it in his Senior year…. he absolutely loved it. Then, his girlfriend started reading it.

    This book has appeal to anyone who is seeking out the true nature of our coexistence.

    I can't wait to see this movie. My wife and I have both read the novel… we are excited to see a film adaptation!

  13. Waiting for the Rotten Tomatoes reviews to pour in. It will be interesting to see the disparity between critics pans' and possible audience applause. I'm going to bet on about a thirty point differential.

    My guess? Critics: 56% fresh, Audience: 85%

    Even if the movie has a a few flaws it will be worth watching. I am willing to be forgiving on the adaptation of the novel, because maybe it will pique some curiosity.

  14. Waiting for the Rotten Tomatoes reviews to pour in. It will be interesting to see the disparity between critics pans' and possible audience applause. I'm going to bet on about a thirty point differential.

    My guess? Critics: 56% fresh, Audience: 85%

    Even if the movie has a a few flaws it will be worth watching. I am willing to be forgiving on the adaptation of the novel, because maybe it will pique some curiosity.

  15. Waiting for the Rotten Tomatoes reviews to pour in. It will be interesting to see the disparity between critics pans' and possible audience applause. I'm going to bet on about a thirty point differential.

    My guess? Critics: 56% fresh, Audience: 85%

    Even if the movie has a a few flaws it will be worth watching. I am willing to be forgiving on the adaptation of the novel, because maybe it will pique some curiosity.

  16. Waiting for the Rotten Tomatoes reviews to pour in. It will be interesting to see the disparity between critics pans' and possible audience applause. I'm going to bet on about a thirty point differential.

    My guess? Critics: 56% fresh, Audience: 85%

    Even if the movie has a a few flaws it will be worth watching. I am willing to be forgiving on the adaptation of the novel, because maybe it will pique some curiosity.

  17. Anonymous says

    Kyle's guess? Critics: 56% fresh, Audience: 85%

    Rand stated that people paid for opinions will repeat the opinions of whoever pays them.

    Critcs: 5%.

    Spot on for audiences, though.

  18. Anonymous says

    Kyle's guess? Critics: 56% fresh, Audience: 85%

    Rand stated that people paid for opinions will repeat the opinions of whoever pays them.

    Critcs: 5%.

    Spot on for audiences, though.

  19. Anonymous says

    Kyle's guess? Critics: 56% fresh, Audience: 85%

    Rand stated that people paid for opinions will repeat the opinions of whoever pays them.

    Critcs: 5%.

    Spot on for audiences, though.

  20. Anonymous says

    Kyle's guess? Critics: 56% fresh, Audience: 85%

    Rand stated that people paid for opinions will repeat the opinions of whoever pays them.

    Critcs: 5%.

    Spot on for audiences, though.

  21. Anonymous, you win.

    imdb.com Critics Metascore: 26/100 (based on 12 reviews from Metacritic.com)

  22. Anonymous, you win.

    imdb.com Critics Metascore: 26/100 (based on 12 reviews from Metacritic.com)

  23. Anonymous, you win.

    imdb.com Critics Metascore: 26/100 (based on 12 reviews from Metacritic.com)

  24. Anonymous, you win.

    imdb.com Critics Metascore: 26/100 (based on 12 reviews from Metacritic.com)

  25. Anonymous says

    Just saw it and LOVED it! From an entrepreneur.

  26. Anonymous says

    Just saw it and LOVED it! From an entrepreneur.

  27. Anonymous says

    Just saw it and LOVED it! From an entrepreneur.

  28. Will it be possible to watch this film for its theatrical, dramatic and/or cinematic value without imposing one's own political biases? Doubtful.

    I am greatly looking foreard to seeing it nonetheless.

  29. Whoops. "forWard". Sorry.

  30. Whoops. "forWard". Sorry.