Atlas Shrugged: Part II - A Review of the Blu-ray Disc
Released: March 27, 2012
Runtime: 118 minutes
Director: John Galt (Not his real name, obviously)
Starring: Taylor Schilling, Samantha Mathis, Jena Malone, Patrick Wilson, Matt Damon, Esai Morales, Peter O'Toole, and Ron Perlman.
Synopsis: After the collapse of the fictional Taggart Transcontinental railroad company, Dagny Taggart, a woman who believes in the power of the individual and their ability to create, continues her fight against the ever-increasing government control and socialist agendas. She seeks the truth behind the mysterious disappearance of the world's greatest minds, known as the "men of the mind." With the help of a few remaining powerful thinkers, she embarks on a quest for the legendary "Galt's Gulch," a hidden haven for those who refuse to be enslaved by the collectivist system.
Review:
A Worthy Successor, Yet Still Fallible
"Atlas Shrugged: Part II," the second installment in the film adaptation of Ayn Rand's philosophical novel, picks up where the first film left off, continuing the story of Dagny Taggart and her quest for meaning and purpose in a world drowning in mediocrity and socialist ideology. This film, like its predecessor, seeks to bring Rand's complex philosophical ideas to life on the screen, using drama, action, and a strong cast to do so.
The Good:
-
Visuals: The production design and cinematography are impressive, creating a sense of grandeur and scope, especially when depicting the sprawling landscapes and powerful locomotives that are integral to the narrative. The visual effects, though not groundbreaking, effectively enhance the action sequences.
-
Performance: The cast gives a strong performance, particularly Taylor Schilling, who carries the weight of the character Dagny Taggart on her shoulders with grace and conviction. Her performance is the heart of the film, conveying the character's determination, intelligence, and moral compass. Other standouts include Patrick Wilson as the complex and morally gray figure of Hank Rearden, and Samantha Mathis as the enigmatic and manipulative Cherryl Taggart.
-
Themes: The film effectively explores the core themes of Ayn Rand's philosophy, namely the power of the individual, the importance of reason and self-reliance, and the dangers of collectivism. The film's emphasis on the "men of the mind" and their quest for a utopia free from government control resonates with viewers who hold similar views.
The Not-So-Good:
-
Pacing: The film can feel slow at times, particularly in the beginning, as it sets up the story and introduces the many characters involved. The pacing could be tightened, and some scenes could be trimmed to improve the flow of the narrative.
-
Dialogue: While the film's dialogue is generally well-written, some of the philosophical speeches can feel overly preachy and didactic. The film could benefit from a more nuanced approach to presenting its ideas, rather than simply stating them outright.
-
Limited Appeal: The film is likely to appeal most strongly to those already familiar with Ayn Rand's work and her philosophy. The film's philosophical underpinnings may be alienating to viewers unfamiliar with Rand's ideas.
Final Verdict:
"Atlas Shrugged: Part II" is a solid film that continues to explore the complex and challenging ideas of Ayn Rand's novel. While it may not be as visually stunning as some other films, it does a good job of translating the novel's themes to the screen. However, the film's pacing and some of its dialogue can detract from the overall experience. Nevertheless, it is a worthy addition to the growing library of adaptations of classic works of literature, and it will certainly resonate with viewers who appreciate the film's philosophical themes and messages.
Overall Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
What other viewers have said:
-
"It's not perfect, but it's a decent adaptation of a challenging book. It's worth watching for fans of Ayn Rand and anyone interested in thought-provoking films."
-
"The acting is good, and the visuals are impressive, but the film suffers from pacing issues and a somewhat preachy tone."
-
"I appreciated the film's exploration of Ayn Rand's ideas, but I found it to be a bit too heavy-handed in its presentation. It could have been more nuanced."
For those seeking a visually rich film with thought-provoking themes, "Atlas Shrugged: Part II" is worth checking out. However, if you're looking for a more subtle or balanced approach to presenting philosophical ideas, you may want to consider other films.
Bonus Information:
- "Atlas Shrugged: Part II" was a box office disappointment, grossing only $4 million against a production budget of $15 million.
- The film was directed by John Galt, a pseudonym used by the filmmakers.
- The film features a soundtrack by Mark Isham, who is known for his work on films like "The Insider" and "Crash."
This review focuses on the Blu-ray release of "Atlas Shrugged: Part II." The film is also available on DVD and other digital platforms. If you're looking for a thought-provoking film with strong performances and striking visuals, "Atlas Shrugged: Part II" is worth considering.
