Like Rand's Fountainhead this film is great for extreme libertarians and for those, like myself, who enjoy odd cult classics where up is down and comic book superheroes. The characters in her stories don't actually exist in the real world. Her protagonists are always certain they're 100% in the right, and fortunately, for them, Rand makes it so. They're also willing to bet their reputations, fortunes, and entire companies (!!) on their certainties. It's a Tea Party libertarian fantasy world come to life where CEO's are relentlessly honest & despite what her characters say, don't care a whit about money. They'd sooner burn their companies to the ground, (SERIOUSLY!) than compromise their integrity. It can be a hoot!

Having read the book during my school years, I was surprised to find it had, only recently, been made into a film, apparently low budget with lesser known actors. So I was doubly surprised that it held my interest throughout. The slightly surrealistic direction by Paul Johansson perfectly suits the story line as do the fine performances and scenic production. I found Taylor Schilling's characterization of the powerful executive inconsistent and unfocused at times especially as compared to her costar Grant Bowler's powerful performance. Part II is yet to be released with an ALL-NEW cast & director!?!?

Although it often played like a BATMAN-series film (a little too conveniently manufactured plot) I ended up liking this film for its refreshingly different look at life as we know it today. (Even though its author, the indomitable Ayn Rand, actually wrote the book the movie's based on - in the 50's!) I note the political bent in some of the other comments with bemusement, since Rand wanted that very thing to happen when she wrote her highly charged novels on Individualism. Love it or hate it - you can't deny that it takes a forthright position on where Mankind and Society are heading and argues its position faithful to its 'Objectivism' doctrine. It's more akin to TV serial drama, than big-screen theatre, but still an interesting view.

A great movie all round. This is the movie the left-wing dominated media and Hollywood insiders did not want you to see. They tried to block its making. When that failed, they did all they could to turn the public against it, but that campaign failed too. I guess its message really hits home about the state of our world today. Hard to believe it was written nearly 60 years ago. It feels like it was written this year. Taylor Schilling's performance was terrific and really made this movie. Don't miss it, you won't be disappointed. Can't wait to see Part 2 and 3 and I hope they keep most of the same cast together. The lefties have already started their campaign against it so it must be under production.

This stayed true to the story. Loved the cinematography.What is interesting is that the book was written so long ago and these things are happening now. How prophetic.

Loved this movie! They did a great job following the book. I hope they keep up the good work on parts 2 and 3.

I believe if Mrs. Rand was alive she would have liked this interpretation of her book. From what I recall it is very much like the book. The story is that of the makers in society that slowly escape to a Capitalist world created by John Galt. Dagne and Hank are the last ones left, who would not give up to the Big Government, Thought Police crowd. Most of the regulations enacted in the movie, are now in place in America. We are actually living Rand’s fiction and do not realize it… Can’t wait to see Atlas Shrugged II, which it seems, will premier, very appropriately, Tax Day, 2012.