Interesting Related Articles

As much about utopia as dystopia, this article by noted author John Crowley is very interesting. I heard him speak in the summer around the time he had given his class on Utopias to his Yale students.

Future as Parable Harper's Magazine, November 2013.

The future is a parable, one that the speculator tells to himself; sometimes others are affected by it, though many who are affected by it mistake the parable for a plan or a promise or a vision. —John Crowley

Interesting older (2014) list of dystopias that are "more relevant than ever."

10 Dystopias That are More Relevant Than Ever.

I like their inclusion of the short story "Harrison Bergeron" by Vonnegut. It's a powerful story. My sentimental favorite would be the movie "Brazil," which is listed at #1.

I'm sorry George Saunders stories did not make the list, but great start for anyone interested in this genre! Am saving the John Crowley piece for when I can get a couple of golden hours to myself. Thanks for posting these.

>3 nohrt4me2: My pleasure. You know how one internet search leads to another....

>4 avaland: Yes, I do. Also enjoyed "Brazil," which I saw decades ago now. Most vivid images were of Katherine Helmond's incessant plastic surgery. Just for fun, I googled some images of her. She looks like a normal, attractive elderly lady, bless her.

>5 nohrt4me2: We have a boxed set with the director's cut...etc. (gift to hubby on some occasion or another). Gilliam had a different ending planned than the one used.

>6 avaland: Maybe I'll put that on the Xmas list. Have not watched it in a long time. Husband would like it; he brought home the director's cut of "Blade Runner" last week. We don't do gifts anymore; I just order a bunch of DVDs that we start watching for winter break.

I need to read Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep sometime.

>7 nohrt4me2: Yes, you do.

I also love Brazil and am due for a rewatch.