Atlas Shrugged, Some Critics Shrugged, I Didn't

First, let me begin by saying it has been a number of years since I read Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. Consequently, my memory of the details is faded, but I remember the story line.

With that in mind, my wife and I went to see Atlas Shrugged: Part 1 last night. I was aware of the reviews. Many main-stream film-critics have panned it. A few others have given it favorable reviews. But by quantity, the bad exceed the good.  (Quality of review seems to be another issue. I am shocked but not surprised by the vitriol and dismissive attitude that seems to run through many of the negative reviews.)

I would have to say I liked the film. I had no problem with the acting (although the dialogue seemed a bit stiff), and given the nature of the production, I thought the cinematography was up to the story.

I have two criticisms. The first is that the film is not as good as the book. (What film ever is?) My second is the development of the story. Given that this is one of three proposed segments of a film based on a large novel, I walked out feeling glad that I had read the book. I felt too much had been left out. I am hard-pressed to give examples due to amount of time between reading and viewing. But the feeling I had was similar to that when I saw the wide-screen adaptation of the novel Dune. I'm glad I read the book before seeing the film.

My recommendation is the film is worth seeing. If you are true Rand fan or your memory regarding the book is clear you will enjoy it.  If this is your first exposure to Rand, prepare to walk out asking a lot of questions.  But that may be the way Rand would have preferred it. 

I would welcome your comments, particularly if you read the book and saw the film.