![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
From the Film Program for the 1986 Atlanta WorldCon:
Jim Henson's Atlas Shrugged (US, 1986, C, 543 min.)
wd: Henson and Oz. o: Ayn Rand
Kermit, Miss Piggy, et al.
Fans of Ayn Rand's monumental novel were not entirely pleased with the liberties taken in this version. Originally Jim Henson had intended to make, as his statement against oppressive government, the more logical choice of Orwell's ANIMAL FARM. The primary source of controversy remains the matter of casting. Although Big Bird had originally been considered for the role of John Galt -- because he was so used to giving lectures in other roles -- it was eventually decided that the romantic aspect of the part required someone with raw, amphibian magnetism. So it was that Kermit found himself once more in a steamy romance against Miss Piggy. That she was cast as Dagny Taggart first may explain the final choice of Galt. Even Henson admits that he made a mistake in using Cookie Monster for the role of Franciscod Anconia: "So you want to know the nature of cookies. do you?" At least Gonzo was a believable Eddie Willers. and Link Hogthrob a suitably odious James Taggart. Dr. Benson Honeydew was perfect as Robert Stadler, but many still hav eproblems with Rowlf as Hank Rearden, although he was convincing when it came to his irrational loyalty towards his first wife. A small cult has grown up around one performance. however. Animal was nothing short of great as the daring, brave, unpredictable Ragnar Danneskjold. No commentary would be complete without noting the importance of the songs by Kenny Loggins and Bruce Springsteen, especially the latter's hour long rock aria, "This is John Galt Singing," the denoument of Kermit's career, considering that he croaked at the end.
[entry written by Brad Linaweaver and Bill Ritch]
Jim Henson's Atlas Shrugged (US, 1986, C, 543 min.)
wd: Henson and Oz. o: Ayn Rand
Kermit, Miss Piggy, et al.
Fans of Ayn Rand's monumental novel were not entirely pleased with the liberties taken in this version. Originally Jim Henson had intended to make, as his statement against oppressive government, the more logical choice of Orwell's ANIMAL FARM. The primary source of controversy remains the matter of casting. Although Big Bird had originally been considered for the role of John Galt -- because he was so used to giving lectures in other roles -- it was eventually decided that the romantic aspect of the part required someone with raw, amphibian magnetism. So it was that Kermit found himself once more in a steamy romance against Miss Piggy. That she was cast as Dagny Taggart first may explain the final choice of Galt. Even Henson admits that he made a mistake in using Cookie Monster for the role of Franciscod Anconia: "So you want to know the nature of cookies. do you?" At least Gonzo was a believable Eddie Willers. and Link Hogthrob a suitably odious James Taggart. Dr. Benson Honeydew was perfect as Robert Stadler, but many still hav eproblems with Rowlf as Hank Rearden, although he was convincing when it came to his irrational loyalty towards his first wife. A small cult has grown up around one performance. however. Animal was nothing short of great as the daring, brave, unpredictable Ragnar Danneskjold. No commentary would be complete without noting the importance of the songs by Kenny Loggins and Bruce Springsteen, especially the latter's hour long rock aria, "This is John Galt Singing," the denoument of Kermit's career, considering that he croaked at the end.
[entry written by Brad Linaweaver and Bill Ritch]
