Comparison of “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” and “Blade Runner”

Write a 2-page (minimum!) reflection paper comparing the book Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? and the movie Blade Runner. What are the important differences? What is the filmmaker, Ridley Scott, trying to say (if anything) with this movie adaptation (aka remix)? Is it different from what you think the author of the book, Philip K. Dick, says to us with his original novel? Which perspective do you prefer, that of the novel, or that of the film? Why? (Don’t just give us a list! Have something to say.)

Your subjective opinions about these artworks are important, but make sure you employ factual details from the book/film to support your reflection. If you use relevant citations from both the film and the movie, your points will seem more well-reasoned. You might also use the notes you took in class (and, hopefully, while reading the novel). See if you can identify any patterns, in the way the film remixes the novel. What might those patterns mean?

Curious about how to frame any ambitious cultural argument that you might want to make? Michele Wallace’s essay “Entertainment Tomorrow” is (as always) potentially relevant. (It’s on Blackboard for you.)

You are also welcome to include Blade Runner 2049, the recent sequel to Blade Runner, in your comparison (but that’s not a requirement). Submit this via Blackboard before our next class, on Feb 27 — and bring 1 copy of your paper to that class meeting.