Being a fan of Philip K. Dick, and having really enjoyed some of Richard Linklater's efforts, I eagerly awaited for this one. I haven't been completely disappointed, but I have to say the movie is quite forgettable.

Maybe I'm just getting to old and square, but most drug jokes were lost on me. Don't get me wrong: Robert Downey Jr. and Woody Harrelson really steal the movie. Nobody can stand Keanu Reeves these days, but his lack of expression fits a drug addict, so it kinda works. It was maybe a hint of drug glamorization that turned me off — but it is also a good anti-drug advertisement, so both null each other in the end.

The story is K. Dick in maybe what is his most characteristic: utter ubiquitous uncertainty. It is possible to understand the fascination around mental illness and drugs when you get a glimpse of the gimmicks reality throws on troubled people. It is a morbid fascination around the very core of spiritual entrapment.

Dissociation is the main feature of the keydickesque narration. The idea seems to be something like "let's show the reader how it is to really not be sure about oneself". Bob Arctor is a undercover narcotics agent who discovers he is investigating himself, but is he a bad guy? He is not sure, and all the drugs don't seem to help.

K. Dick is really good on metaphysical fun and games, but he is best in social criticism. Up to now only Blade Runner deals with this aspect — and is quite good on the metaphysical and existential ones also. This is one is sort of fun (for those who are "experienced" at least, for others it won't make much sense), and the movie is a great adaptation, but, as I said, leaves no lasting impression.