Rating: 
Summary: God Save Me from the Randians
Review: Ayn Rand once said something to the effect of, "As much as I hate to admit it, I share something with Karl Marx. He once said, 'Save me from the Marxists!' Sometimes I feel like saying 'Save me from the Randians!'"This movie was a reverential treatment of Rand by people who loved her, and there's certainly nothing wrong with that. However, I almost flipped as I watched several of them explain that Ayn dissociated from Nathaniel Branden because of "severe philosophical errors." This "philosophical error" was to end the 25-year affair that Rand orchestrated and to start dating a younger woman who was Ayn's intellectual inferior. At one time, Branden was revered as a near-god by the same people who denounced him in this film. One word from Ayn, and they all changed their tunes as if they'd never sung his praises in the first place. Ayn once said that there was no danger of Objectivism becoming a cult, because since it championed reason and logic, its adherents would always arrive to proper conclusions through their own volition. True enough in theory, but in practice, Objectivists have simply adopted Rand's writings as a standard for truth, logic or reality notwithstanding. (They even adopt her signature punctuation error!) I admire Rand too, and I don't mean to denegrate or ridicule, but I think that modern Objectivism could use an overhaul and incorporate a little free thinking. If Ayn were here today, I believe she would still be saying, "Save me from the Randians!"
Rating:
Summary: God Save Me from the Randians
Review: Ayn Rand once said something to the effect of, "As much as I hate to admit it, I share something with Karl Marx. He once said, 'Save me from the Marxists!' Sometimes I feel like saying 'Save me from the Randians!'" This movie was a reverential treatment of Rand by people who loved her, and there's certainly nothing wrong with that. However, I almost flipped as I watched several of them explain that Ayn dissociated from Nathaniel Branden because of "severe philosophical errors." This "philosophical error" was to end the 25-year affair that Rand orchestrated and to start dating a younger woman who was Ayn's intellectual inferior. At one time, Branden was revered as a near-god by the same people who denounced him in this film. One word from Ayn, and they all changed their tunes as if they'd never sung his praises in the first place. Ayn once said that there was no danger of Objectivism becoming a cult, because since it championed reason and logic, its adherents would always arrive to proper conclusions through their own volition. True enough in theory, but in practice, Objectivists have simply adopted Rand's writings as a standard for truth, logic or reality notwithstanding. (They even adopt her signature punctuation error!) I admire Rand too, and I don't mean to denegrate or ridicule, but I think that modern Objectivism could use an overhaul and incorporate a little free thinking. If Ayn were here today, I believe she would still be saying, "Save me from the Randians!"
Rating: 
Summary: A "must see" for all Ayn Rand fans.
Review: Ayn Rand: A Sense Of Life is an informative, 144 minute biographical documentary showcases the life and work of Ayn Rand, a controversial and influential Russian-born writer's life and work. Renowned for such novels as "The Fountainhead" and "Atlas Shrugged", Rand became an icon of what was to become the Libertarian movement. Sharon Gless ably narrates the drama of Ayn Rand's life and fiction, from her early childhood and escape from Soviet Russia to her struggle and triumph as an American writer. Written, produced and directed by Michael Paxton, Ayn Rand: A Sense Of Life is further enhanced for the viewer with original music by Jeff Britting and a "must" for all Rand fans.
Rating: 
Summary: A must for Rand admirers
Review: For her legion of readers, Ayn Rand's legendary novels, "The Fountainhead" and "Atlas Shrugged," have been life changing experiences. Her heroes, Howard Roark and John Galt, are rugged individualists oblivious to the world's judgments, and Rand's gift for story telling would have been enough to secure her position as one of the 20th century's greatest authors. But Rand's novels offered something more: a philosophy she called "objectivism" that wasn't too far removed from the philosophies upon which the United States was founded, but which, nonetheless, proved controversial, often mistaken for selfishness. As a result of the controversy, Rand's standing in the world of literature suffered as her notoriety as a philosopher grew. Michael Paxton's Oscar nominated documentary isn't likely to alter anyone's opinion of this brilliant, strong-willed woman, nor is it likely to provide the faithful with any revelations that haven't already been made available elsewhere. The film follows Rand's unhappy girlhood in Russia to her immigration to the U.S., her relationships, both platonic and otherwise, with film director Cecil B. DeMille, husband Frank O' Connor, and psychologist Nathaniel Brandon. A generous helping of vintage film clips show Rand explaining and/or defending her concepts to the likes of Mike Wallace, Phil Donahue, and Tom Snyder, but there's little in-depth examination of her beliefs, making the film a love letter from a fan for the benefit of an audience already familiar with and devoted to her work. On that level, it is a success. For the uninitiated, it may fall short and prove enlightening only after having read the novels.
Rating: 
Summary: The price is still too high !
Review: Geeze what are they waiting for ? We want our movie ! Stop hogging it and let us buy it dammit. I'm an Objectivist and I can't wait for the price to go down so I can finally buy this movie !
Rating:
Summary: It's Finally Here!!
Review: great! loved it! you should see it
Rating:
Summary: A joyful, uplifting look at an inspiring human being
Review: I always assumed Ms. Rand was an austere, unapproachable intellectual until I picked up this video at the library.
I NEVER expected a sweet love story (she was happily married for 50 years) or would've guessed that Ms. Rand worked in Hollywood-- Hollywood!!!! when she first came over from Russia.
If you respect her work at all-- even if you don't agree with it-- I highly recommend this fascinating portrait of a surpisingly likeable person, who truly valued humankind, genuinely loved life, and practiced what she preached.
Rating:
Summary: An Absorbing Account
Review: I have always had mixed opinions about Ayn Rand. After watching this documentary, I still do. But that does not mean the movie does not succeed. It documents her life from an unfullfilling childhood in Russia, her coming to America, her courtship and marriage, and her hard work and determination that led to her success as a philosopher, novelist, and scriptwriter. It shows that although her philosphy may seem cold to some, she is indeed a warm person who lived by her beliefs: Individualism, objectivism, selfishness, laissez faire, love, and the value of human life and the concept of ones soul. And spoke against beliefs she deemed false: Collectivism, benevolence, communism, fascism, and sacrificing oneself for others. Well, my unqualified opinion about her philosophy is that it is not absolute, she is both right and wrong. For instance, Ayn Rand would describe a World Champion baseball team as being a group composed of twenty-five great individuals. Those who disagree with Ayn Rand would simply call it a great "team".
Rating:
Summary: Now, here is something you will really like!
Review: I have been reading Ayn Rand books since I was in high school. I have found Ayn's works refreshing and enlightening. Considering all the collectivist in our country, we need an inspiration for the indivdual. For the individual who gave this movie one star, I am sure you were thinking on your own, yeah right! Oh well, you have the right to your own opinion, thanks to people like Ayn. This is a must see, and her books are a must read!
Rating:
Summary: Purest portrayal of Ayn Rand and her philosophy
Review: I just finished looking at "Ayn Rand: A Sense of Life" and I must say I am so happy to have found this DVD. It is an insightful portrayal of Ayn. The interviews with Ayn and her discussing her philosophy of objectivism, are priceless. What a wonderful way to learn about her. Also the story has so many scenes of old New York that are so exciting. All I can say is if you want to know about Ms Rand, buy this DVD. You will not be sorry.
Diane Offutt
Atlanta, Georgia
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