claire

D'kian, I think we need to be realistic. Yes, the romance(s) will be played up. A movie concentrating on philosophic speeches just isn't going to draw people. At the moment, I can't think of any movie that was able to sustain itself on ideas alone. And these will be NEW and CONTRARY ideas to the viewers. Sorry, but I think the romance will be the draw. The spread of ideas will be the effect of having people come in and see the movie. (BTW, I never did see Michael Douglas in Wall Street. Did that have a romantic element?)

A Keating is someone who derives his or her values from others. A Keating reads the books everyone is reading, holds the same opinion as the majority around him, and acts so that people will like him/her, etc. But take a deep breath and relax. Rand's Keating is an absraction. There's nothing wrong in wanting people to like you, as long as you are yourself. It's perfectly normal to want approval. (You'd rather have disapproval?) You can do all those things and still remain honest. As for being aware of the opinion of others and acting accordingly - that can be okay, too. Years ago, I remembere seeing everyone on the bus/subway reading Harry Potter. It's not a book I'd have picked up myself. However, I became curious and bought a copy simply because I saw everyone reading it. Am I ever glad I did!!! So - relax. Learn what you can from Rand's characters, but remember they aren't people. They are abstractions. Be the best you can be and stop trying to be a fictional Rand character.

Well, there seems to be some harsh opinions on the cast. I don't agree they're bad. At least, let's give them a chance. Also, some good arguments have been made for an unknown cast that won't distract from the message. I mean, take Angelina Jolie. I think she could have played the part well, but between her looks, her kids, her affairs, her travels (by then, probably her split from Brad) .... her movies become secondary.

It might not be such a good idea to keep focusing on the five million dolllar budget. They had a deadline to meet. They can raise all the money they want now.

Jaskin, I'm curious why you consider the actress portraying Dagny as Bargain basement. Are you familiar with her work. If so, what do you not like about it? What exactly makes her so bad?

I'm glad you posted MoralParadise. You're an excellent example for women out there of how low some men can sink. There are women who think some of the men in Atlas Shrugged are low; it can be a shock to realize just how low some men are - Ayn Rand couldn't even have imagined someone like you on her worst day. So, thanks for posting. Certainly educational.

Yes, Howard, that was a generalization, but a pretty accurate one, based on experience. People who are comfortable with their sexuality are usually able to maintain a good relationship and don't need to prove anything by sleeping around. I've never seen unrestrained promiscuity as a sign of self-esteem. Of course, people who can't handle their sexuality and abstain usually (yes, a generalization) have the same problem.

Being comfortable with oneself and with sex is not the same thing as being promiscuous. As a matter of fact, most people (both sexes) who sleep around a lot a NOT happy or comfortable with their sexuality.

is What I mean by the above is, for example, I thoroughly enjoy sex. It's a tremendous pleasure. I like men who feel comfortable with themselves and sex and are not uptight. But that's me. It isn't for everyone. Each person needs to go with his or her comfort level.

What is it that makes it nice ... well, that will be different with each person. Peopel react differently. For some, sex before "the one" works, for others not. This is a decision that has to be made on a personal level; it's not one size fits all.

Zip, there's a nice medium between using a woman whose name you can't remember and finding the "ultimate." There are women whose company you can enjoy and want to be with, even if it isn't forever. It's all a learning process, to see what you really want and need. Enjoy the ride.

While there are some people on this threat who regret having sex before they met "the one," I don't think waiting is necessary. Whie you probably/hopefully will enjoy sex to the fullest when you meet your sourmate, there is plenty of opportunity here to enjoy sex with someone nice and attractive who you know you'll never marry. Sex was meant to be enjoyed, not fret over. And Startrooper is so right - you probably will fail along the line of woing a nice girl. So what? Learn from it. We all get rejected at some point. It's ultimatel no big deal. Oh, and you say you're not nervous. That's terrific. But being nervous is okay too. It's perfectly normal. Go for it.

Not evading reality at all, QuoVadis. Never do. I am, however, always curious what subjects "real" intellectuals ponder. Always living and learning, you know.

Wow. Looks like this argument is going to go on for quite a bit. Hmmmm ... to be there are no duels and won't be any duels and all of this is word salad. Guess this is within the comfort zone of a lot of people. Keeps from dealing with something called reality.

David, just one thing about grammar books. The ones that go into the latin roots of words are invaluable. I learned so much (wish I'd had latin in school). My word usage and my spelling improved a thousand percent. I say they are worth the purchase and study.

Is it really an issue of second-handedness (well, yes, asking a question like this on a forum is.) But getting a Harvard degree certainly isn't. Pure and simple, a degree from Harvard (assuming it offers the courses one wants) will get a person more opportunities than a degree from Iowa State. Better opportunities and taking advantage of them can't possible be considered a bad thing. It means grasping at what life has to offer!

I'm curious why you would let others decide something as monumentally important as getting a Harvard degree.

Dear Individual - there are lots of grammar books. Just get one or two that you like best. There is no such thing as an "Objectivist Grammar Book." And there's no magic to improving your grammar. Be an Individual. Act.

You're welcome. Maybe someone else can remember the specific year. I can't.

English is my third language. One learns a language (like anything else) by studying and continuing to improve. It helps if one uses good examples, such as reading well-written books and listening to well-spoken people.

Minarchist, as I have stated above, Ayn Rand answered that question in her Ford HAll Forum lecture. The answer is in the Ayn Rand Question and Answer Book. Just look it up.

Read Ayn Rand. She covered it. Do you need to be pointed to the correct reference?

I guess it must be easier for some people to live in a fantasy world with duels and such than live in the real world. Does any of this have ANY relevance on anyone's life?

And a discussion as to whether people should be dueling DOES make sense? To what kind of a mind?

The speeches would be a huge problem. Since they are merely a recapitulation of action already shown or discussed, it might be better to omit the speeches altogether. Galt's speech can be implied by the amassed people listening, and maybe a few highlights can be heard, otherwise, I think it's best to omit. Sometimes, a movie just can't follow a book that closely. This is one of those times.