Paycheck (2003) is a science fiction thriller directed by John Woo and based on a short story of the same name by Philip K. Dick. The film stars Ben Affleck, Uma Thurman, and Aaron Eckhart.

The story follows Michael Jennings (Ben Affleck), a highly skilled industrial espionage agent who uses his unique abilities to work on secretive projects for large corporations. Jennings agrees to take on a high-profile job that involves erasing his memory after the project is completed. However, when he undergoes the procedure to forget the details of his work, he discovers that he has been double-crossed and that his memory wipe has left him with only a few cryptic clues about what happened.

Jennings finds himself in a dangerous situation where he is pursued by assassins and must piece together the mystery of what he was working on, why he was betrayed, and how to clear his name. His investigation leads him to a series of high-stakes confrontations and reveals a plot involving a futuristic technology that could change the world.

Paycheck is known for its blend of action, suspense, and speculative science fiction. The film explores themes of identity, memory, and the ethical implications of advanced technology. The screenplay weaves a complex narrative that keeps audiences guessing about the true nature of Jennings’s mission and the technology at the center of the story.

The film received mixed to positive reviews, with praise for its engaging plot and action sequences, but some criticism for its pacing and execution. Ben Affleck’s performance, along with Woo’s direction and the film’s high-tech visual style, are highlighted as strengths. Paycheck offers a thought-provoking and action-packed experience, capturing the essence of Philip K. Dick’s speculative fiction with a modern cinematic twist.