Lionsgate Shrugging

Daily Variety ^ | April 27, 2006 | Pamela McClintock

[Monkey King]

Ayn Rand's most ambitious novel may finally be brought to the bigscreen after years of false starts. Lionsgate has picked up worldwide distribution rights to "Atlas Shrugged" from Howard and Karen Baldwin ("Ray"), who will produce with John Aglialoro.

Angelina Jolie, a longtime devotee of Rand's, and Brad Pitt, also a fan, are rumored to be circling the leading roles of Dagny Taggart and John Galt.

"Atlas Shrugged," which runs more than 1,100 pages, has faced a lengthy and circuitous journey to a film adaptation.

The Russian-born author's seminal tome, published in 1957, revolves around the economic collapse of the U.S. sometime in the future and espouses her individualistic philosophy of objectivism. The violent, apocalyptic ending has always posed a challenge but could prove especially so in the post-9/11 climate.

[Monkey King]

Didn't know excerpt rules for "Variety". Didn't want to get FR in trouble - better safe than sorry, etc.

[sageb1]

I don't see Pitt as Galt.

[marlon]

Great two socialists to play the part of the quintisential capitalists. Way to go Lionsgate!

[DoctorMichael]

Requires a subscription, but thanks for the headzup anyways.

[babaloo]

How can you be a fan of Ayn Rand and expect the US government to fund "No Child Left Behind" for the world?

[SlowBoat407]

I'd rather see Ridley Scott direct it. He's much better at creating the kind of atmosphere it needs.l

[robertpaulsen]

Who is John Galt?

[Socratic]

If only this were the heyday of the miniseries. I don't think any theatrical release can capture all the subplots which is what truly makes the novel more than just an adventure story with political overtones. Objectivism IS a philosophical system.

[L98Fiero]

"Great two socialists to play the part of the quintisential capitalists. Way to go Lionsgate!"

Don't worry. They will be....ACTING!!!! (John Lovitz SNL ripoff)

[RJL]

Angelina Jolie, a longtime devotee of Rand's, and Brad Pitt, also a fan, are rumored to be circling the leading roles of Dagny Taggart and John Galt.

United Nations crony Angelina Jolie is a "long time devotee of Rand's"?

Seems unlikely.

[LanPB01]

I'd be shocked to learn Angelina Jolie has ever touched one of Rand's books. Or could even name the title of one, for that matter.

[SlowBoat407]

Alright, back to the drawing board. Casting alternatives, everyone!

[HuntsvilleTxVeteran]

Wrong people to star in it.
My old dog eared paperback has only 1,084 pages.

[Socratic]

Casting alternatives...

Gary Cooper, Patricia Neal and Ricardo Montalban.

[Borges]

Any fans of the old King Vidor film of The Fountainhead? It's unclear whether or not he was mocking it. All those phallic symbols (I wish I'd never seen your skyscraper!).

[sageb1]

:)

[Prysson]

Thats insane. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie as fans..I mean these guys are total humanitarian advicate of one world government philosophy for Petes sake. Furthermore, if Pitt was such a devotee of Rand's the WHY on earth did he call for a committee to evaluate a contest by architects for the rebuilding of certain "community projects" in New Orleans. I mean the very idea is antithetical to the stanard in The FOuntainhead. I dont have much aaginst Pitt or Jolie specifically they generally keep their mouth shut..but the idea that they are fans of Ayn Rand just strikes me as absurd.

[freepatriot32]

ping.I cant see brad pitt as jon galt though I can however see anjolina jolie as dagney as long as shes in a thong bikini :-)

[Onelifetogive]

Angelina Jolie, a longtime devotee of Rand's, and Brad Pitt, also a fan, are rumored to be circling the leading roles of Dagny Taggart and John Galt.

I could see Alec Baldwin as Wesley Mouch.....

[Andonius_99]

You gonna be in this???