Detailed Summary
The World in 2084: A Dystopian Future
In the year 2084, Earth is divided into two remaining habitable regions after chemical warfare: the United Federation of Britain (UFB) and The Colony (Australia). The UFB controls the world’s wealth and power, while The Colony serves as the labor force. Workers commute between the two regions using a massive elevator system called “The Fall” that travels through the Earth’s core.
Douglas Quaid’s Discontent
Douglas Quaid (Colin Farrell), a factory worker in The Colony, struggles with recurring nightmares about a life he doesn’t remember, involving a woman he doesn’t know. Although he has a stable life with his wife Lori (Kate Beckinsale), Quaid feels unfulfilled and drawn to something more.
Rekall and the False Memories
Quaid visits Rekall, a company that implants artificial memories, to experience the thrill of being a secret agent. However, during the procedure, something goes wrong. The Rekall technicians discover that Quaid already has suppressed memories of being a real secret agent. Before they can proceed, police raid the facility, forcing Quaid to fight back using skills he didn’t know he had. Confused and on the run, Quaid embarks on a journey to uncover his true identity.
The Truth About Quaid’s Identity
Quaid discovers that his real name is Carl Hauser, and he was a top operative working for the UFB’s leader, Chancellor Cohaagen (Bryan Cranston). Hauser was working undercover in The Colony but had his memory erased when he started sympathizing with the rebellion led by Matthias (Bill Nighy).
Melina and the Resistance
Quaid meets Melina (Jessica Biel), the woman from his dreams, who turns out to be a rebel fighting alongside Matthias. She helps him escape from Lori, who is revealed to be an agent working for Cohaagen. Lori’s mission was to keep Quaid under control and prevent him from discovering his past.
The Final Battle with Cohaagen
Quaid learns that Cohaagen is planning to use “The Fall” to transport an army to The Colony to suppress a rebellion. Quaid and Melina infiltrate the UFB and confront Cohaagen in a climactic battle. In the end, they manage to stop Cohaagen’s plan by destroying “The Fall,” severing the connection between the UFB and The Colony.
Quaid’s Decision
After the battle, Quaid is unsure whether his memories are real or just another implanted experience from Rekall. He chooses to accept his new reality, embracing his identity as Carl Hauser and his relationship with Melina.
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Movie Ending
The film ends ambiguously, with Quaid reflecting on his experiences and questioning the authenticity of his memories. As he stands with Melina, he notices that the Rekall logo is missing from his arm, casting doubt on whether everything that happened was real or still part of the Rekall implant.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, there are no post-credits scenes in Total Recall (2012).
Type of Movie
This movie is a science fiction action thriller, packed with futuristic technology, intense action sequences, and existential themes about identity and memory.
Cast
- Colin Farrell as Douglas Quaid / Carl Hauser
- Kate Beckinsale as Lori Quaid
- Jessica Biel as Melina
- Bryan Cranston as Chancellor Cohaagen
- Bill Nighy as Matthias
- John Cho as McClane (Rekall employee)
- Bokeem Woodbine as Harry
Film Music and Composer
The film’s score was composed by Harry Gregson-Williams, known for his work on other action and sci-fi films. The music enhances the futuristic, dystopian feel of the movie, combining orchestral elements with electronic sounds.
Filming Locations
- Toronto, Canada: Many of the cityscape and urban scenes were filmed in Toronto, with CGI enhancing the futuristic setting.
- Pinewood Studios, UK: Various interior shots and action sequences were filmed here.
These locations helped create the movie’s sleek, high-tech urban environments.
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Awards and Nominations
The film was not a major awards contender but did receive nominations for its visual effects and production design at various smaller film festivals and award shows.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- The movie is a remake of the 1990 film Total Recall, based on Philip K. Dick’s short story, “We Can Remember It For You Wholesale.”
- Kate Beckinsale, who plays Quaid’s wife and antagonist, is married to director Len Wiseman, leading to a humorous dynamic on set.
- The film features practical stunts mixed with CGI, and Colin Farrell did many of his own action sequences.
Inspirations and References
- The film is based on Philip K. Dick’s short story, “We Can Remember It For You Wholesale.”
- The 1990 Total Recall movie starring Arnold Schwarzenegger inspired many of the core plot elements, although this version skips the Mars storyline in favor of a purely Earth-bound setting.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
There are no widely known alternate endings, but several deleted scenes are included in the film’s DVD release, adding additional character development and extended action sequences.
Book Adaptations and Differences
- Philip K. Dick’s Short Story: The film shares the core premise of a man with implanted memories discovering a hidden past. However, the movie expands on the action and political intrigue, diverging from the original short story’s more psychological and philosophical focus.
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Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Quaid’s Rekall Procedure: The moment Quaid’s suppressed memories surface, and the chaos that follows is a key turning point in the story.
- The Fall’s Destruction: The climactic battle on the elevator traveling through the Earth’s core is a standout action sequence.
- Quaid vs. Lori: The intense fight scene between Quaid and his “wife” Lori is a thrilling, high-octane moment.
Iconic Quotes
- “If I’m not me, then who the hell am I?” – Douglas Quaid
- “You’re gonna wish you had three hands!” – Harry (a nod to the original 1990 version)
- “The past is a construct of the mind. The heart wants to live in the present.” – Matthias
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- Three-Breasted Woman: As a nod to the original Total Recall, a character with three breasts makes an appearance, much to the delight of fans.
- “Rekall” Posters: Throughout the film, Rekall advertising can be seen in the background, subtly reminding the audience of the ambiguity between reality and implanted memories.
Trivia
- Colin Farrell took on the role of Quaid after Tom Hardy and Michael Fassbender were considered.
- The film avoids the Mars storyline of the original, focusing entirely on Earth.
- Jessica Biel performed many of her own stunts, including complex hand-to-hand combat scenes.
Why Watch?
If you enjoy futuristic action films with mind-bending plots, Total Recall is a great choice. It explores themes of identity, memory, and reality while delivering plenty of thrilling action sequences and stunning visuals.
Director’s Other Movies
- Underworld (2003)
- Live Free or Die Hard (2007)
- Underworld: Evolution (2006)