Entertainment
John Stossel: Why Did Hollywood Resist ‘Atlas Shrugged’ Film?
- Posted on March 10, 2011 at 7:02am by
Meredith Jessup
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The film adaptation of Ayn Rand’s classic “Atlas Shrugged” is heading to theaters soon. Given the book’s undoubted popularity over the last 50 years, why was Hollywood hesitant to support the project?
John Stossel explained Wednesday evening to FNC’s Sean Hannity:
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Comments (100)
Rights of Man
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 9:19am“Ayn Rand’s book was a conservative manifesto”
Um, no, it isn’t, fortunately.
Religion is the bone that humanity has been choking on for far too long.
Ayn Rand was neither religious or conservative.
http://aynrandlexicon.com/lexicon/conservatives.html
Report Post »momsense
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 9:17amWhy quibble about the spelling of someones name? What he has to say is much more important.
Report Post »ShortTom
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 9:05amAyn Rand’s book was a conservative manifesto – but only politically. The apparent deism or atheism of the book is hard for a Christian to swallow. There are plenty of bones to spit out if you’re a person of faith.
Report Post »ares338
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:59amAnyone who has ever read Ayn Rands’ work knows what her message is. Anyone who knows Hollyweird knows what message they like to send. It is not strange at all that they would resist a movie based on her book. This isn’t news, it just figures.
Report Post »teapartier
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:49amAyn Rand is a “classic liberal.” Somewhere along the way, the word “liberal” was hijacked by today‘s facists who want to control other people’s behavior. I‘m a little dubious that the movie will stay completely true to Rand’s genius until I see it.
Let’s see. Conservatives/Libertarians (reason-based thinkers) revere Atlas Shrugged and modern day “liberals” (emotion-based do-gooders) gush over propaganda like Titanic, Avatar, Dances with Wolves and 99% of everything else that comes out of Hollywood. ‘Nuff said.
Report Post »kraphtsman
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:37amAyn had it totally right, and the commie/liberal/progressives simply can’t stomach the light of truth it casts on them. The producers in this world know what these takers are all about, and aren’t going to passively stand by and see their labor stolen by the state to empower a bunch of unworthy leaches, which WILL lead to the ultimate destruction of American society if left unchecked. Virtually EVERYTHING she predicted about a morally corrupt and over-reaching State is coming to pass.
The problem with this book/movie among the “progressive elite” is, it reveals their evil agenda in a logical and morally just way, not to mention it is a very entertaining story about the virtues of individualism, capitalism and freedom. Objectivism is either beyond the “progressive” mind’s grasp, or it is rejected out of fear for the truth.
(Although Ayn was an avowed aetheist…) Thank God we’re seeing political signs of resistance to the likes of Soros and his Statist Government puppets, as states like Wisconsin, Idaho, Indiana, and Ohio begin to strip the OVERPAID, UNDERWORKED GOVERNMENT-UNION PIGS of their power to rob the producers of their private wealth. And after this film gets wide play (the “progressive’s” WORST FEAR) and it becomes a blockbuster, things will hopefully become even more uncomfortable for these undeserving leaches and their ilk in Congress.
John Galt would give this film “2 Thumbs Way Up!!”
Report Post »American_Alliance_for_the_Support_of_Sarcasm
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:30amI will be there on openning day!
Who else wants to come?
Report Post »RugerHoyt
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 6:15pmI refuse to go until I have finished the book for the first time (in the process right now :) )
Report Post »moriarty70
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:29amhttp://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/DevelopmentHell
Just a small list of projects that have been floating around for years (one example had the rights first bought in 1931). Just because it didn‘t get made doesn’t mean there’s a conspiracy against it. Either that or Hollywood hates Fraggles.
Report Post »twofoot_trucker
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:28amDoes anyone think this movie will do any kind of justice to the book? Way to much in the book to translate well into a two hour movie. But, what it may do is expose people who haven’t picked up the book yet to the basic points of the book, getting them interested in finally reading it. As long as it doesn’t completely mangle the story, it can still be a positive thing.
Report Post »smithclar3nc3
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:43amThe movie is a triology this is part 1.
Report Post »Born In MA
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 12:32pmIt may do justice to the book. The Harry Potter movies did. Also this is the first movie I want to see in a loooong time.
Report Post »Juan Gault
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 4:23pmThe time is right for a movie production (three parts) of the book, ‘Atlas shrugged”.
