Atlas Shrugged II: The Strike

Dagny Taggart, portrayed by Samantha Mathis, finds herself at the controls of an airplane while pursuing another aircraft. As tension builds, she ponders the enigmatic question, “Who is John Galt?”, before her plane seemingly collides with a mountainside.

Fast forward nine months, Dagny is determined to unlock the secrets of an abandoned advanced motor prototype alongside her lover, Hank Rearden. Their search takes them on a quest to understand the mysterious disappearances of scientists nationwide. After much effort, Dagny manages to locate Quentin Daniels, a brilliant mind hiding in an abandoned laboratory in Utah, whom Dr. Robert Stadler, the head of the State Science Institute, recommended, albeit without direct assistance for her cause.

Meanwhile, Eddie Willers diligently supports Dagny at Taggart Continental while the controversial fair share law is defended by Wesley Mouch. This legislation, which mandates companies to serve customers equitably, is blamed for numerous business closures, including those in Colorado, forcing Dagny to halt essential freight services.

Dagny’s brother, James Taggart, the president of their family’s railroad business, is introduced to store clerk Cherryl Brooks. They attend a performance by famed pianist Richard Halley, only to witness his bizarre disappearance as he leaves behind a note asking, “Who is John Galt?” During their wedding, Dagny’s close friend, Francisco d’Anconia, sparks a heated debate among the guests about the nature of money, critiquing the view that it is inherently evil while secretly informing Rearden of troubling incidents concerning his copper mine.

As Dagny and Rearden’s relationship deepens, they face complications when Rearden’s wife, Lillian, confronts him. He offers a divorce, which Lillian declines, content to retain her privileged social status. Rearden’s commitment to integrity is palpable when he refuses to sell his innovative Rearden Metal to the federal government, countering the oppressive fair share law. However, this defiance results in threats of imprisonment led by Dr. Floyd Ferris from the State Science Institute.

In a pivotal moment, Francisco engages Rearden, revealing that he is the one providing wealth for those who exploit it. Despite Francisco’s pleas, Rearden remains steadfast, witnessing firsthand the commendable labor ethics Francisco embodies during a mill accident. At Rearden’s trial, he passionately champions the principles of individual freedom and profit, but the government fears martyrdom and imposes only a nominal penalty. Subsequently, the disruptive “Directive 10-289” is introduced, freezing production and mandating the transfer of patents to the government.

As challenges mount, the board of Taggart Transcontinental opts to dismantle the John Galt line, choosing immediate profitability over long-term vision. Under mounting pressure from James, who focuses on raising wages for the public good, Dagny finds herself forced to resign.

Tragedy strikes when a disastrous collision occurs in the Taggart tunnel, attributed to political pressures and inadequate training of Dagny’s temporary replacement. The aftermath pushes Dagny back into her role, even as d’Anconia urges her to reconsider. Determined to restore confidence in the railways, she embarks on a journey to Colorado, only to face a mechanical failure.

While seeking help, Dagny learns about the fate that befell the 20th Century Motor Company from a technician, revealing critical insights about the company’s demise and the vow made by John Galt to “stop the motor of the world.” In a desperate bid, Dagny tries to persuade Daniels to continue his work, but as she reaches Utah, she witnesses him depart, catalyzing a dramatic aerial pursuit that culminates in her plane’s crash.

In a remote valley, the wounded Dagny emerges from the wreckage to meet the mysterious John Galt who awaits her, opening a new chapter in her journey to uncover the truths that have caused society’s decline.

Last Updated: October 25, 2024 at 12:31