Ayn Rand: A Sense of Life

Film evenings begin with potluck refreshments and social hour at 6:30 pm,
followed by the film at 7:30 pm, followed by a discussion after the film.

Ayn Rand: A Sense of Life
By Michael Paxton

This brilliant documentary film, a comprehensive biography of Ayn Rand, is the most perceptive and concise presentation of Ayn Rand’s life, works, and philosophy that has ever been made. It’s a first rate film, beautifully structured, and illustrated with original footage. It roughly follows Ayn Rand’s life and seamlessly integrates the more philosophical discussions with the biographical material. It’s rich in period detail and source materials, from manuscripts and photos to period films, extracts from movie adaptations or theatrical productions of Ayn’s works, and highlights from her few TV appearances. And it abounds in perceptive interviews with individuals who knew Ayn personally and who, for the most part, devoted their careers to studying her philosophy: mostly PhD’s like John Ridpath, Harry Binswanger, Michael Berliner, and Leonard Peikoff. Filmmaker Michael Paxton has accomplished a flawless understanding of Ayn Rand’s philosophy, Objectivism, and Ayn Rand herself. The high value Michael Paxton places on Objectivism and its creator, Ayn Rand, shines forth in his film. All the fundamentals of Objectivism are well presented. And all the stages of Ayn life are included in the film, down to small details which reveal so much about who she was as a person. And he portrays the high drama of Ayn life and fiction, from her early childhood and escape from Soviet Russia to her struggle and triumph as an extremely popular American writer. He shows that her headstrong character was part and parcel of her uncompromising principle: always live your own life — live for yourself. This film is a good place to start for those who want to know more about this famous “American born on Russian soil” who became an icon of what was to become the Libertarian movement. This film is for those who want to become more familiar with the roots of Libertarianism.

This film is 2 hours and 25 minutes long! We will have an intermission with snacks and continue on with the film for those who can stay!

Wheelchair accessible around the corner at 411 28th Street

$5 donations are accepted