I am hopeful it well be well received and popular with the movie going public. I suspect,reviews will be less than stellar, but hopefully, movie viewers will overcome the anticipated negative bias. release is April 15, 2011,ironic, don’t ya think? lol
Report Post »FlameKeepersUSA
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:24amIf I am correct, this is only part 1 of Atlas Shrugged. If that is the case, is a part 2 already in the works or are they waiting to see how this one does?
http://www.flamekeepersusa.com
Report Post »BlackMan
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 10:39am@ FlameKeeperUSA It looks to be a 3 parter
Report Post »kraphtsman
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 12:05pmI understand they have already filmed part 2 and are working to finish part 3. Also, the lead actors are new faces, but Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie (SP?) were reportedly looking at the main characters’ parts before this production began. I’ve seen the trailers at the theater and online… looks like it could be good movie. I am definitely going to see it.
Report Post »STIPPING@ICPCOMPANY.NET
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:17amMy favorite quote from the book, “Atlas Shrugged”: “I swear that I will never live for another person’s welfare, and I swear I will never expect another person to live for my welfare”. (Something similar to this). Because the dufuses in Hollywood want the working class and wealthy to live for the benefit of the less thans in this country – that‘s why the dufuses won’t participate in the distribution of this movie.
Report Post »LadyIzShy
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:09amfinally a movie i can pay to go see
Report Post »smithclar3nc3
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:08amThis should be a must see for anyone who thinks Government is the solution to all problems.
Report Post »2tails
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:04amI wonder if Michael Moore was part of the project? NOT!! The book was great, I can’t wait to see the movie.
Report Post »wzd1a
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 7:57amPlease fix the spelling of Ayn Rand’s name in the 1st sentance of this article.
1st sentance Snip – The film adaptation of Any Rand’s classic “Atlas Shrugged” is heading to theaters soon.
Report Post »GODZZLA
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:25amSPELL It Correctly!!!????????????????????? Hey Goober…Go To The “Dickshunary”…Please!? These Blogs Lead To Idiotic Issues Like THIS! Either LEARN TO SPELL, Or Just Change YOUR Attitude And Stick To The Topic At The Present…You May Be A Nice Guy But Your Approach Is ROTTEN…I Realize That I AM Also Participating In An Off Topic Issue But Sir “You ARE WRONG!”…”End Of Sentance!” LOL!!!
Report Post »GODZZLA
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 9:24amSENTANCE???????????????? SENTANCE??????????????? Ha! Ha! HA! Ha! Please!!! It’s “SENTENCE” !!! Ohhhh My! You Are SOOOoooooooooo Smart! Hey BUD….Check Your “Spell Check” YAHHhhhhhhhhooooo!!!
Report Post »WishWeWereFree
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 7:52amApril 16 would be a great day for a national Tea party night at the movies. We could all bring someone who hasn’t been exposed to to Ayn Rand and educate the multitudes!
Report Post »NancyO
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:14amThis must be the most delicious idea I’ve heard in years! Let’s do it!!!
Report Post »beckwill
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:55amHey, I’d be in for that too.
Report Post »emertz8413
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 7:49amHollywood, I spit on Hollywood. I loved the book, and I‘ll go see it simply because Hollywood won’t do it!!!
Report Post »starman70
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:30amAmen!!!!
Report Post »Rothbardian_in_the_Cleve
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 7:48amWhy? Who’s John Galt?
Paul/Cain 2012
Report Post »macwedge
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 7:48amJohn Galt here…I am truly excited about this movie.
Report Post »Juan Gault
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 4:15pmThere are many of us,out here.lol
Report Post »usa2stay
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 7:42amI hope this will show Hollywood that capitalism and the Free Market are messages that America likes. I hope it will also bring books like “State of Fear” or a movie about George Washington or Frederick Douglass to the big screen.
Report Post »Tucsonan
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 7:41am@Gonzo…I suppose you are the most perfect person on the face of this earth and have NEVER made a typo in your life. Praise Gonzo! Oh…BTW, who are you to call anyone stupid? Please, do tell!
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 7:55amFirst of all I didn’t call anyone stupid. Second, I am not running a popular conservative web site that the liberals are looking at to point out stupidity on the right. The Blaze is constantly misspelling words in their stories and it’s a poor reflection on the site as a whole. Lastly, mind your own damned business.
Report Post »Christabel
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:41amSpelling errors show a lack of professionalism. Every writer and editor knows that. No excuses.
Report Post »psst
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 10:00am@Tucsonan
Report Post »Speaking only for myself.
I come here for the stories,ideas, and opinions of the posters.
