So now that we are all experts on both Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? and Blade Runner, I think I can go out on a limb and say that the two have little to nothing in common with one another. I say this with such caution only because in discussing Blade Runner with people, some seem outright shocked that I didn't think it was the greatest movie of all time. In fact, I thought the film was odd, disjointed, and having nothing to do with the novel it was supposedly based on. My shock that so many people consider the film to be one of the best of all time, is probably about equal to theirs.
Perhaps my dislike for the movie had some relationship to my absolute love of Phillip K. Dick's novel. Both his creativity and philosophical depth took me on a ride I in no way was expecting. At first, I had thought because of the title that the fundamental question of the novel was whether or not machines should be treated the same way as human beings. As the novel unraveled, I began to realize that the point was more what the difference between humans and androids is, rather than similarities. Mr. Dick offers empathy. While the main character eventually develops emphatic feelings towards androids, the feelings are never returned.
The real adventure was the thought process and gathering of data in order to make a final judgement. There are a couple of themes of the book I am still sorting through and would love to get opinions on such as: Mercerism (Wilbur, stones, etc.), the last chapter with the toad, Buster Friendly, and anything else anyone would like to add. I'm certain that Dick thought every element of the novel through very carefully and I would love to hear opinions about why these parts were included, other than for obvious entertainment value.
On to Infinite Jest....I hope we're all ready for this!
