Perception vs. Reality

Philip K. Dick

When I think of perception vs. reality I always immediately think of movies like the Matrix and Total Recall because they focus on the idea of alternate realities that coexist and are altered by influences from outside sources.  I think it would be impossible to talk about perception and reality without making a reference to the famous science fiction writer Philip K. Dick who is the grandfather of such thought. Philip K. Dick is known for conceptualizing and inventing the idea of virtual reality in the 1960’s and 70’s, long before the invention of conventional personal computers, video games, and the internet.  Many of his books have focused on this concept and have been made into films by some very highly respected film directors; check them out if you haven’t seen them, they are sublime.  His book titled “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep” was made into a film by Ridley Scott titled “Blade Runner”, his book “Second Variety” is the film titled “Screamers” by director Christian Duguay, the book “We Can Remember It For You Wholesale” is a film titled “Total Recall” by Paul Verhoeven, the book “Impostor” was made into a film by the same name and directed by Gary Fledor, the book “paycheck” was made into a film by John Woo titled “Paycheck”, his book “Minority Report” was made into a film by the same name and directed by Stephen Spielberg, the book “A Scanner Darkly” was adapted for the screen by Richard Linklater, and last but not least his book “The Golden Man” was made into the film “Next” directed by Lee Tamahori. Enjoy!!!