Although BLADE RUNNER, the 1982 sci-fi classic based on Philip K. Dick’s novel, is the film that has passed into legend with its’ numerous versions and cult following, it is not the only adaptation of this legendary sci-fi writer into film
Ronald Shusett, who co-wrote the original ALIEN with Dan O’Bannon, had a determination to see another Dick story, WE CAN REMEMBER IT FOR YOU WHOLESALE, from optioning the rights in the early 1970s. The script and project went through several drafts and a number of directors, including David Cronenberg, before the rights were bought by Carolco in the late 1980s when previous rights holder Dino De Laurentiis’ production company was in trouble, apparently at the request of eventual lead Arnold Schwarzenegger.
One of the biggest independent blockbusters of all time, released in 1990 during a summer of releases that included the likes of DAYS OF THUNDER, DICK TRACY and DIE HARD 2: DIE HARDER, TOTAL RECALL is the tale of Douglas Quaid (Schwarzenegger), a construction worker with a loving wife, Lori (Sharon Stone) and all he could want. However, he has been getting visions of Mars, in particular a woman whom he seems to have a bond with.
He follows with interest adverts about a company called Rekall, who create virtual holidays and on the spur of the moment goes to visit a local agency. However, when he goes through the process of being injected with the drugs that enable him to enter the virtual experience, it transpires that his real-life experience impacts, revealing an alternate identity.
Things get even more complicated when he is confronted by a fellow worker and mates who restrain him, but Quaid suddenly reveals physical attributes and kills them all. Heading home, he tells Lori about it, but Lori has her own revelation in mind….
Without question one of Arnie’s best ever performances, thanks to spirited direction from Paul Verhoeven (ROBOCOP, BASIC INSTINCT) and great support from Sharon Stone, who exudes cool sexiness and gutsiness throughout, as well as Rachel Ticotin and Michael Ironside (SCANNERS), TOTAL RECALL has fantastic action sequences and visual effects, as well as some great blood effects thanks to Rob Bottin (ROBOCOP, THE THING (1982)