Jim V. Hart's ATLAS SHRUGGED

Bill,

Thanks for the information. It is good to know that David is a consultant on the project. That's definitely a hopeful sign. I will remain optimistic and look forward to reading the report in The New Individualist.

As for movies being unsuited to the promotion of ideas...

Inherit the Wind, Chocolat, Miracle Worker, Schindler's List, Dr. Zhivago, Pleasantville, A Man for All Seasons, Footloose, Groundhog Day, Stand and Deliver, Pay It Forward, The Ten Commandments, The Passion of the Christ...The list is obviously much, much longer. I am not endorsing all of these films or their messages, but they definitely conveyed meaningful ideas. That's all we can ask of any movie.

If it is a quality film with a clearly stated, well-developed theme--and makes people want to read the book--it could mean a great deal to the future of Objectivism.

Post 41

Friday, August 19, 2005 - 7:38pm

Thank you Dennis. Once again you helped me before I was able to post.

Peter R. The "QED" part of your post presumes a HUGE preconception and misconception. Dead wrong too. For the record, let me state that the only way to take film making into account in adapting a novel is not to castrate it of all serious ideas.

(If you presume that I only want dry ideas through lectures and no action or audio-visual content qua audio-visual content in a film version of Atlas Shrugged "QED," then I have the same right - I presume that you only want mindlessness. btw - I have made and worked on several successful films and TV series in Brazil.)

Fortunately even Hollywood has not been that... that... that... whatever. There is a magnificent list of "heavy" successful films produced and exhibited in theaters, then foreign, then home video (including DVD) - all of which made oodles of money.

I was unaware that The Fountainhead lost money as a film. Could you provide me a source?

Bill Perry,

Whew!

David Kelley as advisor? My fears are pretty much abated now. The producers can hype all they want. Still, I hope they listen to him. Also, I wish them luck.

Michael

Post 42

Saturday, August 20, 2005 - 6:21am

The Ditko goodkind thing is probably up for debate.

But I purposely didn't mention Me. A because ditko wrote his own dialogue for all his Mr. A projects... but everything he did for the major companies someone else wrote the dialogue for.

Also which of Goodkind's books were made into two of the top grossing films of all time? ;)

---Landon

Post 43

Saturday, August 20, 2005 - 11:53am

Are you guys nuts? It's so darn uncomfortable. I'd prefer what's in the book: in bed.

It's the whole executive attire/office sex thing. It should at least start out on the desk, but even that isn't mandatory.

rde
Always keeping priorities in order.

Post 44

Monday, August 22, 2005 - 7:28am

Here is the link to the production of Atlas Shrugged currently in development. I want to see it done right or not done at all. I am hoping that it is magnificent and wins several Oscars.

http://www.baldwinent.com/prod_atlasshrugged.html

Post 45

Monday, August 22, 2005 - 10:19pm

I can see it all now�.

James V. Hart, accepting the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay:

"There are so many people I want to thank. The producer, for having faith in me to handle such a daunting task. The director, for respecting my viewpoint about how to approach this contoversial project. But most of all, I want to thank Ann Rand, whose vision of a society where the industrial war machine, corporate greed and governmental corruption have finally been banished continues to inspire us even today�"

Cue the music. Thunderous applause.

(Sorry. I couldn�t resist.)

The unfortunate truth is that the only way this movie could even be nominated for an Academy Award in today�s Hollywood is if it is so bad that none of those dimwits has a clue what the novel is about.

Post 46

Monday, August 22, 2005 - 11:31pm

Dennis: that's highly possible. I remember reading a Sandra Bullock byte where they asked her what her favorite book was. She answered "The Fountainhead, because I adore architecture!"

If that doesn't sum it up I do not know what would.

Post 47

Tuesday, August 23, 2005 - 4:57am

Don't make it at all.

Anyone ever considered that AS has already been produced in it's supreme form? A novel.

"action drama"? "international terrorism"? "irresponsible foreign policy"? Pu-leeze!

Who are they bringing in as executive producer? Michael Moore?

Ross

Post 48

Tuesday, August 23, 2005 - 6:04pm