Buzz has boomed with the recent start of filming in the latest attempt to bring Ayn Rand’s masterpiece, Atlas Shrugged, to the big screen. While working with big studios like Lionsgate has proved impossible in the past, John Aglialoro will produce the film independently on a $5 million budget.
The book, which has been cited as the second most influential in America (with the Bible as first), is one dear to many in the libertarian community. There is certainly hope that as a film, the legacy of Atlas Shrugged could be extended to new audiences. Rises in book sales during the recession have certainly proven the message is ever more popular in uncertain times like these. Mainstream sources are already running with Atlas movie news like this Variety online article.
While there is hope, skepticism is sure to run deep with many in the objectivist and wider libertarian community as to whether the essence of the book can truly be captured in a movie format. With disappointments over The Fountainhead’s sloppy 1949 adaptation, all anyone can do is hope that Atlas Shrugged is presented more aptly. Aglialoro certainly has his work cut out for him as he plans to break the book up into at least two movies (three if the first is successful). Screenwriter Brian Patrick O’Toole has already completed the script for the first movie covering the novel through the run of the John Galt Line.
Talk circulated at The Atlas Society Free Minds Seminar, recently taking place in Alexandria, VA, over whether there would be a clip to show from the movie. Although all attendees saw was a lower quality interview with the producer, teasers like that as well as others like this one, have many excited for what will come out of this project.
Attempts to work with large studios have fallen through in the past as hopes of star-power like Angelina Jolie playing Dagny Taggart have slipped through film-makers hands. However, the talent set to portray these powerful characters looks ready to take on their parts. Cast members already confirmed are Taylor Schilling from “Mercy” as Dagny, Grant Bowler from “True Blood” as Rearden and Paul Johansson from “One Tree Hill” as Galt (as well as directing). A more comprehensive list of confirmed and rumored cast members can be found in the IMBD article.
To stay updated on more news, visit The Atlas Society’s page on movie filming.
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