Editorial Review:

Description:
Based on the novel by philosopher Ayn Rand, this is the story of architect Howard Roark. An idealist, Roark believes he can balance his values with the needs of society. His mentor disagrees - encouraging him to compromise his integrity rather than suffer for his artistic goals.

Amazon.com:
Exhibiting a darker edge to his hero persona, the strapping Gary Cooper has the (Frank Lloyd) Wright stuff as architect Harold Roark, a "fool visionary" who refuses to conform his artistic ideas to popular taste. His inflexibility makes enemies out of a tabloid architecture critic and a tycoon (Raymond Massey), who proclaims, "All men can be bought... there are no men of integrity." Keating (Kent Smith), a former classmate, urges Roark to take "the middle of the road so it's sure to please everybody." But Roark will not compromise, and when one of his building designs is radically altered without his consent, he resorts to drastic measures. Adapted for the screen by Ayn Rand from her towering and controversial bestseller, The Fountainhead is about as subtle as that phallic drill Roark wields so impressively, which catches the frenzied eye of the formidable Dominique Francon (Patricia Neal in her film debut). She recognizes Roark's nobility, but fears he has no chance "in a world where beauty, genius and greatness have no chance." Rand did little to dilute her polemics for the screen, resulting in melodramatic scenes that border on high camp, such as Roark and Francon's rather sexually charged discussion about limestone. Rand practiced what she preached. According to a bonus featurette about the making of the film, she refused to trim Roark's then-unprecedented six-minute courtroom speech in which he defends his actions. Even for those who don't adhere to her philosophy, The Fountainhead does offer something rarely seen on screens these days, a man of unshakable principles. And Hollywood could sure note Rand's object lesson about the perils of mediocrity and catering to "the mob." For Cooper fans, The Fountainhead is an essential addition to your DVD library. --Donald Liebenson

Wonderful Movie made from a Wonderful Book. So appropriate for NOW! Great to see Gary Cooper again! Been a might long time!

Average Rating:

Rating: - Wonderful Movie from a Wonderful Book.
Wonderful Movie made from a Wonderful Book. So appropriate for NOW! Great to see Gary Cooper again! Been a might long time!

Rating: - Good movie but the book was better
I read the book and wanted to see what kind of movie one would make of it. If you like old movies you will like it, and even if you do not agree with the message of the movie it will challenge your mind and broaden your awareness.

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Rating: - Excellent Adaptation of a Great Novel
This is a well acted, well presented adaptation of Ayn Rand's wonderful novel of individual rights. Ayn Rand herself wrote the screenplay and it is presented with the same style as her writing. While this style may not be for everybody her message definitely is. At a time when our rights are under brutal attack from our own government, Ayn Rand's works are more important than ever. This movie adaptation will help to remind Americans of why we are Americans and what this country stands for. I urge everyone to not only watch this film, but get as many of your friends and neighbors to watch it as well. Then read Anthem and Atlas Shrugged to see exactly where we will end up if we stay on the road to statism that Obama is leading us down.

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Rating: - fountainhead
i enjoyed the movie for the story it told... if u bought the movie, i assume you've read the book or at least Atlas Shrugged and you know the author's feelings on Objectivism... considering when the film was produced, i must say that i think the director did a fantastic job illustrating Ayn Rand's work... i did enjoy it... I cant wait till Atlas Shrugged is made into a movie

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Rating: - Any beginning script writer could best this
For a script that rants throughout about integrity and genius, it's ashamed the screen writer (Rand) showed none in this movie. Deserves one star for its demonstration just how little insight Rand had into the human spirit.

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Related Items:

The Passion of Ayn Rand

Ayn Rand - A Sense of Life (Director's Vision Edition)

Ayn Rand's We the Living

The Fountainhead (Cliffs Notes)

Ayn Rand - WE THE LIVING [VHS]