The Atlas Shrugged movie is finally coming out, but I'm not sold yet. There doesn't seem to be a star packed cast, or any star for that matter, and is only having a limited release. I believe Atlas Shrugged deserves more since it was originally rumored to have Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie in it.
That being said, I hope it pulls through. Ayn Rand is one of my all time favorite writers, and that's not because she is the best writer, in fact, her writing ability isn't really that great at all. But it's the fact that she combines fiction and philosophy in such a fundamental way, that it forces reflection, and that to me is the very purpose of the creative process.
There's not many writers around like Ayn Rand. Most choose a target market, and right specifically for that market. And sure, this is fine enough, it will make money and fame, and possibly even create a really well written book. But in the end of the day, it goes against what the creative process is about, and that's about creating for the sake of the work its self. Not worrying about the reaction it will receive, and simply enjoying the clicking of the keys, the realization of the images and the knowing that you're creating something from your heart.
This is why Dystopian literature connects so much with me. It's very purpose is to express the subjects of philosophy, but put them in a reality that we can perceive directly and respond to. Ayn Rand has written entire philosophical books on the subject (If you haven't The Romantic Manifesto, do so immediately). All Dystopian novels are connected to philosophy, and Atlas Shrugged, I believe, is one of the best ever done because this purpose is so overtly visible.
Now, if you're new to Ayn Rand then I suggest a few things. First, don't dive into Atlas Shrugged first, it's a brick of a book. I would suggest reading some of her philosophy first, get an idea of what she is preaching. So pick up "The virtue of selfishness", "The romantic manifesto" and "Capitalism: The unknown ideal", then move onto "Fountainhead" (which should also get a remake), and then finish off with her opus, "Atlas shrugged." Do this immediately so you can embrace for the movie.
Anyways, the early reviews are out for the film, and so far, so good. But early reviews can't always be trusted, so fingers are crossed!
"Ask yourself whether the dream of heaven and greatness should be waiting for us in our graves - or whether it should be ours here and now and on this earth."-Ayn Rand
That being said, I hope it pulls through. Ayn Rand is one of my all time favorite writers, and that's not because she is the best writer, in fact, her writing ability isn't really that great at all. But it's the fact that she combines fiction and philosophy in such a fundamental way, that it forces reflection, and that to me is the very purpose of the creative process.
There's not many writers around like Ayn Rand. Most choose a target market, and right specifically for that market. And sure, this is fine enough, it will make money and fame, and possibly even create a really well written book. But in the end of the day, it goes against what the creative process is about, and that's about creating for the sake of the work its self. Not worrying about the reaction it will receive, and simply enjoying the clicking of the keys, the realization of the images and the knowing that you're creating something from your heart.
This is why Dystopian literature connects so much with me. It's very purpose is to express the subjects of philosophy, but put them in a reality that we can perceive directly and respond to. Ayn Rand has written entire philosophical books on the subject (If you haven't The Romantic Manifesto, do so immediately). All Dystopian novels are connected to philosophy, and Atlas Shrugged, I believe, is one of the best ever done because this purpose is so overtly visible.
Now, if you're new to Ayn Rand then I suggest a few things. First, don't dive into Atlas Shrugged first, it's a brick of a book. I would suggest reading some of her philosophy first, get an idea of what she is preaching. So pick up "The virtue of selfishness", "The romantic manifesto" and "Capitalism: The unknown ideal", then move onto "Fountainhead" (which should also get a remake), and then finish off with her opus, "Atlas shrugged." Do this immediately so you can embrace for the movie.
Anyways, the early reviews are out for the film, and so far, so good. But early reviews can't always be trusted, so fingers are crossed!
"Ask yourself whether the dream of heaven and greatness should be waiting for us in our graves - or whether it should be ours here and now and on this earth."-Ayn Rand
No comments:
Post a Comment