If a word or letter is out of place, Whether by the site or posters,I have sense enough to interpret or read between the lines.
I make many typos myself. I never repost a correction after I notice my error.
Tough sheet.that someone would/will notice my error and have conniptions That would just make me break out in tears all day and all night long.
Some folks are now the grammar police.Their whole lives are spent looking for a comma or a period mebbe a ? mark out of place.Maybe the spelled as teh., I do that often.I guess, whatever floats One’s boat
US have salt police,fat-burger police,smoking police,soda police, cookie police, MickyD’s kid toy police in SanFran Freako circumcision police in Freako.
Just toooooo many phfluqewertxackpqing police to my liking.
I’m too daman old to worry about grammer /typos. My big concern, probably like yours, is what is happening to our country.
Thanks for you post to the perfect amongst US. I wish I was perfect also.But alas, I’m only an im-perfect human.
BEH
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 7:40amI can’t wait to go see the movie, hopefully it will wake a few more people up as to what happens with a government out of control.
Report Post »felina g
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 7:47amBet they will screw up the movie. EVERYONE needs to read the book…….twice.
Report Post »S2S
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 7:37amObviously, too close to the truth for the progressives.
Gawd, I wish we could actually practice laissez-faire capitalism.
.
Report Post »smithclar3nc3
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:07amYes Ms. Rand, saw first hand what a completely totalitarian government can do via communist Russia. She merely took her first hand knowledge and applied it to power grab under America system. She even saw the beginnings of it in the progressive movement.
Report Post »drbage
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 9:50amWell said and it is really amazing considering that this classic book was written over 50 years ago. Hollywood, feeling that its ways and mores are or should be the norm, is frightened that some people might actually see the truth on the big screen and begin to question the meme that Hollywood has been spreading slowly and surely since the McCarthy era. You are already imagine the attacks they are preparing and I betcha none will be about the content of the film. Wonder if Michael “handcuff” Moore is planning a film adaptation of his favorite literary classic, “Rules for Radicals?”
Report Post »ricksan
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 7:36amNot only has Atlas shrugged, but for 100 years, Americans have ignored the power of freedom! All who love freedom in this country need to take continuos action to preserve your rights. You need to get serious about your constitutional rights and join the long march to turn back 100 years of progression to return to the intent of the founders and our constitutional republic.
Marcobob69
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 7:49amWell said, RICKSAN!!!
Report Post »limitfree
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 2:23pmI agree Ricksan, Americans today have almost lost our love of liberty, mostly because of “progressive” politicians who woo voters with their grandiose promises of FREE government largesse. Too many Americans today seem willing to trade their liberties away in return for the false security of government programs that promise a never ending array of entitlements, tax credits, special favors for special groups, and the “social justice” of punitive taxes and regulations aimed at the most productive and successful members of society in order to “redistribute the wealth. They truely believe that “The end justifies the means” which puts THEIR cause above and beyond our precious founding principles of EQUAL JUSTICE under law, and enables them to trash the constitution and render our bill of rights null and void.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 7:33amAny Rand’s classic “Atlas Shrugged”? Come on Blaze, can’t you afford spell check?
Report Post »The reason Hollywood resisted is obvious, it’s the message stupid.
XTN
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 7:42amits the message stupid? come on Gonzo dont you understand English grammar?
Report Post »NikMar
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 7:42amWhere’s the problem, einstein? Go troll somewhere else. No one here gives a damn what your delusions are.
Report Post »expatinontariocanada
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 7:59amGonzo…delight us with your intelligence. Please tell us all what the message of “Atlas Shrugged” is. (This oughta be good…;-)
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:01amThe left doesn’t like the message, stupid. I am referring to the line that Clinton famously used against Bush 41, “It’s the econmoy, stupid.” I guess if it’s not in a comic book, you never read it.
Report Post »Rick in Iowa
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:02amRead the book, then read your choice of newspaper. I think you’ll probably be able to see how people see the relevance of the message.
Report Post »proliance
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:03amA spell checker would want to change “Ayn” to “any.” And to XTN, you should double check your grammar before complaining about someone anyone else.
Proofreading shouldn’t be left up to computers, it shows a lack of effort on the part of the author.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:05amNikMar
Report Post »Any VS Ayn? You can’t see the prolem after you read it twice? Or, do you just look at the pictures.
lovenfl3
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:13amI can’t wait to see the film.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:18amexpatinontariocanada
Report Post »The message is simple and true. The more that a government intrudes in to private business and the personal lives of it’s people, the less motivation private business and the individual have to succeed.
