David Kelley, a consultant to the Atlas Shrugged movie, provides insights into one of the main scenes: the trial of Hank Rearden for violating a government regulation. But first, let's see what he did that triggered the prosecution. (Includes clips from Atlas Shrugged Part 2)

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PARTIAL TRANSCRIPT:

Hello, I'm David Kelley, senior fellow at The Atlas Society and a consultant to the Atlas Shrugged movie. The main scene we're going to watch is the trial of Hank Rearden for violating a government regulation. But first, let's see what he did that triggered the prosecution.

4,000 tons of Rearden metal, formed, should be enough to shore up my mines and stop the cave-ins.

You'll get your metal. When you need more, you'll get that, too. Fair share be damned.

We're walking a thin line here. It is worth it?

If I don't get coal, I can't make steel. If I don't make steel, Taggart stops moving. And everything collapses around that.

Hank, Washington gets wind of this, we'll both be in trouble. I want you to know I won't cooperate with Mauch or the rest of those crooks. I'll go to jail first.

Then we'll go together.

Thanks, Hank.

Hank and Ken Danigger are conspiring in a hotel room. About what? About a deal for Hank to sell his metal to Ken. Why are they conspiring, rather than doing it openly in their offices? Because it violates a government regulation, the Fair Shares Law, which mandates that every buyer is entitled to an equal share of Rearden Metal, regardless of the scale of their production, and more to the point, regardless of the fact that Hank created the metal and he owns it.

Hank and Ken are honest businessmen. They're making an honest deal that benefits both of them, as well as many others. Their commitment to business as usual, but having to do it secretly, underscores the injustice of the Fair Shares Law.

In our world today, there's nothing exactly equivalent to the Fair Shares Law. But antitrust laws come pretty close. They've been used, for example, to force businesses like Microsoft to share their technology with other companies. In any case, let's see what happens when the government finds out about the deal.

[BANGS GAVEL]

Henry Rearden, you are charged, along with Kenneth Danigger, in absentia, with one count of violation of Article 64 of the Fair Share Law. How do you plead, sir?

I do not recognize this court's right to try me, nor do I recognize any of my actions as a crime.

Simply refusing to obey the law is not a defense.

If you believe you may seize my property simply because you need it, well, then so does any burglar. The only difference is a burglar doesn't ask my permission. If you feel you have the right to use force against me, then show it for what it is. Bring guns.

Sir, we have no intention of pointing guns and seizing your property.

Then why are we here?

Mr. Rearden, you are misrepresenting the letter and the intent of the Fair Share Law. It is based on the highest principle, the principle of the public good. You wouldn't want it misunderstood that you work for nothing but your own profit?

Indeed, I want it understood clearly. I do not recognize the good of others as a justification for my existence. If their fair share demands that I get nothing for my labors, that it requires me to be a victim, then I say, public good be damned. I'll have no part of it.

And how does that benefit your fellow man?

I do not owe you an answer. But I could tell you in 100 ways-- thousands of jobs, billions in revenue, fueling our economy, despite your efforts to destroy the very foundation of our existence. And I believe most of my fellow men would say the same, if they had a voice.

[CHEERING]

Now we need an example, not a martyr.

I can't set a precedent here, not with this man.

Mr. Rearden, on your behalf, the court has entered a plea of no contest, and this panel has found you guilty.

[CLAPPING]

[BANGS GAVEL]

You are hereby sentenced to 10 years in prison and a fine of $50 million.

That's outrageous.

[BANGS GAVEL]

Sentencing of Kenneth Danigger will be withheld pending his appearance before this body. Now, Mr. Rearden, taking into consideration your distinguished achievements, your contributions to society, and your full cooperation in this matter, your sentence is suspended. This court is now adjourned.

[CHEERING]