Review of Atlas Shrugged: Part I (2011) by Mkloppel — 15 Apr 2011

I went into this movie expecting an HBO special quality production. Or maybe a really good showtime one...

I instead was given somewhere in between a HBO special and Quality major Hollywood production!

If you have ever read Atlas Shrugged and wonder if anyone could pull off doing a faithful adaption of the film look no further! While shorter then I would like (1h-42m) and at times the acting and scenes seem a bit rushed the film succeeds at hitting key points in the book and tossing accurate, if somewhat altered, quotes from the book into the mix which helps to push the themes and plot in this chapter.

The strong rumble of a train often proceeds or ends a scene and the music which follows compliments the texture of each perfectly, often giving you a sense of achievement and purpose in a world which has seemingly gone to hell. The CGI which is used for most of the long train scene and for a few shots of factories was done by "Stargate Studios" who also does the CGI for the TV series..."Stargate". I always liked the show and I think they REALLY kicked it up and notch and did a great job for what was probably a small budget. GREAT JOB guys! The acting, for its price, is glorious! Taylor shilling plays a strong and determined railroad executive who seems to have a passion for what she loves in life while still pursuing other things that she values. They definitely center the plot on her and in every scene her beauty shines bright as she stands up for her passions and interest against purposefully ugly men and women determined to make her their victim.

Grant Bowler who plays Hank Reardan must have practiced being his character for most of his life. You get the sense that he loves his work life but cannot comprehend why he receives no joy or happiness, not even a slight grin, from his family and home who seems to value. He pulls off confident, physically and mentally powerful property owner like a champ! Fansisco D'Anaconia played by Jsu Garcia doesn't bring the presence I would prefer for the character but does a job which is respectable. I really hope he can get the all important lines off in the next installment, otherwise his character was somewhat minimalism in this chapter. I think we will see MUCH more in P2, I look forward to his "Money speech"! (which people keep thinking was during Lillian wedding anniversary, its not, its during J. Taggarts wedding party!).

Ellis Wyatt: While I always pictured him as younger Graham Beckel pulls this character off GREAT! Most people I spoke with have been drawn to his acting as some of the best besides maybe Rebecca Wisocky who played Lillian R. He makes you believe that Wyatt is a grumpy Oil tycoon who loves life and only desires to be let alone and to his own devices all while getting a "fatherly" feel from him. Definitely keep close attention on his scenes as they are well performed!

I could go on about the cast, Rebecca Wisocky was amazing, she played the perfect cold hearted **** one could hope for, she should get some kind of award! Edi Gathegi who played Eddie willers did a great job and I look forward to maybe seeing him discuss some things with a "shadowy character" in future chapters! I can't say I didn't like any actors in this movie; They all did a wonderful job and look forward with horrible anticipation to seeing them all again on April 15, 2012!

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Now, please...This is not the book which is a certified classic but if you enjoyed that, AT ALL, you will very likely enjoy this. Ayn Rands philosophy is not for everyone (it is for me, I am and have been for 10 years an Objectivist), but the themes and Ideas (which Atlas Shrugged was entirely about) are timeless and will always be relevant. Sure transportation methods become obsolete and energy sources change but promoting to men and women that they ought to live life, act according to their own faculty of reason, not sacrifice for others but reward those whom you value and to not attempt to substitute your whim for what reality provides cannot change. It is in mans nature to seek happiness if he is rational, to desire a productive life if he is consistent and to live amongst each other WITHOUT force if he wants to realize all of this. I highly recommend the book over the movie but don't pass this up, it is a great adaption which is absolutely worth seeing and which will satisfy anyone who can even remotely relate to what I previously wrote.

When your done look for an Objectivist club in your area. I run one with my brother and have now made lifelong friends who only make my life happier, I am a better person for this. The philosophy she developed doesn't stop in her fiction, she worked for years with many friends clearly stating what it was in easily read philosophic books which are great reading, its fun and will only help you appreciate life more, trust me, real Objectivists do not lie.