I haven't read the novel, so I cannot say how closely the film tracks Ayn Rand's original concept. However, I found the film to stand on its own quite well. Taylor Schilling, as Dagny, steals the show, although the supporting cast is excellent. I loved the "look" of the film despite some compromises required by the relatively small budget ($20 million). The general theme of the film involves government bought by corporation lobbyists, and corporations, in turn, controlled by government officials who seem to have decided that socialism trumps capitalism. It's a disturbing alliance to some, and I won't elaborate on this point as it might give too much away. I look forward to Atlas Scrugged, Part II, although I am skeptical if this interesting film will generate enough box office receipts to warrant a sequel.
Review of Atlas Shrugged: Part I