At some point, the productive members of society get sick of doing all the work for those that refuse to work and leave the country to collapse on itself. There, now you won’t even have to buy the cliff notes because the novel is way above your reading level.
Mannax
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:19amGonzo, it is obvious that they had the auto complete feature on and since “Any” is the proper spelling of a word, well it doesn’t show up. Now, the correct question is why aren’t they having a fellow staffer proof read?
Report Post »tobywil2
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:19am“ATLAS SHRUGGED” – WORTH READING AGAIN!
“ATLAS SHRUGGED” by Ayn Rand was published in 1957 and I read it shortly after it was published. Over the years I read it several more times, the last time in early 2000. Recently, I bought a copy for my Kindle and started reading it again. A 50+ year love affair with a book? Today, I am enjoying “ATLAS SHRUGGED” even more than the first time I read it. It is almost like reading today’s headlines as it relates laws being passed to inhibit the production of wealth and reward political cronies. as it exposes the fallacies of the Obama initiatives.
Give yourself a treat. Read “ATLAS SHRUGGED” again, slowly this time and ponder the message. If you haven’t read it, I envy you, a joyous experience awaits you.
Ayn Rand was a brilliant woman. Her works deserve your continued study; they will enhance your life. http://commonsense21c.com/
Report Post »Oil_Robb
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:23amIts a classic….The author is so bright
Report Post »Dustyluv
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:27amIf the movie can spark the Nation like the book has…
Report Post »@leftfighter
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:33amOh, they can afford spell check. They apparently can’t afford an editor.
Problem here is, the word “Ayn” is a misspelling, according to most spell check software. What most likely happened happened here is Meredith probably shot through the entire piece telling the spell check to correct misspelling errors without thinking that maybe it considers Ayn’s name to be a misspelling.
That’s the difference between an editor and spell check. An editor would have known the difference and moved on. That fine line also happens to be the difference between a blog and a serious news source.
Get it together, Blazers, if you want to be taken seriously. This happens all the time on this site.
Report Post »constitutionaldirective
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 8:52amDon’t expect leftists to understand or respect individualism.. it’s a genetic thing..
Report Post »Ken
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 9:24amHow about taking your childish fighting “outside” and let the “adults” continue with an “adult” debate?
Report Post »watchtheotherhand
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 9:27amI know what I am doing April 15th. Besides stupid taxes !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Report Post »GETLIFE
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 9:33amMaybe this is the beginning of a new movie-making competitor to Hollywood. They could call it “Atlas.”
Report Post »miresjs
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 9:59amCome on Gonzo! It’s the message stupid, don’t you know basic grammar? The message of the movie is over your head.
Report Post »CaptainKook
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 10:13amHere’s a quick primer on the real message of “Atlas Shrugged”:
http://www.citizenx.cx/img/comics/btaf_atlas_shrugged.gif
from:
Report Post »http://www.citizenx.cx/img/comics/tn/btaf_atlas_shrugged.gif.html
Corballs
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 11:03amAfter a quick search you would know that the authers name is spelled Ayn Rand
Report Post »FoundingPrinciples
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 11:53amAm I missing something? I don’t see the spelling error here.
Report Post »ozz
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 12:11pmHollywood, the statist mouth piece. Exactly why I won’t pay to watch movies any more. But this one I will go see several times. Vote with your wallet.
Report Post »cartercupp
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 2:25pmAmerica Shrugged
http://www.cartercupp.info/america-shrugged.html
Report Post »blacksmith
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 4:02pm@captainkook
Report Post »You have shown me the light with your posting of the cartoon! I will now gladly give my earned wealth to those that put no effort forth to earn it! Sorry I do not have a cartoon to explain sarcasm to you!
The story behind Atlas is that the producers will always survive and the takers cannot without the producers. The workers at Reardon supported the company and knew that their jobs depended on the company. Perhaps someday you can produce something and understand what it means to be robbed of your efforts.
DisillusionedDaily
Posted on March 10, 2011 at 9:11pmI read the book early last year and did not think it would be possible for any government to be that obtuse. Since the health care passage I am astounded to see more of her book becoming a reality on a daily basis. Though the book was written decades ago, it is like she had a premonition about the Obama government. I am now reading it a second time and will buy her other books when I finish it. It should be required reading in the first year of college, but the “educators” would rather have their classes read Saul Alinsky and Francis Fox Piven. By the way, where is John Galt?
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