I recognise that there is more to the fountainhead than an unintentionally hilarious film which is set in a transient period of American history [roughly the second quarter of the C20]. But, that does not mean that we should ignore the obvious and point out that it is a very entertaining watch! It is wonderfully simplistic in its character development with each character being totally one dimensional and the crudeness of each visual metaphor feeling like a slap across the face, however, this manages to be completely charming. The big drill... enough said!
Despite the period in question it is not saturated with commentary of economics which I find surprising. It is rather a piece detailing with attitudes and personal politics, and ultimately allows Ann Rand to suggest what she deems to be the way we should behave.
The protagonist, Howard Roake is an architect. He is is the architectural caricature who we would all like to see in our heads when we have to deal with dim-witted clients and planners, we would never behave like him, we just like to think we are capable of doing so. He has all the best lines and is absolutely the embodiment of creative integrity. He set's his own standards and will not accept any assistance in any matter. He judges mere consideration of public opinion to be weak. So far, so good Mr Roake, I applaud you.
However, this strength of character starts to suggest a darker, more questionable aspect of his character. He doesn't recognise the value of society, he feels it is a weak illusion. He is the archetypal Faust who lives by his own rules and doesn't give or ask for for help.
'A man who works for the sake of others is a slave'
This is Roake's assertion, a clear rejection of collectivism in favour of individualism. An endorsement of capitalism over socialism. But celebrating Roakes individualism suggests a dictatorial sympathy which can not be ignored.
Like many of the texts in this series, the writer dismisses the will of the masses; in The Fountainhead they are characterised as pawns at the mercy of Gail Wynand, another Faustian character and a capitalist. Wynand uses his sensationalist newspaper much in the way Murdoch does today... the characters are interchangeable save for the fact Wynand goes through a redemption phase and ultimately commits suicide... maybe there is time yet for fact to follow fiction to a degree.
Toohey is the socialist in the pack, weak to the assertions and opinions of the masses, it is revealing that he is calculating and power-hungry in his ambitions and is ultimately unsuccessful.
Dominique on the other hand is principalled yet in many instances she is weak and tragic. She wallows in the futility of life and decision making. Her first scene is the dramatic and ham-fisted attempt to sum up her nihilism by destroying a marble statue simply because she loves it and doesn't want to be attached to it. She has a similar attitude towards Roake for the most-part.
The final scene shows Dominique ascending Roaks latest masterpiece which ironically is Wynards posthumous monument.... let that soak in... It shows a triumphant Roake, assessing his work and his kingdom... the low camera shot used employed to the same effect as used by tyrannical dictators the world over.
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