Ayn Rand: In Her Own Words

To date, I have now read both of Ayn Rand's most famous books, The Fountainhead, and, yes, of course, Atlas Shrugged - And, even though I flatly refuse to whole-heartedly embrace her romantically idealistic, kitchen-counter philosophy, which adamantly asserts her unshakable, fundamental belief in "Objectivism" - I still consider this documentary-DVD to be well-worth a view.

With narration provided by Ayn Rand, herself - This 75-minute bio-documentary (using countless stills and vintage film clips) covers the busy life of this ambitious woman who (upon her arrival in America at 21) soon became one of the 20th Century's most praised/most criticized/most influential literary figures of her day.

Throughout her career as a successful, out-spoken and very controversial writer, Ayn Rand publicly rejected faith and religion, while at the same time preached that selfishness was, indeed, a virtue. (In fact, it was one of the most admirable and noble virtues of all, according to Rand)

An extremely heavy smoker all of her adult life, Ayn Rand (77 at the time) died in 1982 from lung cancer.

The movie is simply a collection of interviews she has made with television hosts such as Donahue and Mike Wallace, as well as still pictures from her early life, before she became a household name. Whatever you think of her or her philosophies, you at least hear her describe herself and how she adopted the attitudes she did.

And who was she? A girl born in Russia before the 1917 revolutions, how she felt as a child and how she got along-or didn't-with her various family members. She then talked about her education and university years, and why she wanted to come to the United States, and while there, how she supported herself and found a husband.

The movie does not cover the years after she found literary success with "The Fountainhead" or "Atlas Shrugged", but not every biopic has to be a Ken Burns mega production.

An excellent documentary

Almost as important as the meat of the information is the production style. Finally, a documentary that travels chronologically along with one presenter. I cannot stand sound bite presentations where ten people talk about point one. Then the same ten people talk about point two.

The presentation is pieces of film and family photos. I lived in Los Angeles in the time of streetcars so it was really neat seeing them again. Much of the presentation has nothing to do with philosophy. However periodically philosophy raises its head. There are also clips of earlier reviews.

In the end, one feels that Ayn is a real person (maybe a sort of snot) but not just an obscure or mysterious writer. And one gets her insight as to what was presented before our interpretation.

One might need to watch it again. At least take another look at her books.

"'I will not die. It is the world that will end Paraphrase of unknown philosopher." - Ayn Rand

Extras 1. Childhood parties 2. Comments on the future 3. Characters of the Fountainhead 4. Ayn's memory of Alan Greenspan DVD copyright 2010.

This film consists solely of filmed interviews Ayn Rand made with various people (Mike Wallace, Phil Donahue and others) in the latter portion of her life. It's very interesting but also perhaps not the very best introduction to her philosophy of life--as it is not the most systematic way to learn of Rand's views of capitalism and self-interest. I really think a bit of narration or bullet points with her four basis tenants would have helped a bit--as it is, it's a bit 'heady'. Because of this, this film would be great viewing for a philosophy or political science class but might overwhelm some folks watching it at home.

This film might be a good idea to watch because in recent years I have heard quite a few political pundits on the right espousing Rand. However, I wonder how many people would really want her 100% capitalism or her exhorting people to become much more self-centered. However, as I said above, this would be great for classroom use, as it could stir some wonderful discussions. I also wonder how followers of Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (espoused by Albert Ellis) or atheists would feel about her work, as there is some similarity. Interesting and thought-provoking but probably NOT the average person's sort of film.