Review of Atlas Shrugged: Part I (2011) by Patrick M — 22 Apr 2011

I first saw this in a private screening in February and was quite surprised that, given the limitations of the book, the budget and the actors, it came out so well.

A second look in a much better venue only confirmed my original impression. This is not a fairy tale--and that is what you have to accept it as. Like most such tales, there is enough of a story to carry along a heavy-handed message. My understanding is that the real budget was only $8 million which makes the final result even more impressive.

I agree with many that Taylor Schilling really helped, in what is to me a five-star performance. So did the computer animation, and a few unsubtle pokes, like casting a Henry Waxman look-alike.

What is most interesting is the disconnect between the professional reviewers on this site and us peons. I can't recall ever seeing such a great gulf, and I will leave it to others to explain it away. Sure, it is true that the people likely to see the movie are probably philosophically disposed towards it, but it similarly hard to believe that the reviewer community is so set against it.

One final note. Many have lamented the lack of a big star and hoped that Part Two will have a better cast. I think it would be a big mistake to replace Schlling. She is the Dagny I read about in the book and with a little help from some new people (Bowler should also stay as Rearden) Part Two might get a little better than the very odd 6 rating here for Part One.