This was a great introduction to the dramatic work of Ayn Rand. The movie is pretty much propaganda for
Objectivism, a philosophy that I have no small attraction to.
The degree to which the main character, architect Howard Roark,
is relentlessly, uncompromisingly independent of anyone else's support or opinion is admirable. He doesn't care what anyone thinks and will not bend to anyone's will, but not out of any sense of rebellion. "What do you think of me?", an adversary asks. "I do not think of you".
Alongside Roark as the flawless hero is a supporting cast of
almost-but-not-quite objectivists struggling towards self-improvement: Lacking courage, Dominique avoids or even destroys things that make her happy, hoping to thus deprive anyone from the ability to take away the happiness she as a consequence does not have. Millionaire newspaper owner Wynand holds equally strong convictions, but has sacrificed his personal values in the ruthless achievement of his ends.
There's a love story, of course – and I enjoyed the cold, rational way in which relationships are formed, postulating a love entirely without demands.
But while I found the themes of the movie fascinating, important and easy to identify with, there are also aspects I cannot agree with, like the attacks on any kind of altruism. I'd also argue that specifically as an architect Roark
does have responsibilities beyond just his
own artistic vision, namely to the tenants of his buildings (not that we see him violate these), and that his vigilante actions later on in the movie are
certainly not justified.
Technically, some scenes come across as all
too unrealistic or heavy-handed, and independent of the ideological opposition I found
this review highlighting the more unrealistic parts a hilarious read.
Thanks @
esad for the recommendation. Now I'm looking forward even more to the
forthcoming adaptation of Atlas Shrugged.