Andrew Sandoval
Staff Writer
Review
Ayn Rand - A Sense of Life, a documentary written and directed by Michael Paxton, brings to life the story of an amazing woman.
This film presents the life of a philosopher, writer and screenwriter who escaped from Russia and traveled to America in 1926. Very few people know about the life of Rand, though many know of her achievements in literature and philosophy.
This documentary relies on the fact that Rand's story is one of incredible determination. Her appetite for knowledge and enjoying life were insatiable.
In this country, Rand wrote several novels, including We the Living; Anthem; her most-read work, Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead, which she adapted to film.
Rand is also the creator of the philosophy called Objectivism, which claims it is possible to understand the metaphysical world in a concrete way.
Rand uses the characters of her works as tools to express her philosophy. In The Fountainhead, Howard Roark (played by Gary Cooper), a famous architect, becomes a representation of Rand's brand of heroes. The character mixes idealism and practicality to reflect Rand's prototype of a superman.
Sometimes, these heroes come off a bit romanticized. Nevertheless, Rand's characters possess ideals and the determination that most people would like to have. Just like Rand in the documentary, her creations appear larger than life on film.
Ayn Rand - A Sense of Life presents clips of Rand's films and the movies that influenced her throughout her life.
While actress Sharon Gless gives voice-over narration to stills of Rand and other photographs, historians and Rand's friends talk openly about her. The main difference between Ayn Rand - A Sense of Life and an A&E Biography is that viewers actually get a real look at Rand, who is interviewed at different forums for the film.
Any time Rand speaks in front of the camera, the film comes alive. These conversations capture Rand's spirit, and her personality reveals her as an individual who is extremely clever and in control of any situation. Her desire to enlighten others characterizes most of her dialogues on politics, religion and happiness.
Rand vehemently defended her point of view until the end of her life. In this film, she is vibrant and exciting when talking about the importance of selfishness and self-esteem. The interviews represent the strength of this film because Rand's presence is extremely impressive. Her personality combines a strength of character, a passion for life and a never-ending optimism.
Some of the interviews are a bit too choppy and leave the audience with a desire for more or better edited footage. Through it all, though, Rand's unbreakable sense of life holds the documentary together.
Ayn Rand - A Sense of Life introduces the audience a gifted mind and spirit at work. This film puts in perspective all Rand's personal values in a collective union, and the same message is repeated over and over again - selfishness and individuality are characteristics necessary for happiness.