Several weeks ago, one of our cable channels showed the movie, Dr. Zhivago. I was struck by how closely it resembled a Y2K scenario. Although the time frame is different, the idea of how the upper and middle classes lose their way of life when the bolshevicks take over, is a good analogy to Y2K. I know there are more modern movies that deal with an apocalyptic theme, but to me they are too technical. I think Dr. Zhivago hits home more on a human level. It is also sufficiently depressing. Mary

-- Mary (sweep@gateway.net), January 27, 1999

Answers

I agree. This analogy is why I said in another thread months ago that y2k is potentially a kind of revolution. It will definitely affect the power structure, and radicalize the people.

-- runway cat (runway_cat@hotmail.com), January 27, 1999.

Also - read "We The Living"

Reviews Synopsis First published in 1936 and now offered in a handsome new edition with a new introduction, the author's first novel traces the impact of the Russian Revolution on three people who try to challenge the new regime. Synopsis A colossal love story with a massive philosphical framework, this self-admitted near-autobiography portrays the impact of the Russian Revolution on three people who demand the right to live their own lives. 13 cassettes. --This text refers to the audio cassette edition of this title

Synopsis First published in 1936, this inspiring and defiant novel by the author of The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged has sold nearly two million copies. Portraying the impact of the Russian Revolution on three human beings who demand the right to live their own lives, We the Living is Ayn Rand's challenge to the modern conscience.

Whether you agree with her philosophy or not, this novel differs from her other writings in its passionate sincerity. Rather than intoning ominous mantras against Marxist collectivism, she demonstrates by vivid examples how constrictive and unfortunate such a theory can be when translated into fact. The harsh details she provides could only have been written by one who had lived in similar circumstances. The characters are not like the black-and-white archetypes she employs in her later fiction; their opinions and motives are much more credible.

After reading WE THE LIVING, you feel a certain sympathy and understanding for Ayn Rand's vehement rejection of all philosophical systems or ideas that might inhibit personal freedom and individual expression. But the irony of her philosophy is that her "Objectivism" evolved into a system, which, if strictly adhered to, would be just as repressive, dogmatic and severe as the communism she so passionately disparaged.

I've read and enjoyed several of her books; but this one I found to be the most striking and honest. --This text refers to the mass market paperback edition of this title

A reader from New York , December 24, 1998 Eye-opening We the Living is a haunting portrayal of the harsh reality of too much power. Ayn Rand was able to achieve her objective in opening eyes as to the impact of the Russian Revolution on the individual. It is the story of those who love life and that which threatens its existence. --This text refers to the mass market paperback edition of this title

jc@softwareMiracles.com from Weymouth, Massachusetts, USA , October 14, 1998 I couldn't put it down, except when I had to cry. We The Living is one of the best books I've ever read. I absolutely could not put it down, except when I had to stop to cry. Everyone should read this book! Unbelievably readable To me, this book was a very big surprise. It was loaned to me by a friend who had borrowed a few of my books and was wanting to reciprocate. When she first gave it to me I was not at all excited, but once I picked it up I honestly could not put it down - even at work sometimes! I had thought her books were very philosophically surreal, but this book was very real and very easy for "non- philosophical" types in addition to those who are constantly in search of a higher meaning. Do keep in mind that it is an emotionally wrenching book, and other than that you need no introduction aside from what is on the back cover of the book. I look forward to reading Atlas Shrugged and Fountainhead, once I am able to get over this one and the lessons it teaches have sunk in completely.

-- Andy (2000EOD@prodigy.net), January 27, 1999.

I can remember going to see this movie as a kid, and being bored to death with it, and leaving early. it just didnt click., now, bonnie and clyde, and butch cassidy and the sundance kid, well,now, those were some GOOD flicks! ahh, but I digress...

-- ed (edrider007@aol.com), January 27, 1999.

I'll put in a word for David Lean's film version of Zhivago, since I get all weepy just at the mention of the name of my dear late wife, Lara.

The y2k scene in it for me is the one where the Czarist army officer is trying to rally the troops in retreat from the German front. He is very noble-looking, handle-bar moustache, wonderful uniform. He stands up on a wooden barrel, raises his arm and voice and holds their attention for a short while.

Unfortunately, the barrel is filled with icy rainwater, and the lid is loose. The lid tilts downward under his weight and he falls into the water, looking ridiculous. They laugh, then skewer him and move on toward their homes. Darned Doombrooders, a whole army of 'em!

Sometimes a Lost War is really a Lost War, even for Americans. And you've already heard about what that Light At The End of the Tunnel really is.

If the barrel really is broken, watch out Pollys!

-- (jor-el@krypton.com), January 29, 1999.

Don't get me started on David Lean - what a genius!! And his Cinematographer, forget his name, just died at a ripe old age circa <100!!!

Ryans' Daughter - I visited the village where it was filmed in Dingle, Co. Kerry, Ireland, when I was a kid (7-8?), what an experience - up on a mountain in the middele of nowhere. What a film... Robert Mitchum, the village idiot...

Lawrence Of Arabia - I worked and travelled extensively "out there," brings back memories - Hallyx - what was the name of the damned bike again???!!

They don't make 'em like 'im anymore...

Andy

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-- Andy (2000EOD@prodigy.net), January 29, 1999.