By Jeff Holder
The new movie, ATLAS SHRUGGED PART 1, based on the best-selling book by Ayn Rand opens (appropriately) on Tax Day, April 15th.
Movieguide® had a chance to talk with producer Harmon Kaslow about the making the new movie.
One of the challenges Kaslow and team had to overcome is that they are creating the movie version of a book that some polls say is the most influential book after the Bible. The author and the book have spawned institutes, influenced academia and popularized many ideas, including the advantages of a free market economy and the benefits of a limited government.
“We had two goals,” Kaslow said. “The first is to get the message of the book into the film and second to create something entertaining. The message of the book is that we should love our life and we should stand up against government socialization.”
With any adaptation, fans of the book want to know what was done to “their” story when it hits the big screen.
Kaslow says, “We didn’t try to re-imagine the story or to change it but to make a cinematic thread that was true to the message. Use Ayn Rand’s message to get to the target audience.”
Kaslow sees the target audience as moviegoers that value individual liberty and a limited government. He sees that the story of the main character going against bureaucrats proves that hard work and perseverance can pay off. Kaslow knows that all ages and all demographics can embrace this story and will turn out for the movie.
Kaslow says that all those involved in the movie just want to show “capitalism is not a dirty word.”
Businessman John Aglialoro first acquired the rights to the Rand novel 18 years ago and has struggled to find financing and production for the story. Just under the deadline before losing the rights, he was able to go into production to make the movie that’s now set to open.
Kaslow says that, while Rand was herself an atheist, those views don’t come out in the book and therefore are not part of the film.
You can read MOVIEGUIDE®’s review of the movie HERE.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
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