After reading the book, I couldn’t help but view the film as an adaptation or as the representation of somebody’s opinion of the book via a different medium. However, the fact that Rand, the author of the original text, also adapted her own screenplay complicates this idea of perception.
In the film, we see what Rand believes to be the most central issues in the novel, which obviously revolve around her theories of Objectivism and the individuality of human spirit. In holding true to the integrity of man's creation, the characters in the film present Rand's ideas exactly as she wants them portrayed. This is made obvious through the dialogue, which is usually unembellished and oftentimes sounds like an exchange of monologues. Personally, I felt that Rand's choice to maintain the exact dialogue of the text diminished the ultimate potential of the film's effect. The character's actions had the potential to move the film along in a more effective way than the dialogue. Rand's screenwriting abilities are incomparable to her talent as a novelist.
However, I really enjoyed the way in which the movie was filmed. There is large emphasis on shadows and angles in the film that rectify Rand's attempt at presenting humanity's power over nature and space. The idea of the "outside" is always prevalent in within the buildings due, in part, to the sweeping windows that often occupy entire walls. The shadows from the windowpanes are often seen scattered across the bare walls, looking like wallpaper made of disproportionate squares. On a symbolic level, the symmetry of the squares within square rooms represented the idea of being locked in, or ignorant of the things around you. It is also a clear representation of isolationism, and presents the idea that the physicality of our bodies make us independent objects, separate from others. I felt this justified Rand's attempt to draw parallels between the human body and architecture in the novel.
I was also interested in the ways that the windows were filmed in relation to characters. Roark, who's personal integrity is so great that he lives completely outside of conformity, is always filmed facing the windows, looking out over all that is conquerable. It reminded me of that feeling of awareness one experiences in being physically high up, looking out over things and feeling inspired. In contrast, Wynand, who meets his ultimate demise due to his inability to remain true to his beliefs, is always filmed not facing the window; facing the closed in space with which he is situated in; the squares within squares. It represents his fear in doing what he actually wants, and not being able to see the ways in which the world truly is conquerable. This simple notion of perspective reveals much about individual determination and emphasizes the central theme of integrity seen in the book and movie.
There is more symbolism seen in how the films are shot and the position of the characters. At one point, while sitting outside, a tree separates Roark and Dominique, and Wynand sits in between. There is still the emphasis of the power of nature, and the natural separation of people due to others people.
Overall, I think the film tries to emphasize the themes of integrity, courage, creative power, and conformity that are so prevalent in the novel. However, it is more effective in doing so due to the way in which it was filmed rather than in the dialogue.
