Of all the great science fiction films ever made, it could be argued that a significant percentage of these were influenced directly or indirectly by the works of the writer Philip K. Dick. Early this year we saw Universal Studios release the theatrical adaptation of the short story Adjustment Team, which starred Matt Damon and was subject to much praise.
This week saw Dick's daughter Isa Dick Hackett reveal more information about the draft screenplay for one of Dick's most famous novels Ubik. She gave an update to Empire Magazine about some decisions being made on the adaptation, stating,"It's taken a long time because it's non-linear and metaphysical, but I love Michel Gondry's work and I think he's a great fit. It's insane: crazy good!"
One of the great things I found about this particular book was its darkness; it's also fairly action-orientated especially in the beginning. The main character is called Joe Chip, and he's a rather nervous employee of an organisation specialising in training people to be able to block psychics from reading the thoughts of others, much like the White Queen from the X-Men comics.
Running this company are a married couple, Glen Runciter and his wife Ella, who is in a state of half-life, and therefore can only be contacted by visiting her unconscious body. Half life is the name for a state of mind in which someone who is technically dead, but able to be contacted through the use of technology. After the group are bombed by a rival called Ray Hollis, and their leader Mr Runciter is killed, things takes a turn for the mysterious. First products of daily life such as food and drink like beard start to age quicker, but this is just the start, with Joe and his team soon receiving message from there apparently deceased boss as well as seeing his face on coins.
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