Movie Review: Atlas Shrugged III: Who is John Galt?

It’s not my intent for Nerds Who Read to be a political site. But political content aside, Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged is enough of a science fiction story in its own right that a review of the third and final installment of the big screen version is not out of place here. The film premiered on Friday amid reviews that make Ray Rice look like a pacifist. No doubt you’ve seen the long lists of things that are wrong with it, and I see no need to repeat them here. They’re all true. But here’s what's right with it:

• Kristoffer Polaha as John Galt. He carried the film. (So he was Atlas.)
• Peter Mackenzie (Mr. Thomson). Although I'm sure Rand would say he was too forceful for a character whose sartorial trademark was wilted shirt collars, I liked his performance; he reminded me of Kevin Spacey in House of Cards.
• Scene with Kristoffer Polaha and Peter Mackenzie
• Among the minor characters, Francisco d’Anconia, Hugh Ackston, Dr. Hendricks, and Ellis Wyatt
• Cinematography. Technically, this was the best movie in the series. Gorgeous panoramic Colorado mountainscapes. Pure eye candy, as you can see in the trailer.

• Music. I'm sure this is one part of the movie Rand would have loved. Again, I refer you to the trailer.
• The Speech. Having a 60-page speech in a work of fiction is problematic to begin with. As a professional novelist, I’m downright offended by the breach of good storytelling. Transferring it to the screen is perhaps the most challenging part of making an Atlas Shrugged movie, but the filmmakers stepped up to the challenge. I especially likee the 1/2 second or so blank screen at the beginning. Excellent use of the dramatic pause.
• Moment when Dagny sees Galt among the railroad workers
• Cameos by Ron Paul, Sean Hannity, and Glenn Beck (although is it significant that they weren't in Galt’s Gulch, among those worthy of being rescued from the destruction of the world?)
• SPOILER: Eddie Willers gets to live.
• Samantha Mathis wasn't in it.

In spite of its many flaws, I loved this movie. Unfortunately, due to the poor reviews, ASIII is unlikely to be in the theaters for long. So go see it. But hurry.

Michael Isenberg is the author of Full Asylum, a novel about politics, freedom, and hospital gowns. Check it out on Amazon.com