A post by Maynard.

A few additional words about the Atlas Shrugged film, which opened last week in selected theaters.

Seems that the film has done well in terms of per theater traffic.

The power of Ayn Rand devotees have impressed some Hollywood distribution executives, who took note of the hefty $5,640 per-theater average scored by Atlas Shrugged: Part 1 during its opening weekend.

“Shocking,” one executive said about the healthy business the low-budget film has been doing considering its “awful” marketing plan.

With encouraging sales, this week’s distribution is expanded to 423 theaters. Check your local listings. (To be clear, AS is not likely to become a runaway blockbuster or anything of the sort. But, with its tight budget and no-frills marketing, it’s looking like it will be a decent moneymaker for the producers and the theaters that run it. That’s the goal in Hollywood, to bring in more income than you spent making the movie.)

FreedomWorks has created this insightful video juxtaposition of Atlas Shrugged against current events. Seems that Ayn Rand’s work of fiction has somehow become a documentary.

 

 

I’ve now viewed the film, and, not knowing what to expect, I was pleasantly surprised. The dialogue was a bit stilted and talky, which was a challenge for actors to deliver naturally. But the key actors were up to the task; in particular, Taylor Schilling as Dagney Taggart was quite good. (Hey, Tammy, do you like her as much as Emma Peel?) And they got a good “big” feeling from the cinematography (I knew they didn’t have a lot of money to blow, but the production didn’t strike me as “cheap”.) A chill ran up my spine every time someone tossed out that “Who is John Galt?” line.

I see they’re selling an official “Rearden metal bracelet” (made of aluminum) from the official website. And some 3rd party is getting into the act with a similar bracelet made of silver. They’re trying to make some big bucks for their first sample on eBay; it looks like they intend to follow up with a larger run. Could be a nice trinket for a special lady that understands why Dagney swapped her diamonds for it, but these prices are a bit steep. For reference, here is the eBay listing.

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4 Comments | Leave a comment
  1. dennisl59 says:

    The filmmakers, producers, screenplay writers will be completely, utterly and totally unable to translate or film the complete Money Speech at the party by Francisco d’Anconia. It goes on, uninterrupted, starting at page 410 to 415, in my edition. It must be read, word for word for maximum impact.

    I especially like the part at the very end…”If you can refute a single sentence I uttered, madame, I shall hear it gratefully”…”Oh, I can’t answer you. I don’t have any answers, my mind doesn’t work that way, but I don’t FEEL that you’re right, so I know that you’re wrong”.

    And that sums up the Liberal/Democrat/Socialist Mindset right here, right now, doesn’t it? It’s all about Emotions, not Rational Thought, IMHO.

    • makeshifty says:

      I found a great series of amateur videos on YouTube called “This is John Galt Speaking.” It’s as the name says. It comes at the end of the story when Galt reveals himself. It’s an abridged version of the speech along with videos spliced together. I’d quote it, but the amount would probably make the moderators uncomfortable.

  2. franknitti says:

    The reviews of the film seem to be a mixed bag. Most critics (at least the ones I’ve read seem to be panning it) whiled numerous callers to talk shows seem to enjoy it. I’ll probably wait until the film comes out on DVD before watching and making my “review.” It’s too bad they didn’t get Alec Baldwin to play the villainous Jim Taggart. While reading the novel it felt like the character was crying out to be played by Baldwin.

  3. Brontefan says:

    Haven’t seen the film; will when it comes to my area. However, I remember when Hollywood was upset over the Gibson film, “Passion of the Christ.” Everyone was outraged that he did it anyway… and were sure it would flop. When it made money, critics –and left wing journalists–referred to it as “blood money.” I am familiar with the novel and I hope the film does very well. I’m jazzed.

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