“Atlas Shrugged” movie suggested cast
Mar 27th, 2009 | By Roger Ellman
Who will be John Galt?
My favourite book is Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand, so I am naturally excited about the prospect of a movie based on the book.
There is quite a frenzy out there about the imminent (with some question marks) production of Atlas Shrugged (just do a search for “Atlas Shrugged casting”).
I’ve long thought about who could possibly play the heroes of the book.
(For the uninitiated: the book is a manifesto of “Objectivism”, Ayn Rand’s life philosophy of reason & individualism – to find out more about Objectivism, Ayn Rand and Atlas Shrugged, see www.aynrand.org)
But apart from the philosophy, the book is a superb drama – even has suspense.
The characters are heroic, intriguing, inspiring – great stuff for a movie and a real challenge for actors (not to mention the screenwriter, who has to condense this enormous epic novel into a script for a 3-hour movie).
What would be then the ideal Atlas Shrugged cast?
Here are my picks…
Dagny Taggart
Angelina Jolie has acquired the rights to the movie, and she intends to play Dagny.
However, she would not have been my first choice. I feel a bit “overexposed” to her, seen her too many times in too many roles recently (I felt that way about Meryl Steep some time ago – I cannot see the role anymore, I just see the actress).
My fist choice is….(drum roll….) Famke Janssen.
She has the right look and if she did her best, I think she could pull it off.
Another great actress who I believe would be right is Cate Blanchett (with brunette hair). I can see her in it…
If Angelina does it, I hope she really gives her very best, because it would be a great shame.
John Galt
Daniel Day Lewis – I see no better for the man whose faces showed “no fear and no guilt”.
Second choice: Ralph Fiennes
Hank Rearden
Who better than Russell Crow?
He IS Hank Rearden.
I was glad to hear the producers suggested the role to him. I hope he decides to take it.
Alternatives: Ed Harris, Nicolas Cage
James Taggart
A villain, and an especially difficult & key role (his “melt-down” at the end would be a feat of acting).
I can see Tom Hanks doing it brilliantly.
Alternatives: Phillip Seymour Hoffman, John Travolta, Kevin Spacey
Ragnar Danneskold
Brad Pitt could be right for the role.
My alternatives: Jude Law, Johnny Depp
Francesco D’ Anconia
A very key role…I had difficulty assigning it. I think Josh Hartnett would be right for it.
My alternatives: Edward Norton, Johnny Depp
“Wet nurse”
Leonardo di Caprio, Tobby McGuire, Edward Furlong, Giovanni Ribisi
Hugh Akston
The good professor…Gene Hackman would be great.
Dr. Robert Stadler
The bad professor…Anthony Hopkins
Alternatives: Gene Hackman, Robin Williams, Martin Sean
Lilian Rearden
Laura Linney, Annette Benning, Cate Blanchett
Sharon Stone, Christine Scott-Thomas, Julian Moore, Helen Hunt
Cherryl
Kirsten Dunst, Drew Barrymore, Scarlett Johansson
Eddie Willers
Paul Raffalo
Ellis Wyatt
Nicolas Cage
Weasley Mouch
Michael Douglas, Jon Voit, Jeremy Irons, Andy Garcia, Tommy Lee Jones, Gabriel Burn, Dustin Hoffman
Director:
I can only think of two great directors that might do justice to the book & philosophy behind it, who know about heroes, about their pains and triumphs:
Ridley Scott (“Gladiator”, “Thelma & Louise”) and Clint Eastwood (“Million Dollar Baby”, “Unforgiven”).
See also:
