Fun Fact:
There were many versions of the script before the final draft, and the big debate was over how to end it. One version had Quaid discover that he is actually a synthetically created duplicate from the Martian machine. His real self was killed while investigating the Martian compound and the machine made a duplicate of him that's basically a resurrection of the Martian race. His last line: "It's going to be fun to play God."

 

    


Total Recall
Directed by Paul Verhoven
U.S. Release Date: June 1, 1990
Tag: "Get ready for the ride of your life"
Gillinator Rating: 8/10

The Plot
Douglas Quaid is a guy who seems to have it all-- a beautiful wife (Sharon Stone), a nice apartment, and a steady job. But life in 2084 just leaves him longing for something more. So he takes a trip to Recall, Inc., and signs up for a memory implant of a trip to Mars, which has always fascinated him. The implant procedure goes drastically wrong, and the next thing he knows, he's being chased by goons trying to kill him, and among them are his boss and his wife. On the run from Earth to Mars, he tries to figure out what's going on, who he can trust, and if he really is who he thinks he is.

Gillinator Review
Another one of my favorites, this has a great blend of sci-fi, action, and edgy humor. The story is intriguing, with one twist after another until the very end, when Quaid wonders if the whole thing has been a dream and leaves you to wonder the same thing. Arnold gives a great performance as a regular guy who gets thrown into extraordinary circumstances, as well as his alter-ego Howser. He also delivers some very memorable one-liners that are funny without being too corny. The supporting cast is also great, many of them Verhoven regulars like bad guy Michael Ironside and the great Marshall Bell, who plays the Kuato guy. This is also the first starring role for Sharon Stone, who plays Quaid's wife until he "divorces" her. The special effects are some of the best pre-CG effects, bringing to life many deliciously gruesome images like Kuato and the up-the-nose device, proving once again that Verhoven has a knack for gore. The cinematography is well done, resulting in crisp, colorful images of the futuristic sets and mutant costumes. The sound effects are decent, but nothing really special, and the score by Jerry Goldsmith echoes some of the themes from Conan, giving an epic and dramatic feel to the action and story. Finally, JohnnyCab is an inspired element that's both a satirical vision of future technology and a hilarious comic relief during the chase scene. This film was a pet project of Arnold's and was many years in development before it finally got made, but in this case it was a good thing because it was worth it to make all the right elements come together and make an exciting and intelligent blockbuster smash.

DVD Extras
Unfortunately, the DVD is not a special edition (yet), but it contains the standard trailer and teaser, which are interesting to see. I think you'll agree, the teaser is bizarre.

Favorite Scene
I really like the scene where the guy from Recall tires to convince Quaid that everything he's experienced has been part of his mind implant. It's a tense moment when Quaid almost second guesses himself, then sees that one drop of sweat, and... BANG!

Arnie Quotes
"Consider that a divorce!"
"Get your ass to Mars...get your ass to Mars..."
"MY NAME IS NOT QUAID!"
"If I'm not me, who da hell am I?"
"That's the best mindf___ yet."