Film

What's on at the cinema plus reviews of the latest movie and DVD releases

Updates:

Related films

Mr & Mrs Smith

Related people

Pitt and Jolie 'Shrug'

Brad and Angie are in talks to star in an adaptation of philosophical tome 'Atlas Shrugged'.

Apr 27 2006

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are rumoured to be in talks to star in an adaptation of Ayn Rand's supposedly unfilmmable novel 'Atlas Shrugged'.

Several previous attempts have been made to bring the book to the big screen, while a mini-series was also in the works several years ago, but no one yet has been able to successfully adapt the Russian-born author's seminal tome.

Lionsgate have picked up the worldwide rights however, and hope that the involvement of 'Mr and Mrs Smith' stars Pitt and Jolie will enable them to get the ambitious project off the ground.

As for the book itself, it's a powerful philosophical piece that tells of the devastating consequences that would follow economic collapse in the US, and if done right, it will make one hell of a movie.

User comments on this story

Jerry said...

Pitt and Jolie are both capable of fine performances, although he's not as consistent as her. Very likely, their interest and support is vital to the financing and success of the film. In this decade, this is probably the best chance yet to produce the film. I doubt very much they can make a good 3-hour film of it though. The Fountainhead was pretty loyal to the book, but Cooper came across pretty wooden. Rushing the action and words would ruin the film. Posted on Jun 13 2006 21:00

Report as inappropriate
ea said...

It will be hard enough to pull of a 1000+ page book in a 3 hour cinematic event without Brad and Angie muckng it up. Hopefully the producers will come to their senses and get this thing as far away from Hollywood clownish *ANYTHING for publicity* types as possible. They'll just bring all the wrong kinds of publicity. Phoenix and Blanchet would be SO much better. I have no suggestion for director though. Posted on May 10 2006 19:12

Report as inappropriate
Handy said...

Gary Cooper regretted his portrayal of Howard Roark in "The Fountainhead," because he said he didn't really understand the character until after the film debuted. A full understanding of Objectivism should be a prerequisite for any prospective cast members. "Variety" hinted that Oliver Stone may become the director. He would be a disaster, because he would deliberately sabotage the project. Posted on Apr 28 2006 12:27

Report as inappropriate
Kat said...

oh jeeze. please please don't fuck this one up, hollywood. quentin tarantino alone is enough to make me lose respect for the so-called "artform" of film. the potential of this film actually following the message and morals behind AS is so low.... galt help us. Posted on Apr 28 2006 03:29

Report as inappropriate
Josh said...

I wonder if they're portray Hollywood as Hollywood's portrayed in the book. Jolie as Dagny Taggart? Brad Pitt as Hank Rearden? Don't kill all the good memories. Posted on Apr 28 2006 01:13

Report as inappropriate
Stephanie said...

Brad and Angelina are the most liberal people in this world! She's off in 3rd world countries being as alutrisitic as one can get! I'm surprised she doesn't just give them all her money and live amongst them. How can they possibly portray the most rational, capitalistic role models ever invented?? Posted on Apr 27 2006 21:16

Report as inappropriate
Amy said...

It's not just economic collapse, it's philosophical collapse. Let's hope the movie gets it right at least. Posted on Apr 27 2006 17:21

Report as inappropriate
Jack said...

Yes it will make one hell of a movie. I can't wait. Posted on Apr 27 2006 16:36

Report as inappropriate