Use a newer, safer metal to be used in vehicles. Instead of a railroad theme, switch it to cars. Had the filmmakers chosen to go with a fresh new look at the book, the film might have proved both engaging and relevant. It's hard to follow and ultimately feels clunky and far too married to the novel's slightly dated narrative, which revolves around a new metal designed to be used with a railroad, and the many players who support and oppose this valuable resource. In one moment it's early November, in the next scene it's December, then June and so on. The film skips around, almost with no guidance. But the connecting tissue just isn't on screen. But without the book as a reference, the film doesn't really make much sense, playing more like a greatest hits of all the best parts of the story.

The film does do an OK job adapting Rand's lengthy and incredibly complex book. Cinematography and production design are the film's best assets, but even they feel geared for the made-for-TV environment. The film's score is over-guided, overbearing and too emotional, which proves off-putting in conjunction with the sloppy direction and wooden performances. Actors feel uncomfortable and deliver dialogue with very little conviction. Characters are emotionless and dull, poorly staged and directed by a filmmaker with very few credits to his name – a filmmaker who also self-indulgently cast himself as John Galt, the book's mystery player and driving force of the story's metaphors. But, ironically enough, even though Rand's original novel centers on finding value and treasuring it, the film is about as valueless as they come. Atlas Shrugged is a pet project, born from a few Ayn Rand fans with money.

Atlas shrugged part 4