Neal's Workshop

Per Variety on April 26, Lionsgate has picked up the worldwide distribution rights to make Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged a movie.

The article mentions that the roles of Dagny Taggert and John Galt could be played by Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, respectively. As Lionsgate typically makes indie films, the budget for this film would be something on the order of $20 to 30 million. If you'll recall, Lionsgate brought us American Psycho (2000) starring badass Christian Bale.

Though I would be happy to see Atlas Shrugged, I'm admittedly skeptical on how well the book will translate into a movie.

Here are some specific concerns:

1. How do you cram a thousand-plus page book into a three hour movie and have the movie be good? Is this even possible?
2. Are the ideas in Atlas ones that can be conveyed in a palpable yet complete manner through the silver screen?
3. At what time will the movie be set?
4. Brad Pitt? Really? I'm not sure if he's the best choice. I'd much rather see Tobey Maguire. Just kidding.
5. Well maybe not kidding. Or not totally. Not Tobey. Confused? Okay, seriously, who is John Galt? Who could play that role? What about Hank Rearden?
6. I'm okay with Angelina.

I'm going to go ahead and lob in a vote for Christian Bale.