Cloud Atlas is one of our favourite films, so we decided that this had to be the first film we would make a video essay on. But we realised something hadn't yet been mentioned in discussions on this film, and that's the way it explores Ayn Rand's philosophy of Objectivism. Whether conciously or not, everything Rand has spoken about is reflected in the writing and cinematography of this beautiful film, as we've highlighted by quoting her several times at the start of each section.

We've divided the essay into 3 sections, each exploring one of her many central tenets: part 1 is on individualism and love triumphing over death, time and the collective; part 2 is about the fight for truth against those who despise your vision; and part 3 details the potential within us all to either create or destroy our own world.

This is capped off with John Galt's speech:
   • John Galt Speech Atlas Shrugged Part 3  
running in parallel to this montage:
   • The Beauty Of Cloud Atlas  .

Extra credit goes to Like Stories of Old's own essay on Cloud Atlas for inspiring us with many ideas:
   • The Philosophy of Cloud Atlas | How B...  .

Most clips taken from trailer:
   • Cloud Atlas Extended Trailer #1 (2012...  

Comet footage:
   • All About Comets for Kids: Astronomy ...  

Music used:
   • Video  

Films featured:
Cloud Atlas (Wachowski and Tykwer, 2012)
Atlas Shrugged Part 3 (Manera, 2014)

Narrated by Jonathan Curry
Written and Edited by Ash Johann

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Ash Johann: https://letterboxd.com/PeacefulDawn/
Jonathan Curry: https://letterboxd.com/albarrojo/

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