PhoncipleBone
Banned
In 1990, another classic Arnold science fiction film was unleashed upon the world. Like Terminator and Predator before it, Total Recall is one Arnold film that can genuinely be called a true classic.
Paul Verhoeven directed this as a followup to his classic, Robocop. He brings his satiric edge and love of ultra violence. Him teaming up with Arnold is a match made in heaven.
Based upon the Philip K. Dick story "We Can Remember It for You Wholesale," and adapted by Ronald Shusett, Dan O'Bannon, Gary Goldman, and Jon Povil, the film tells of a regular joe worker Douglas Quaid (Arnold Schwarzenegger) that dreams of escaping his humdrum normal life.
Somehow, Arnold thinks he doesn't get enough excitement at home with Sharon Stone.
He goes to Rekall, a company that specializes in false memories. Custom designed memories implanted in your brain. It can achieve anything that you want. Be a secret agent? Sure. Dump Sharon Stone for a hot brunette?
Check. But sorry, Arnold. Rachel is hot, but she is a downgrade from Sharon Stone.
How about being an action hero set loose on the Mars colony bent on overthrowing the evil corporation and setting the people free?Or all of the above!
They can remember it for you wholesale!
The future presented in the world is still fascinating.
The future of public transportation.
The future of the TSA right here.
But things aren't going so well for Quaid. Now everyone wants him dead, including his wife. And now there is a group of bad guys chasing him down, somehow able to track his every move.
You know there is trouble if Michael Ironside is after you. Still one of the most badass, underrated actors ever.
Soon, Quaid finds out from a message from himself (WTF), why they can track him. There is a tracking device in his skull, and there is only one way to get it out and lose his pursuers.
Does anyone else get a headache while watching this scene?
After eluding them, there is only one option left. He has to get his ass to Mars.
But if you are a wanted man, and spending two weeks on Mars, how do you get past security?
Still awesome.
Of course, we also learn of Mars and its wonderful atmosphere.
So that is why the windows are never opened.
Soon, Quaid has to question his reality. Is this real, or is it an elaborate fantasy implanted by Rekall? Quaid delves deeper into the mystery.
Falling into the underground Mars resistance movement, there are many pleasures to be found.
Slightly NSFW: You wish you had three hands.
And some not so pretty pleasures too:
QUAID!
All of it leads to the man behind the oppression on Mars. Ronny Cox, a staple of awesome 80s films. (Beverly Hills Cop, Robocop).
Let me show you something
One thing leads to another. Quaid still must question his own reality.
And they will forget it for you wholesale, too.
Escaping, there is only one course of action. And that is action that only Arnold can deliver.
See you at the party, Richter!
It seems that the corporation has been hiding the fact that they could in fact create a breathable atmosphere on Mars, but would rather bleed the residents dry instead of giving them free air. But Quaid will have none of that. Of course, venturing outside before the atmosphere is working is not a good idea either.
Ronny Cox has looked better.
So has Arnold.
The beauty of the film is that it ends ambiguously. Was the entire film an elaborately created fantasy that played out in Quaid's mind, or was it reality?
Truly one of the best science fiction films of the last thirty years, and in the top 5 of Arnold's filmography. It also has a spectacular soundtrack by Jerry Goldsmith.
Total Recall Theme
More Arnold love:
Conan The Barbarian
Commando
Predator
