Radio Free Albemuth (2010)

Although I haven't read all of his books and stories...or even seen all of the movies that have been made based on those books and stories...I thought that I pretty much knew the length and breadth of Philip K. Dick. One of his novels, V.A.L.I.S., is one of my favorite books of all time...and also one of the books which has had the most profound effect upon my mind and spirit. (I don't think it'd be hyperbolic to say that this novel made it possible for me to re-consider Christianity as a valid pathway to spiritual enlightenment. Them notes is heavy.) So I don't know how the movie based on the "alternate" V.A.L.I.S. novel, Radio Free Albemuth (2010), managed to escape my notice for nine years. Add another level of How The Fuck Did I Miss That (HTFDIMT) when you consider that Katheryn Winnick, who caught my eye and libido in Vikings, has a starring role as Rachel Brady. (And I feel it necessary to add in here that Alanis Morissette also has an important role as Sylvia Aramchek, the "Linda Ronstadt" character.)

But just this morning I happened upon it completely by accident. In fact, it was so much by accident that I don't even remember how it happened. I think it just showed up in my Amazon Prime Here's Some Shit Our Algorithm Says You Probably Will Want To Watch list. Which would make sense, as I have purchased several Philip K. Dick items from Amazon in the past, but why did it just show up now, I wonder? I got nuthin' on that.

But I was anxious to watch it, so I dialed it up to keep me company on my 62 minute stationary bike ride today. And with the dumbbell exercises thrown in on top of that, I almost made it all the way through the movie (1 hour 51 minutes), and finished it off shortly thereafter (whilst still gasping for breath; 61.5 ain't easy).

And...well. It's pretty obviously a low budget production. IMDb says its budget was $3.6 million, which isn't technically low budget 1  , but take it from me...there are tacky special effects, some bad acting moments which really should have been re-shot, and some other tell-tale signs. It also obviously didn't do well with anybody, as Wikipedia reveals that its box office take was $9,365. (SIC) But I still found it to be pretty watchable...even enjoyable...and, from what I can remember, pretty true to the novel. I don't think I'll watch it again, but I would be happy to recommend it to you--with enthusiasm if you're a PKD wo/man.

One thing, though, is that even as science fiction this film ( / novel) really pushes the boundaries of credulity. Get this: there's a president who is an agent for the Russian government, and he uses the fear of American citizens to suppress constitutional freedoms. He is also virulently racist, a complete charlatan, and a morally fetid human being. Who'd believe that America could ever fall for that kind of shit?

Not me.





1  According to stephenfollows.com,  "the maximum budget for a film to still be classified as low budget...[is] $2.12 million." And you wouldn't doubt Stephen, would you?