Review of Atlas Shrugged: Part I (2011) by Larry L — 27 Jul 2011

I thought it was an all round great movie. As someone who loves the book, I, naturally, wished that many parts of the novel were cut and/or not fully developed. That said, to include every side story and character detail/backstory would make any film adaptation impossibly complex and hard to follow, as the amount of characters and the extensive degree to which each supporting role is independently and/or was formerly interconnected virtually precludes showing each of Rand's sub-stories by any means other than through the constant use of the flashback. This, of course, would have to be done with such frequency that it would completely destroy any sense of plot continuity and would confuse and distract the audience from the main plot by not only constantly injecting scenes that do involve or, in some cases, have anything to do with the main characters, but also by introducing characters whose contribution to the plot (and to Rand's social message(s)) is minimal and repetitive, which is fine (and what I believe to be an amazing and interesting examination of human character) when taken into the context of a 1400 page book but, which when introduced into 2, or even 4+, hour movie, their inclusion only serves to cause one to give said character an undue relevance that takes away from the main story line. Moreover, where the character can be introduced later, with any earlier appearance established through dialog, the main plot and feeling of overwhelming excitement and emotion that is invoked by it so perfectly in the film would be destroyed.

So, while many may consider my next words a sin, I can't help but applaud this film and, while nothing could equal Rand's amazing novel, I feel that, through it's perfect use of the visual medium, this film wonderfully demonstrates and evokes the emotions associated with the main themes of the book, such as the joy of personal achievement and accomplishment, the feelings of frustration, determination and and perseverance of one who believes in something, in oneself, and/or in those someone they truly admire or respect, and the struggle that one experiences when their sense of duty clashes with or threatens to impede upon their personal code of conduct, (i.e. The principles by which they have resolved to live their lives). In some places it is able to so fully convey these themes by use of image, sound, and score that it makes this viewer appreciate and truly understand the above-noted themes even more than the first time that I read the words in the book.

In short, this is movie that every person should watch that will make those who haven't read the book do so immediately after viewing it, and will make you truly think about your own system of values, as well as, those of your society- examining both as what they truly are and what they should be. I hope that enough support (enough dvd's are sold) can be generated to get the next two installments of this film made and distributed and that people will be smart enough to realize the reasons why critics would rate it poorly (hint: it has nothing to do with film quality or acting performance ---they were both first rate) and will see it for themselves. I mean, clearly seen above, the PEOPLE who rated it think it's worth a watch...I would trust them.