Research the films that have been adapted from Philip K. Dick novels or short
stories. Which have generally been acclaimed as the most successful? Why?
Films based on Philip K. Dick novels and short stories:
Film Title: Blade Runner
Based on: Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?
Film Title: A Scanner Darkly
Based on: A Scanner Darkly
Film Title: Total Recall
Based on: We Can Remember It for You Wholesale
Film Title: Minority Report
Based on: The Minority Report
Film Title: Next
Based on: The Golden Man
Film Title: Paycheck
Based on: Paycheck
Film Title: The Adjustment Bureau
Based on: Adjustment Team
Film Title: Radio Free Albemuth
Based on: Radio Free Albermuth
Film Title: Impostor
Based on: Impostor
Film Title: Screamers
Based on: Second Variety
Film Title: Confessions d'un Barjo (Confessions of a Crap Artist)
Based on: Confessions of a Crap Artist
As it can be seen from the list above, so many of PKD’s works were adapted into films and the reason for this is that his writing combines a perplexing twist of the imagination with an elevated concept of action. The top five highest grossing films (from highest) are Minority Report, Total Recall, Adjustment Bureau, Paycheck and Blade Runner. The reason PKD’s have been so successful is because his work poses the question of reality. What is real? And who are we? These questions when considered can trigger the paranoia within us all and these films explore the ‘what ifs’. The films and his novels usually have characters that feel like they are losing a grip on reality (which most of us can relate to at one time or another in our lives) but sometime he puts in the influence of drugs and its effects, which he could relate to well. An example of this is in A Scanner Darkly where the main character has been so influenced by drugs where he doesn’t even know that the person he is chasing is himself. Another theme that is prominent in PKD’s work is the idea that the future may not necessarily be better. That technological advancement may actually be harmful to the human race, rather than helpful.
I’m not a huge fan of Sci Fi but the works of PKD are quite astounding given the time he was writing them. Amazingly his ideas were so far ahead of his time that his works can seem prophetic almost.
Have you watched any movies from the above lists?? Except ‘A Scanner Darkly’ – I am pretty sure that you watched it in class. ^^;
ReplyDeleteI’ve watched Minority Report, Paycheck, Impostor and Next, and these movies were brilliant. People think PKD’s movie is too difficult to understand, but as you said, his ideas were so far ahead of his time. I also like PKD’s theme on his work that the future may not necessarily be better and the technological advancement may be harmful to the human. I don’t know why people are willing to develop the technology and why they are expecting better life in future. Perhaps I am a negative person, but we need to think of the future from PKD’s view.
Some interesting comments re the success of PKD's adaptations. Don't forget to support your discussion with references to the theoretical texts where appropriate. Great comment in response from Katie.
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