“Total Recall” (1990) directed by Paul Verhoeven; starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sharon Stone, Michael Ironside, Rachel Ticotin and Ronny Cox / Z-View

Posted on by

Total Recall (1990)

Director:  Paul Verhoeven

Screenplay: Ronald Shusett, Dan O’Bannon, Gary Goldman; story by Ronald Shusett, Dan O’Bannon, Jon Povill; based on “We Can Remember It for You Wholesale” by Philip K. Dick

Stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sharon Stone, Michael Ironside, Rachel Ticotin, Ronny Cox, Marshall Bell, Mel Johnson Jr., Michael Champion, Roy Brocksmith, Ray Baker, David Knell, Alexia Robinson, Debbie Lee Carrington, Lycia Naff, Robert Costanzo and Dean Norris.

Tagline: How would you know after memory implantation if your mind is yours?

The Plot…

The year is 2084.  Mars is now a colonized planet.  The leader of the planet is Vilos Cohaagen.  Cohaagen is a dictatorial ruler who came to power thanks to his management of the mining of turbinium ore.  Cohaagen rules with an iron hand.

Douglas Quaid is a construction worker on Earth.  Quaid continues to have recurring nightmares about being on Mars.  In his dreams Quaid is involved with a woman and on a mysterious mission.  Quaid realizes that a trip to Mars is out of the question.  So he decides to check out Rekall.

Rekall uses the latest technology to implant memories that are no different than one would actually have experienced.  Quaid decides to purchase a memory of Mars.  Because the memories are implanted a customer can be or do anything.  Quaid decides to be a secret agent sent on a mission to save Mars.  Once the memory is implanted, he will believe that everything he remembers is true.

During the implant stage, Quaid begins struggling.  The Rekall techs see that Quaid has had a procedure to repress memories.  Concerned that unlocking these memories would put them at odds with Cohaagen, the Rekall workers shut down the process.  

On the way home Quaid is attacked.  Quaid is surprised to discover he is able to kill his attackers.  Now he’s confused.  Is he a former spy?  Is it just a memory?  If he is a spy, and his cover is blown, who can he trust?  What was his mission?

A trip to Mars will be required to discover the truth.  But can Quaid ever really be sure?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Total Recall (1990) was nominated for three 1991 Academy Awards and won one…

  • Nominee for Best Effects, Sound Effects Editing – Stephen Hunter Flick
  • Best Sound – Nelson Stoll, Michael J. Kohut, Carlos Delarios, Aaron Rochin
  • Winner for Special Achievement Award – Eric Brevig, Rob Bottin, Tim McGovern, Alex Funke

Arnold Schwarzenegger was supposed to star in Robocop, directed by Paul Verhoeven.  But the deal fell through.  When Schwarzenegger saw Robocop, he was determined to do a film with Verhoeven.  Verhoeven was in talks to direct Black Rain. When the film was delayed, Schwarzenegger lobbied to get Verhoeven on board to helm Total Recall.  Since Verhoeven also wanted to work with Schwarzenegger, he passed on Black Rain.

Patrick Swayze was originally set to star with Bruce Beresford as director. When Dino De Laurentis’ company went bankrupt Schwarzenegger convinced Carolco to buy the rights. In early drafts the Quaid character was called Quill and was an accountant.  Once Arnold was on board the named changed as did the occupation.  Quaid was now a muscular construction worker.

Russell “Highlander” Mulcahy had been in talks to direct Total Recall.  Sylvester Stallone wanted Mulcahy to direct Rambo III (1988).  Stallone won out.  Ironically, Mulcahy was fired just a few weeks into filming due to creative differences with Stallone. Peter MacDonald (Rambo III‘s second-unit director) took over.

DC published a Total Recall comic book adaptation written by Elliot S. Maggin and drawn by Tom Lyle.

Total Recall (1990) rates 4 of 5 stars