Every few years I attempt to re-read Rand's weighty tomb.
I wont bang on about the storyline as this has been covered all over the web, however the book's philosophies such as the advocacy of reason, individualism, capitalism and the failure of government coercion seem even more relevant today than they did over fifty years ago. The parallels outlined in the book on current world events is astonishing.
There are so many side-stories behind the book including the reasons why there has not yet been a film adaption. It is highly likely that any film director or actor that took on the project of bringing the epic doorstop of a book to the big screen would be forever tainted and crucified by an outraged Hollywood left-wing and the book's loyal devotees that would struggle with any necessary artistic license used in the film.
So, it was with some interest that we read that producer, businessman John Aglialoro that holds the film rights started on production last month.
The odds of producing a worthy film would seem to be stacked against Aglialoro. It has been reported that the big movie studios have shied away from financing the production and the movie's budget is in the ballpark of only $5 million. There is speculation that timing of the production has been rushed at the last minute due to the film rights expiring by June 2010. There also appears to be no named actors taking part.
We are hoping for either a miracle against adversity or that the Atlas Shrugged publicity machine is playing possum by downplaying expectations. Either way we are curious to see the result on celluloid.
In the interim, thanks to Not PC we see that a documentary is nearing release on Atlas Shrugged:
"See why Atlas Shrugged continues to have a major impact on American society fifty years after its publication. Watch for more information on the release of this documentary film—coming soon!"Looks interesting:
For those dear readers that have yet to read Atlas Shrugged, send me an email to motella@motelnz.co.nz with your address details and I will send the most amusing reply a copy of the book.
