Watch Ayn Rand: A Sense of Life

Ayn Rand: A Sense of Life is a 1996 documentary film that takes a deep look into the life and philosophy of Ayn Rand- one of the most controversial and influential figures of the 20th century. Directed by Michael Paxton and featuring interviews with several of Rand's closest friends and associates, the film presents a comprehensive portrait of the woman who authored The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged- two of the most influential (and controversial) novels of the century.

Throughout the film, viewers are taken on a journey through Rand's life- from early childhood in Russia, through her immigration to the United States, to her rise to fame as a novelist, philosopher, and political thinker. We see how Rand's experiences as a young girl in revolutionary Russia shaped her world view, and how she came to embrace individualism, rationality, and what she called "the virtue of selfishness."

The film features interviews with several key figures in Rand's life, including her husband and collaborator, Frank O'Connor, her close friend and intellectual heir, Leonard Peikoff, and several of her longtime associates from the Objectivist movement. These individuals provide a unique, personal perspective on Rand's life and thought, and help to shed light on her complex personality and the controversies that have surrounded her work.

Throughout the film, viewers are also given a fascinating insight into the intellectual and cultural context that gave rise to Rand's ideas. We see how her work was informed by the work of earlier thinkers such as Aristotle and Nietzsche, and how she drew upon the ideas of the Founding Fathers to create a new vision of individual liberty and capitalist economics.

At the same time, the film does not shy away from the controversies and criticisms that have been aimed at Rand and her work. We see how she has been attacked by critics from across the political spectrum, and how her uncompromising individualism and rejection of traditional morality have sparked fierce debates and divided public opinion.

Despite the controversies, however, the film ultimately presents a powerful and inspiring portrait of a woman who was unafraid to challenge conventional wisdom, and whose work has left an enduring mark on American culture and politics.

Overall, Ayn Rand: A Sense of Life is a fascinating and thought-provoking film that offers a unique insight into the life and thought of one of the most important thinkers and writers of the 20th century. Whether you are a fan of Rand's work or a critic, this documentary is sure to stimulate your thinking and leave you with a greater appreciation for the complex and enduring legacy of this fascinating woman.

Ayn Rand: A Sense of Life is a 1997 documentary with a runtime of 2 hours and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.