Ubik: the Screenplay by Philip K. Dick Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Ubik: the Screenplay
Book Review: UBIK -- SAFE WHEN USED AS DIRECTED -- PLEASE SEE BELOW.
Summary: 4 Stars
Caution: Ubik may cause cranial implosion in those unfamiliar with the work of Philip K. Dick.
If you are new to the work of PKD I would strongly suggest that you buy the original novel version of this work rather than this screenplay. This is an interesting work for a self-confessed Dickophile such as myself but it's debatable whether it would be of much interest to the casual reader.
Phil has written an interesting but quite unusable script. He undoubtedly understood the differences between novel and script writing, and this piece shows this awareness initially, but Phil soon forgets that he's writing for the screen. As the piece moves on he appears to be using it as a vehicle to revisit the ideas in the original book. Many scenes are way too long and there is far too much expositional dialogue. Had this been taken up by a studio it would've spent an eternity in "development hell". In fact I think this would be more successful as a radio play.
I unreservedly recommend PKD's work, but stick to the novels and short stories. It's in these formats that he excels. This still warrants 4 out of 5, however, because I found it fascinating.
Book Review: Whem do we get to see the movie?
Summary: 5 Stars
This screenplay, which the author based on his own novel, focuses more on action than the novel did. It does, however, remain faithful to the novel. The long speeches by the main character, Joe Chip, would be better given to a voice-over narrator. Overall, it's fun to read and would make a good movie. Unfortunately, Halcyon is not using this screenplay.
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