The Fountainhead (1949)

I'm watching this movie right now.  I have never read a single word of Ayn Rand and after this I really never want to.  what I've learned about objectivism is anything I've read from Steve Ditko, oddly enough.  I don't agree with much of anything she's ever said or believes in, that's for sure.

having said that, it's a compelling movie, and the cinematography is amazing as well.  the acting... it's good, but it's very odd.
however, these people are ugly, and not very heroic.  the whole "popular masses never like anything new" and only want the classics is completely overblown and overdone.  I know without conflict there is no drama, but this just seems to be lazy.  Rand herself wrote the screenplay, though I've no doubt it got doctored here and there.

and it's a self fulfilling prophecy- since the movie wasn't popular when it was released, Rand could say the masses didn't get it and never will.  I can see why it wasn't popular.  who would cheer for people who won't bend at all?  I don't think there's a likable main character in this movie.

it's also very dour- there's scant humor in it at all, much like a Chris Nolan movie.  the other thing that sticks out is all the phallic imagery.  there's no way that could be ignored.  someone wanted something to be noticed.