As luck would have it, Mr. LC and I had a sitter tonight so we took advantage of the occasion to go see Atlas Shrugged on the big screen. I really didn’t know what to expect, especially after reading, via Smitty, Ladd Ehlinger’s pan right before leaving for the theater. Now, Ladd’s a filmmaker who knows more about camera angles, lighting and dialogue than I do. I mean, today I watched the Phillies game and a little Fox News. When we got home the kids had Happy Gilmore on.
Seeing that I haven’t stepped foot in a movie theater in the past ten years, I’m no expert on cinematography, or whatever you call it. But I can tell you, I really enjoyed the movie. I was a little hesitant, since I sort of felt like I dragged Mr. LC out on a rainy Sunday evening, but he didn’t seem to mind. He hasn’t read the book, but said you really didn’t need to in order to get the message.
I had no problem with the film being set in the future – 2016 to be exact. It’s not that unbelievable that in four years we’ll have a horrific economy while politicians and lobbyists try to even everything out and make us all equal. It’s pretty much life as I envision it will be if Obama gets re-elected in 2012. It was hard to tell the difference between some of the characters and the insane fictional names of legislation from what we hear every day in reality.
I guess if you’re looking for some blockbuster with with all sorts of special effects and big name actors you may be disappointed. But if you’re a believer in capitalism looking for a little entertainment, knowing your hard earned dollars are helping to spread a free market message, then I would recommend the movie. My only complaint is that we were left wanting more, which I suppose is by design. Now we have a reason to enter a movie theater again, hopefully in April of 2012.
Ed Morrissey also enjoyed the film, and gets a little more into the plot if you’re interested.
In case you missed it, here’s the trailer.
Update: Maggie has her own review, as well as the introduction to the characters Dagny and Hank from the book.
The Camp of the Saints linked – thanks!
Tags: Atlas Shrugged, review, trailer
Thumbs up on your post, LC. I enjoyed it a lot and want to see it again now that I know I don’t have to be quite so nervous about what they’ve done. And it was better than I did not recognize most of the actors; I have no idea what their personal politics may be, better than casting Angelina Jolie and Alex Baldwin…just enjoyable all around.
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I went with hubby Friday night for the opening and truly enjoyed the show. He was a little “put off” that the movie didn’t exactly follow the timeline of the book, but otherwise enjoyed the movie. The theatre was 90% full and that’s a good sign. If only we could get more liberals to go see the movie! I don’t know that they would be open minded enough to see the parallels with what’s going on in America right now though. The few that I’m aquainted with (unfortunately family) just plain old don’t want to see what’s in front of their face, so they don’t!
I can’t wait for part 2 next year.
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[...] Lonely Conservative and her husband liked it: I guess if you’re looking for some blockbuster with with all sorts of special effects and big [...]
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[...] Karen at The Lonely Conservative, and her husband, saw the film and they liked it. Take a look at he… [...]
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I thought the timeline was perfect. It’s is probably more reflective of today’s situation than in 1967, which is when Ayn Rand thought of it (10 years after publication). There are far more lobbyists and government regulations than in 1957 – and more powerful Unions. While Unions may have had a legitimate gripe in 1957, they have little today.
I thought the trains and rails were awesome, and loved the sweeping scenery. I thought the actors did a good job. I did have a problem with one line, when Dagny asked Edi, “what does it say.” It was so abrupt. It reminded me of numerous times when Dagny would say “I know it,” in the book, but no big deal.
I too am looking forward to Part II, and I hope Part I brings in some big money.Thanks for linking, LC.
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[...] the DVD of part I knowing there will never be a part II or part III? Plus, not everyone panned it. I loved it, so did Maggie and Ed Morrissey. People really need to stop listening to movie critics and start [...]
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