Ayn Rand’s 1957 novel ATLAS SHRUGGED has influenced legions of fervent fans, many of whom rushed to see the long-awaited movie version of the epic story. The first installment of a projected three-part project, ATLAS opened on 300 screens, generating strong business despite deservedly mixed reviews. The film feels ODDLY disconnected from any recognizable reality: Rand’s story is saturated with 1950’s atmosphere but the producers have moved the action to 2016, when all-powerful steel mills and railroads will hardly dominate the U.S. economy. Still, newcomer Taylor Schilling is luminous as heroine Dagny Taggart and respectful treatment of Rand’s ideas will generate soaring sales for her classic novel. If this clunky but earnest movie helps persuade people that it’s not good when government crushes industry, or handicaps society’s most productive achievers, then it will serve a purpose beyond entertainment value.