Who is John Galt?

[Tim K]

The classic book "Atlas Shrugged" has been made into a movie. If you're not familiar with the book, it's a novel written in 1957 about rampant socialism and the final result. It's eerily prophetic of the situation today. It's one of the most inspiring and enlightening books I've ever read.

It's just been made into a film, but (no surprise here) it's an independent film. No way the weenies in Hollywood would ever touch a story this powerful. If you'd like to see it in a theater in your area, you have to go to the website and request it. It took me 1 minute.

http://www.atlasshruggedpart1.com/

Seriously, it's important. If you value your freedom and the American dream, you owe it to yourself to read the book or see the film.

[TinkerinWstuff]

I've read the book and there is a theater near me. Will be interesting to see how much of the book will be able to translate to screen since it's the biggest book I've ever read.

[TinkerinWstuff]

it is curious that when you have some roughly 40% of Americans are all fine with gay relationships and Hollywood makes a blockbuster about gay cowboys. Some roughly 45% of Americans are conservative, 45% liberal, and 10% swinging either way, but Hollywood wouldn't touch Atlas Shrugged.

[pannetron]

I loved reading about Ragnar shelling the East Coast!

[Spooph]

More info, this is part 1. The book is 1400 some odd pages. It's a long read. The middle 400-500 pages is pretty much Ayn Rand just beating a dead horse, but read it anyway just so you too can become as intolerant of under-achievement and hippy-esque attitudes as Mrs. Rand. For further interest, look up "ethical egoism" and "objectivism". If you're not willing to read the book, at least go see the movie. I have a feeling there will be 3 parts, hopefully 6 if we're lucky, although the fact that John Galt is in the first part already makes me doubt this, maybe only a second part then?

Yes, it is eerily prophetic. Every American, screw it, every person on earth needs to read this. Let Capitalism survive and flourish, let responsibility for one's actions survive and flourish, let those who work for their paycheck, recieve their paycheck. OK, I'm done now, sorry if my passion for this spilled over a bit too much...

[TinkerinWstuff]

How about the radio address near the end that goes on for, what was it, like 45 pages?

I'm like, "look, i've read this far, I get it already. Really, 45 pages of :horse: ?"

[Spooph]

true true true, and I think it was 73 pages, but I'm not sure either.... Yes, lots of dead horse beating, BUT, after having read all of it, aren't you just absolutely outraged, ready to kick ass and take names at the ridiculousness of "hand-outs".... I see it all over the place, and I just face palm... what can I do?

[pauliep]

We were talking about this at work. Heard it is coming to the Century theater in Aurora.

[JDK1962]

Never did figure out where this quote came from, but like it a lot:

"There are two novels that can change a bookish fourteen-year old's life: The Lord of the Rings, and Atlas Shrugged. One is a childish fantasy that often engenders a lifelong obsession with its unbelievable heroes, leading to an emotionally stunted, socially crippled adulthood, unable to deal with the real world. The other, of course, involves orcs."

[Tim K]

Never did figure out where this quote came from, but like it a lot:

"There are two novels that can change a bookish fourteen-year old's life: The Lord of the Rings, and Atlas Shrugged. One is a childish fantasy that often engenders a lifelong obsession with its unbelievable heroes, leading to an emotionally stunted, socially crippled adulthood, unable to deal with the real world. The other, of course, involves orcs."

OP here, that's hilarious. Didn't see it coming.

[WolFeYeZ]

http://www.fandango.com/atlasshrugged:part1_136949/movietimes?date=4/15/2011
Comes out April 15. I'm definitely going since this has been my favorite book for a long time.

[Vance]

As a former "Big L" Libertarian who ran for office under their banner - and a devoted Sci-Fi fan - I absolutely HATED this book as Science Fiction. Political commentary piece yes... but certainly not even top 100 of all the books of the genre I've ever read.

And honestly I can see why Hollywood wouldn't touch it - the same way they should have never attempted Battlefield Earth. Absolutely unworthy of screen time because it is too complex and too preachy. Okay - Battlefield Earth is pretty much pure drivel except every other chapter, and even then its hit and miss.

Its not like all Sci Fi or even all literature translates to the screen. Look at the entire catalog of Asimov's work. It REALLY doesn't translate well onto screen. Too technical. Too involved. Too not-Hollywood.

Sorry but I can't buy into the excitement on this one. One of the few books I've read and didn't bother to own. One of those I won't bother seeing too. Big L or little l politics aside - its not worth my time to see.

[TinkerinWstuff]

so you didn't bother to watch the trailer either?

Looks like it's taking place in modern time. Will be interesting to see how some of the things like piracy and secret hideouts are handled in a modern time setting.

[Spooph]

Never did figure out where this quote came from, but like it a lot:

"There are two novels that can change a bookish fourteen-year old's life: The Lord of the Rings, and Atlas Shrugged. One is a childish fantasy that often engenders a lifelong obsession with its unbelievable heroes, leading to an emotionally stunted, socially crippled adulthood, unable to deal with the real world. The other, of course, involves orcs."

So true! I'm doomed! :devious: I already have my ticket for Friday the 15th if anybody wants to join me in Boulder...

[TinkerinWstuff]

will be heading over the mtn to GJ on Friday :(

[Vance]

so you didn't bother to watch the trailer either?

Looks like it's taking place in modern time. Will be interesting to see how some of the things like piracy and secret hideouts are handled in a modern time setting.

I did see the trailer when it originally came out a couple weeks, maybe a month ago... looked like melodrama material that should have been on Hallmark Channel or SyFy or something as a mini-series... not big screen theatre level work... but that's just my opinion.