The 5 Best Philip K Dick Screen Adaptations From Blade Runner To A Scanner Darkly
- Will Johnson
- Dec 7, 2021
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 21, 2021
Philip Kindred Dick is one the most influential science fiction writers in history. A master of creating dystopian future worlds, his works mix the cultural criticism of Ballard, the political commentary of Orwell and the philosophical themes of Huxley with narratives that are incredibly engaging. This combination makes his works ideal for translation to the screen, and here are the five best adaptations.
5) A Scanner Darkly (Film – 2006)
Based on the 1977 novel A Scanner Darkly
Starring Keanu Reeves, Robert Downey Jr., Woody Harrelson, and Winona Ryder, you'd think that this would be a big Hollywood sci-fi epic, but A Scanner Darkly is actually a unique and curious creation. One of Dick's most dense and troublesome stories, the film adaptation has quite a faithful narrative. However, it's the visual crossover of live-action and animation that makes this such an engrossing movie, producing an almost psychedelic aura that perfectly fits the themes.
4) Electric Dreams (TV Series – 2017)
Based on short stories published 1953-1955
Like most sci-fi writers, Dick's short stories are often as good as his novels and equally as adaptable to the screen. This series which aired on Channel 4 in the UK sees a number of Dick's early short stories made into compelling and unique Black Mirror-esque episodes with a fantastic cast throughout. Highlights include The Commuter with Timothy Spall and Human Is with Bryan Cranston.
3) Minority Report (Film – 2002)
Based on the 1956 short story The Minority Report
Considering how far Minority Report strays from its source material, it's remarkable that it still manages to capture so much of Dick's vision. The original story is one of his more unfurnished ideas, but the film's completely new narrative doesn't compromise the story's ethical inquisition. Directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Tom Cruise at a time when they were the biggest names in Hollywood, Minority Report actually restrains some of its blockbuster tendencies, segueing beautifully into the unsettlingly dark future that Dick crafted.
2) The Man In The High Castle (TV Series – 2015-2019)
Based on the 1962 novel The Man In The High Castle
Dick's alternative history of post-WWII society still stands out as his best and most remarkable story. A screen adaptation had been mooted for years before it finally appeared in 2015, and has gone on to spawn four critically acclaimed series. The difficult yet unquestionably fascinating subject matter is impeccably told across a narrative arc which hits a perfect balance between the complexity and nuance of Dick's novel and the clarity needed to make such a story so continuously gripping.
1) Blade Runner (Film – 1982)
Based on the 1968 novel Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep?
Dick said it himself - “my life and creative work are justified and completed by Blade Runner''. Of all the adaptations of his work, none have had such a lasting influence. Blade Runner was ground-breaking in sci-fi, and a game changer for any film that looked to depict the future. With hugely creative visuals, a stunning soundtrack and remarkable performances, Blade Runner brought to life Dick's world in a manner which confounded his distrust of Hollywood. He died just months before it's release, but Dick would have been incredibly proud of Blade Runner both for its artistic success and it's continuing impact.
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