Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Helen Mirren | ... | Ayn Rand | |
Eric Stoltz | ... | Nathaniel Branden | |
Julie Delpy | ... | Barbara Branden | |
Peter Fonda | ... | Frank O'Connor | |
Sybil Darrow | ... | Caroline (as Sybil Temchen) | |
Tom McCamus | ... | Richard | |
Don McKellar | ... | Alfred | |
David Ferry | ... | Interviewer | |
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Donald Carrier | ... | David |
Hamish McEwan | ... | Henry | |
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Elyssa Livergant | ... | Naomi |
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Christopher Marren | ... | Aaron (as Chris Marren) |
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Jennifer Gould | ... | Janet |
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Robert Thomas | ... | Security Guard |
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John Lefebvre | ... | Funeral Director |
Upon the death of Ayn Rand (Dame Helen Mirren), Barbara Branden (Julie Delpy) recounts the story of her dealings with the enigmatic twentieth century philosopher and author. Barbara and her husband, Nathaniel Branden (Eric Stoltz), meet Rand and her husband, Frank O'Connor (Peter Fonda) and immediately establish a rapport. Rand takes the youthful Nathaniel under her wing and begins to show a non-platonic interest in her protégé. Barbara must sit by as the two begin what becomes a long, tumultuous affair. Written by Jwelch5742
Having read almost all of Rand's works and considering her a brilliant philosopher and writer, I was apprehensive about seeing her personal side in a movie. I was not disappointed. I understand her work very well and was able to completely separate her personal conduct from her philosophy. Was her personal conduct in conflict or harmony with her philosophy? An esoteric question, and I don't care.
She was once quoted as saying that the character Kira, in her book 'We The Living', was the closest thing to an autobiography that she would ever write. Kira was a pure character with heroic characteristics. Ayn Rand in real life was probably not. Again, I don't care. None of this detracts from her philosophy. By the way, don't miss Rand's book-turned-into-film 'We The Living' starring Rossano Brazzi and Alida Valli filmed in Italy during WWII without Rand's knowledge or blessing. It is a cinematic feast. Italian actors, Russian setting, English subtitles and well adapted. Reportedly, Hitler had it canned after one showing because it criticized totalitarian dictatorships.
Back to this movie. It is reasonably well done and very interesting. Hoving subscribed to her newsletter, 'The Objectivist', I will never forget the short column she wrote therein, something to the effect "Nathaniel Branden is no longer associated with me, etc" (after she had dedicated Atlas Shrugged to him).
There is a human side to every hero.
Above all, read 'The Fountainhead', her greatest work. Forget the film, it was poorly adapted (by Rand?) and Cooper/Neal did not do the book's characters justice.