Book Report - "Blade Runner: Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick
As a fan of both “Blade Runner” and “Blade Runner 2049,” I finally decided to read the original inspiration book “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” by Philip K. Dick. At least… I think I did. The book that I read was technically titled, "Blade Runner: Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” but that seems to be a rebranding of the original book after the success of the first movie. I read a science fiction book about androids. Beyond that, I can’t be certain.
I was curious how the book and movies might compare, since movies based on books are frequently inferior to the source material. The biggest problem that I see with movies based on books is how little time they have to expound on the characters, events, and themes. This is certainly still the case with “Blade Runner.” The book has much more commentary on social class, as well as the dynamic between real and synthetic. Character interactions in the book have much more depth, with much more nuance in reason and motive.
Numerous people who watched the movies complained that they gave very little background or explanation, a sentiment that I share. The book addresses every concern or confusion that I had with either movie, and it manages to do that organically, without forcing pages and pages of description. I can’t say whether I would recommend reading or watching first, but reading definitely cleared up several things I didn’t understand about the movies. Specifically, the test that K administers at the beginning of “Blade Runner 2049” makes a lot more sense, given the tests discussed in the book, and how there is a constant race between android manufacturers and law enforcement agencies. As the androids become more lifelike, tests must become more advanced to detect them. A certain Nexus 6 model nearly passes Deckard’s assessment as human, only to be caught by some additional questions by Deckard with some quick thinking.
The book also explores the attitude that Deckard has toward androids, and how it evolves over time. In the beginning, Deckard only hunts deviant androids by occupation, a means of earning a paycheck. However, as the book progresses, he unearths a sort of hatred and mistrust of androids that he does not originally realize about himself. A pivotal moment with with Rachael Tyrell causes Deckard to question his own motives for pursuing androids, as well as his opinions androids versus humans.
Without giving away too much more in the way of plot, the book is significantly more thought provoking than the movies. Where the movies have an undeniable element of visual spectacle, the book provides an enthralling look into the dichotomy between real and fake, between natural and synthetic. We like to think that we prefer real in all cases, and we believe that we notice a difference between the two, but so rarely do we know with certainty.
The setting is bleak, but beautiful in its emptiness. Every locale feels isolating and lonely. Characters use each other for personal gain, and there are nearly no genuine social connections. Everything about the book is desolate and cold. The journey is a sensory exploration in a densely populated, yet barren world.
If you watched and enjoyed either “Blade Runner” movie, I would highly recommend “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep.” If you like dystopian or SciFi books in general, I would recommend it. If you want to be challenged on a philosophical level, again, I would recommend reading or listening to it. Scott Brick’s narrating style fits the gritty, noir feel of the text. The entire book is under 10 hours: a low investment for a fantastic payoff.
Resources:
Dick, Philip. Blade Runner: Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?. Narrated by Scott Brick, Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group, 2007. Audiobook.
Warner Bros. (1982). Blade Runner.
Warner Bros. Pictures. (2018). Blade Runner 2049.
I was curious how the book and movies might compare, since movies based on books are frequently inferior to the source material. The biggest problem that I see with movies based on books is how little time they have to expound on the characters, events, and themes. This is certainly still the case with “Blade Runner.” The book has much more commentary on social class, as well as the dynamic between real and synthetic. Character interactions in the book have much more depth, with much more nuance in reason and motive.
Numerous people who watched the movies complained that they gave very little background or explanation, a sentiment that I share. The book addresses every concern or confusion that I had with either movie, and it manages to do that organically, without forcing pages and pages of description. I can’t say whether I would recommend reading or watching first, but reading definitely cleared up several things I didn’t understand about the movies. Specifically, the test that K administers at the beginning of “Blade Runner 2049” makes a lot more sense, given the tests discussed in the book, and how there is a constant race between android manufacturers and law enforcement agencies. As the androids become more lifelike, tests must become more advanced to detect them. A certain Nexus 6 model nearly passes Deckard’s assessment as human, only to be caught by some additional questions by Deckard with some quick thinking.
The book also explores the attitude that Deckard has toward androids, and how it evolves over time. In the beginning, Deckard only hunts deviant androids by occupation, a means of earning a paycheck. However, as the book progresses, he unearths a sort of hatred and mistrust of androids that he does not originally realize about himself. A pivotal moment with with Rachael Tyrell causes Deckard to question his own motives for pursuing androids, as well as his opinions androids versus humans.
Without giving away too much more in the way of plot, the book is significantly more thought provoking than the movies. Where the movies have an undeniable element of visual spectacle, the book provides an enthralling look into the dichotomy between real and fake, between natural and synthetic. We like to think that we prefer real in all cases, and we believe that we notice a difference between the two, but so rarely do we know with certainty.
The setting is bleak, but beautiful in its emptiness. Every locale feels isolating and lonely. Characters use each other for personal gain, and there are nearly no genuine social connections. Everything about the book is desolate and cold. The journey is a sensory exploration in a densely populated, yet barren world.
If you watched and enjoyed either “Blade Runner” movie, I would highly recommend “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep.” If you like dystopian or SciFi books in general, I would recommend it. If you want to be challenged on a philosophical level, again, I would recommend reading or listening to it. Scott Brick’s narrating style fits the gritty, noir feel of the text. The entire book is under 10 hours: a low investment for a fantastic payoff.
Resources:
Dick, Philip. Blade Runner: Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?. Narrated by Scott Brick, Penguin Random House Audio Publishing Group, 2007. Audiobook.
Warner Bros. (1982). Blade Runner.
Warner Bros. Pictures. (2018). Blade Runner 2049.
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