Box-office power of Ayn Rand’s ‘Atlas Shrugged’ baffles insiders

Chicago Sun Times ^ | 4/20/11 | PAUL BOND

[BCrago66]

The power of Ayn Rand devotees has impressed some Hollywood distribution executives, who took note of the hefty $5,640 per-theater average scored by “Atlas Shrugged: Part 1” during its opening weekend.

“Shocking,” one executive said about the healthy business the low-budget film has been doing, considering its “awful” marketing plan.

[Christian Engineer Mass]

I have huge ambitions, huge desires, and huge imagination thanks.

“most movies inspire or entertain us”

I submit that “most” movies actually sap your ambitions, desires, and imagination.

[Cyber Liberty]

... its “awful” marketing plan.

There's a marketing plan? Who knew?

[The Louiswu]

I've seen this film and I really liked it. It's not perfect but I felt it was a very good start. I think this "viral" type/word of mouth marketing that is getting folks into the theaters to see this film is great. I am constantly amazed by the millions of dollars hollywood spends to promote trashy, stupid films in an effort to justify the bloated paychecks that the "stars" of those films get.

I believe that if a production company would start making films with a positive, pro-conservative, pro-American message that company and those kinds of films would do very well indeed.

I would like to see a film about American troops in the middle east (any theater would do) where the troopers are portrayed as the heroes they are rather than borderline nut jobs who snap and go off the deep end. I would go see a movie like that. Instead, I find myself watching movies made in the 30's and 40's (which I enjoy)rather than spend my money on the crap that is passed off as entertainment these days.

[balls]

“I submit that “most” movies actually sap your ambitions, desires, and imagination.”

I completely agree with your comment. Movies are so contrived and predictable. They leave virtually nothing to the imagination. Star Trek is one example. It plugged in impossible new technology and laws of physics wherever called for in the plot.

[balls]

... but Atlas Shrugged was is ordinary movie. It’s a wake-up call for what is happening to our country.

I’ve seen many reviews that focus on the acting, casting, or the cost-cutting short-cuts taken, but I didn’t notice any of that when I saw it, I was too wrapped-up in the unfolding story, which I thought was portrayed wonderfully

[balls]

should be: “but Atlas Shrugged is no ordinary movie”