Detailed Summary
Quaid’s Ordinary Life – Or Is It?
Douglas Quaid (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is a construction worker in 2084 who has recurring dreams about Mars and a mysterious woman. Despite having a stable life with his wife, Lori (Sharon Stone), Quaid feels a strange pull toward the Red Planet. He visits Rekall, a company that implants false memories, to live out his fantasy of being a secret agent on Mars.
The Memory Implant Goes Wrong
At Rekall, something goes wrong during the procedure. The technicians discover that Quaid already has suppressed memories of actually being a secret agent. Suddenly, Quaid finds himself hunted by government agents. He returns home, only to discover that his wife is part of the conspiracy and was never truly his wife.
The Escape and Discovering His True Identity
Quaid barely escapes and finds out that his real identity is Hauser, a former operative who worked for Mars’ corrupt governor, Cohaagen (Ronny Cox). Following clues left by his past self, Quaid travels to Mars to uncover the truth.
The Martian Rebellion
On Mars, Quaid learns of the oppressive regime led by Cohaagen, who controls the planet’s oxygen supply. Quaid joins forces with the resistance, including Melina (Rachel Ticotin), the woman from his dreams. Together, they attempt to overthrow Cohaagen and free the Martian population.
The Reactor and Cohaagen’s Demise
The climax occurs in the underground reactor built by an ancient Martian civilization. Cohaagen wants to keep it offline to maintain his control, but Quaid activates it, releasing oxygen across the planet. Cohaagen dies in the process, and Quaid saves the people of Mars.
The Ambiguous Ending
As Mars’ sky turns blue, Quaid and Melina kiss. But before the credits roll, Quaid wonders if everything was just a dream. The film ends on this ambiguous note, leaving the audience questioning what was real.
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Movie Ending
The movie’s ending leaves viewers wondering whether Quaid truly went on this adventure or if it was all a memory implant gone awry. The final moments hint that Quaid might still be in the Rekall chair, with everything experienced being a part of the implanted fantasy.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, “Total Recall” does not have any post-credits scenes.
Type of Movie
“Total Recall” is a sci-fi action thriller with a mix of cyberpunk and dystopian elements. It’s also known for its mind-bending narrative and philosophical undertones, exploring identity and reality.
Cast
- Arnold Schwarzenegger as Douglas Quaid / Hauser
- Sharon Stone as Lori
- Rachel Ticotin as Melina
- Ronny Cox as Vilos Cohaagen
- Michael Ironside as Richter
- Marshall Bell as George / Kuato
Film Music and Composer
The film’s score was composed by Jerry Goldsmith, who delivers an intense and futuristic sound that heightens the tension and action scenes.
Filming Locations
- Mexico City, Mexico: Several scenes, including the futuristic subway and Rekall headquarters, were shot here. The brutalist architecture of the city lent itself perfectly to the movie’s dystopian setting.
- Zocalo Square, Mexico City: The famous square was used for various Mars scenes.
These locations provided the gritty, otherworldly look needed for both Earth and Mars.
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Awards and Nominations
- Academy Award: Won Special Achievement Award for Visual Effects.
- Saturn Awards: Won Best Science Fiction Film and Best Director.
- BAFTA Awards: Nominated for Best Special Visual Effects.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- The original script was inspired by Philip K. Dick’s short story “We Can Remember It for You Wholesale.”
- The production faced numerous challenges filming in Mexico due to pollution and food poisoning among the cast and crew.
- Sharon Stone underwent rigorous physical training to prepare for her role as the undercover agent Lori.
Inspirations and References
- Source Material: The movie is loosely based on the short story “We Can Remember It for You Wholesale” by Philip K. Dick.
- 1980s and 1990s Sci-Fi: The film drew inspiration from cyberpunk aesthetics and the trend of exploring reality versus illusion in that era’s science fiction.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
No significant alternate endings were filmed, although there were extended and alternate takes of key scenes that didn’t make the final cut.
Book Adaptations and Differences
- The film significantly expands on the original short story, which is more focused on Quaid’s desire to experience something exciting rather than uncovering a grand conspiracy.
- The Mars subplot and the rebel storyline are inventions for the film, adding more action and drama.
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Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The Rekall Incident: When Quaid’s suppressed memories are triggered, leading to chaos.
- Lori’s Betrayal: Quaid’s realization that his wife was a plant all along.
- The Three-Breasted Woman: An iconic and bizarre scene when Quaid meets the mutants on Mars.
- Kuato Reveals the Truth: The leader of the Martian resistance emerging as a mutant conjoined twin.
Iconic Quotes
- “If I’m not me, then who the hell am I?” – Quaid
- “Consider that a divorce.” – Quaid (after shooting Lori)
- “Get your ass to Mars.” – Quaid’s subconscious message
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The Rekall commercial’s slogan hints at the ambiguity of the ending: “For the memory of a lifetime.”
- Several visual cues, like Quaid seeing himself on TV or encountering symbols from his “fantasy” life, foreshadow that everything might be in his head.
- The glowing Mars pyramid is a nod to ancient alien theories that were popular at the time.
Trivia
- The film was originally planned to be directed by David Cronenberg, who envisioned a darker tone.
- The famous line “Get your ass to Mars” became a catchphrase in pop culture.
- The movie’s groundbreaking use of animatronics and practical effects made it a visual effects milestone.
Why Watch?
“Total Recall” is a thrilling roller-coaster ride that combines explosive action, mind-bending twists, and a compelling exploration of reality and identity. It’s a perfect blend of classic 80s and 90s sci-fi with a gripping plot and memorable performances.
Director’s Other Movies
- RoboCop (1987)
- Basic Instinct (1992)
- Starship Troopers (1997)
- Hollow Man (2000)