Total Recall (1990)

“See you at the party Victor!”

Classic nineties science fiction starring Arnold Schwarzenegger as a man who pays to have a memory implanted, only to discover a sinister plot that involves him and his past version.

Based on a Philip K. Dick short story, Total Recall is about a future world where humans can have memories implanted or taken away in order to alter their life. Douglas Quaid (Schwarzenegger) is a simple construction worker who believes he is meant for more in life. He makes the decision to have a memory implanted which will make him think he went to mars for two weeks. However, the process soon becomes a murky menacing experience as armed goons chase him through the streets, attempting to kill him.

As Quaid attempts to elude the attackers, he stumbles upon people who know him from a former life, and he must decide who he is, and which reality he will pursue.

Director Paul Verhoeven delivers a timeless sci-fi movie which still impresses, with his special make-up effects and large-scale action. The gruesome, eye-bulging make-up and the dystopian/fascist metaphors are a little in the face, but still effective. Arnie delivers a worthy performance, and keeps the balance between action-clod and sympathetic hero.

The sets are designed with magnificent boldness, something missing from modern science fiction, and the stunts are in-keeping with this old-school feel.

Having not seen the modern remake, I can still see why fans were wary - this film is not yet dated enough to merit a re-imagining. It is still very effective, and deserves its cultish fan base.