Ayn Rand & the Prophecy of Atlas Shrugged

Ayn Rand & the Prophecy of Atlas Shrugged

Year: 2011

Runtime: 87 mins

Language: English

Director: Chris Mortensen

Documentary

A feature‑length documentary that probes the renewed fascination with Ayn Rand’s epic, controversial 1957 novel. It investigates how the book’s stark predictions about America resonate today, offering analysis of its cultural legacy and the ongoing debate over its relevance.

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Timeline & Setting – Ayn Rand & the Prophecy of Atlas Shrugged (2011)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Ayn Rand & the Prophecy of Atlas Shrugged (2011). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Early 21st century

The film situates itself in contemporary America, reflecting the early 2000s to mid-2000s context. It references Atlas Shrugged’s enduring influence and the era’s conversations about regulation, markets, and personal responsibility. The narrative treats this period as a testing ground for Rand’s ideas and their relevance to modern society.

Location

United States

The documentary examines contemporary American life as a backdrop for a debate about government regulation, corporate power, and individual achievement. It uses settings across urban and institutional environments to illustrate how policy and business intersect in daily life. The setting frames a crisis narrative around the nation’s values and economic realities.

🇺🇸 American 🧭 Political and cultural landscape

Last Updated: October 01, 2025 at 09:38

Main Characters – Ayn Rand & the Prophecy of Atlas Shrugged (2011)

Meet the key characters of Ayn Rand & the Prophecy of Atlas Shrugged (2011), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Christopher Cerf (Interviewee)

An interviewee who offers historical and cultural context for Ayn Rand's work. He discusses how Atlas Shrugged was received at publication and how its ideas have evolved in public discourse. His perspective bridges literary analysis and public policy, highlighting the book's lasting influence.

🗣️ Interviewee 🌐 American

Andrew Bernstein (Interviewee)

Provides an explanation of Objectivist philosophy and its implications for economics and personal responsibility. He situates Rand's ideas within a broader philosophical landscape and discusses their appeal to advocates of free markets. His comments emphasize rational self-interest as a driving force behind achievement.

🗣️ Interviewee 🧠 Thinker

Harry Binswanger (Interviewee)

Contributes a defense of Rand's ethics; he articulates how individual rights underpin a free society. He responds to critics by clarifying the practical applications of Objectivism in policy and business. His analysis focuses on logical argument and principled reasoning.

🗣️ Interviewee 🧠 Thinker

Mike Berliner (Interviewee)

Offers insights into the political and economic implications of Rand's philosophy, including debates about regulation and innovation. He reflects on how these ideas resonate in contemporary policy discussions.

🗣️ Interviewee 🌐 American

John Allison (Interviewee)

Contributes a perspective on the practical application of Rand's ideas in business and finance, and how those ideas influence governance and markets. He discusses the relationship between individual initiative and economic systems.

🗣️ Interviewee 💼 Business

Clifford Asness (Interviewee)

Adds an analysis of investment philosophy and the relevance of Rand's rational self-interest to modern finance and markets. He relates philosophical concepts to real-world market behavior.

🗣️ Interviewee 💹 Finance

Yaron Brook (Interviewee)

Equips the discussion with an advocate's perspective on Objectivism and its implications for politics and culture. He offers interpretations of Rand's ideas in today’s landscape.

🗣️ Interviewee 🧠 Thinker

Northrup Buechner (Interviewee)

Provides historical or contextual remarks about Rand's era and the subsequent influence of Atlas Shrugged on American thought. He adds perspective on the book’s long-term impact.

🗣️ Interviewee 🌐 American

Jennifer Burns (Interviewee)

Discusses Rand's life and the development of Objectivism, adding scholarly insight into the philosophy's evolution and reception. She places Rand within a broader historical context.

🗣️ Interviewee 📚 Scholar

Corey Bustamante (Interviewee)

Contributes viewpoints on the cultural and political impact of Atlas Shrugged and its ongoing relevance. He reflects on the book’s resonance in contemporary debates.

🗣️ Interviewee 🌐 American

Dan Cloer (Interviewee)

Offers commentary on how Rand's ideas intersect with contemporary political economy and individual rights. He engages with arguments about regulation and freedom.

🗣️ Interviewee 🧠 Thinker

Corey Clark (Interviewee)

Provides analysis of Atlas Shrugged's themes and how they relate to modern debates on government and markets. He discusses the relevance of Rand's ideas today.

🗣️ Interviewee 💡 Thinker

Reut Cohen (Interviewee)

Adds perspectives on Rand's philosophy from a contemporary lens, discussing its influence on policy discussions. She contributes to the dialogue about the book's ongoing impact.

🗣️ Interviewee 🧭 Thinker

Charlene Fowler (Interviewee)

Comments on the cultural resonance of Atlas Shrugged and the ongoing dialogue around self-interest and societal values. She offers context on the book’s reception.

🗣️ Interviewee 🌐 American

James Ellias (Interviewee)

Provides critical or supportive analysis of Rand's ideas as discussed in the documentary, highlighting key arguments and counterpoints.

🗣️ Interviewee 🧠 Thinker

Erin Fowler (Interviewee)

Contributes a perspective on Rand's influence in contemporary political thought and economic theory, adding to the broader discussion.

🗣️ Interviewee 🌐 American

Nicole Gelinas (Interviewee)

Adds contextual analysis on the economic implications of Rand's ideas and their relevance to public policy and governance.

🗣️ Interviewee 💼 Policy

Last Updated: October 01, 2025 at 09:38

Major Themes – Ayn Rand & the Prophecy of Atlas Shrugged (2011)

Explore the central themes of Ayn Rand & the Prophecy of Atlas Shrugged (2011), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💡 Individualism

The documentary centers on the primacy of personal achievement and rational self-interest. It contrasts this with calls for altruism, arguing that freedom and innovation depend on recognizing individual rights. Through Rand’s framework, it questions whether society benefits when individuals are not coerced into sacrificing themselves for others.

🧠 Philosophy

A core thread is the examination of Objectivism and the altruism versus self-interest debate. The film explores Rand’s arguments and how they have been interpreted or challenged by critics and supporters alike. It treats philosophy as a driver of policy, culture, and everyday choices.

🎭 Cultural Reception

The documentary surveys Atlas Shrugged’s evolving reception from controversy to bestseller status. It analyzes dialogues among intellectuals, critics, and the public, showing how the book’s ideas continue to spark debate about American values. The film frames reception as part of Rand’s enduring cultural impact.

Last Updated: October 01, 2025 at 09:38

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