ATLAS SHRUGGED – PART ONE, based on Ayn Rand’s controversial 1957 novel ATLAS SHRUGGED, depicts the collapse of American society after “men of the mind” (thinkers, industrialists, scientists, artists and other innovators) go “on strike” and vanish, refusing to contribute to a collectivist world.
ATLAS SHRUGGED – PART ONE is gearing up for a spring 2011 release and is a direct adaptation of part one of Rand’s three part novel. The film was produced by Harmon Kaslow and John Aglialoro based on a screenplay by Brian Patrick O’Toole (Evilution, Basement Jack, Cemetery Gates) and Aglialoro and directed by Emmy-Award Winner Paul Johansson (The Incredible Mrs. Ritchie, One Tree Hill). The film stars Taylor Schilling (Mercy) as Dagny Taggart, Grant Bowler (True Blood, Ugly Betty, Lost) as Henry Rearden and Matthew Marsden (Transformers 2, Resident Evil 3) as James Taggart.
“The project attracted a number of high caliber actors as well as reputable directors. However, we were drawn to a talented cast and director with a passion for the material and desire to execute a faithful cinematic vision,” according to Aglialoro.
“Our goal was to, above all, produce a film that is true to the book and maintains the message of Rand’s timeless novel. We aim to please the millions who have read the book in addition to attracting a new audience to her amazing work,” said Kaslow.
The film was shot over 40 days using the latest RED digital camera in a number of locations in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and outlying areas. Stargate Studios is already preparing a large number of VFX and 3D computer generated images.
