So I asked recently for recommendations of non-Ayn-Rand Ayn Rand movies--i.e., which movies not based on an Ayn Rand novel are closest to representing her sense of life. The point, as you might guess, is to find a movie that is very well made that reflects her sense of life. Seems like we could use that at the moment. Ive got my top five mostly chosen, so I thought I would start a new thread to discuss them. Note that I wasnt just looking for good and worthwhile films. (Though I got a lot of great suggestions, thanks.) Im looking for ones that I thought were particularly Ayn-Rand-ish, and I also wanted ones that highlight different aspects of her work, as you will see below. 1. My top choice is the 1999 version of The Thomas Crown Affair. What I liked: Its about extraordinary people, who are regarded as interesting and valuable because they are extraordinary. Its a romance between adversaries, which Ayn Rand loved. And theres even a little bit at the beginning where Crown is asked what would happen if the interests of society as a whole ran counter to his own, and he gives a mischievous smile. Very much in the vein of Night of January 16. 2. Flight of the Phoenix. What I like: exploration of the relationship between a thinker/creator and the people who depend on him, in a NON-political context (a plane full of passengers stranded in the desert) which makes it very Fountainhead-like. Im using the 1965 version, though Ive heard there was a recent remake. Anyone seen it? 3. Inherit the Wind. The classic version, of course. What I like: not just the pro-reason theme, but the literary aspect. Ayn Rand gets criticized all the time for all the speeches and philosophy in her novels. Inherit the Wind is basically a bunch of speeches and philosophical debates strung together into a movie. Can that be exciting and dramatic? Yes, yes it can. 4. Executive Suite. Cant have a list like this without a boardroom drama, and I like the fact that the William Holdens hero is an inventor and innovator, emphasizing that business is about production and not just deal-making or financial manipulation, which is mostly what Hollywood depicts. Ill post more on this thread in a bit. Ive got a couple of favorites with anti-religious themes, but interestingly Ayn Rand never gave that as much emphasis as anti-collectivism. (Discuss.) So for the last slot, Im wondering: whats the best, most Ayn-Rand-like anti-collectivist film out there? Also, if you think you have a better film that should supplant one of my choices, make your case.
Posted on: Fri, 19 Sep 2014 19:29:31 +0000
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