Posted on 04/27/2006 12:06:00 PM PDT by Monkey King
Ayn Rand's most ambitious novel may finally be brought to the bigscreen after years of false starts. Lionsgate has picked up worldwide distribution rights to "Atlas Shrugged" from Howard and Karen Baldwin ("Ray"), who will produce with John Aglialoro.
Angelina Jolie, a longtime devotee of Rand's, and Brad Pitt, also a fan, are rumored to be circling the leading roles of Dagny Taggart and John Galt.
"Atlas Shrugged," which runs more than 1,100 pages, has faced a lengthy and circuitous journey to a film adaptation.
The Russian-born author's seminal tome, published in 1957, revolves around the economic collapse of the U.S. sometime in the future and espouses her individualistic philosophy of objectivism. The violent, apocalyptic ending has always posed a challenge but could prove especially so in the post-9/11 climate.
(Excerpt) Read more at variety.com ...
"What is "IIRC"? "
If I remember correctly.
Al Gore as himself.
"His most challenging role ever."
Definitely not Galt, but maybe he could do a passable James Taggart. If I were to cast the film I'd be inclined to have Johnny Depp as Francisco, Patrick Stewart as Akston, and Harry Morgan (is he still alive?) as Judge Naraganset.
Arnold Schwarzeneger as Ragnar Danskjold.
I think Mila Kunis would be perfect for Lillian Rearden...
Nope, gotta have the Governator as the pirate.
David Hyde Pearce- perfect!
Actually, I thought James Earl Jones would be good as Midas.
A younger Bill Shatner could have pulled it off but I don't see Rearden as a "hair plug" type.
In the category of probably too old, it's a shame:
Tom Selleck or James Wood as Hank.
I think they are both conservative, too.
If I Recall Correctly.
Catherine Zeta-Jones as the character she played in Ocean's Twelve was EXACTLY how I always imagined Dagny. I have no idea what kind of a spokesperson for the movie she'd be on the talk show circuits, however. OTOH, Heather Locklear dyed brunette would be even better AND a more competent spokesperson as well. Another capitalist to consider might be Janine Turner.
BINGO!
I'd point him out to you, but I haven't seen him around here in a while... I know that he WAS here, but he seems to have disappeared...
Mark
All these EGOS under one roof..Would hollywood actually survive??????
lol!
OOOhhh good one... hadn't thought of him.....
a more important issue is, would someone who looks like Pitt be a match to what Rand had in mind when she pictured Reardon. The answer is probably yes.
In the early 1940's the filming of this story began as a veiled critical piece against Mussolini. As an outwardly critical storyline against Liberal Soviet Totalitarianism it was perfect for the Axis Powers. Rand, as a philosopher, was not as well studied and known at this time. Once it was completed and premiered, the aspects of Rand's basic philosophy of Man's intellectual independence from any other entity, human or governmental, shown through and it was glaringly obvious that Rand also was opposed to Fascist Totalitarianism. The film was abruptly buried for decades and a restored version with English subtitles was shown in LA. I attended the LA premiere
http://www.wethelivingmovie.com/
Depending on how they manage to butcher the screenplay, the same may occur here, much to Brad & Angelina's dismay.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.