Arnold Schwarzenegger’s name is synonymous with celebrated action movies. Before Paul Verhoeven’s TOTAL RECALL (1990) became a massive blockbuster, Schwarzenegger had to fight for it to become a reality. A film with a deeper-than-average plot, dedicated cast/crew and impressively imaginative special effects, TOTAL RECALL is still an extraordinary sci-fi spectacular.
▶️Synopsis: Set in 2084, an everyday man seeks out an adventure of a lifetime. But a botched virtual vacation to Mars makes him the key figure of a non-stop chase concerning a conflict between a rebellion and a corrupt government holding the planet hostage. You decide whether it’s a dream or reality.
⏩⏩Discussions include: TOTAL RECALL’s 10+ year development, initial procurement of the 1966 story, rewrites, influences & early pre-production; the search for the proper director & careful casting choices; placement in Schwarzenegger & Verhoeven’s careers, their personal influences on the production; prophetic, political and violent elements; the film’s visual aesthetic, including practical special effects, miniatures, models, use of light/colors, detailed sets/locations; marketing, critical/audience reception, awards & legacy of; behind the scenes tidbits, favorite scenes & what makes the film so darn enjoyable.
**Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rachel Ticotin, Sharon Stone, Michael Ironside, Ronny Cox. Directed by Paul Verhoeven.**
▶️**PICKS OF THE WEEK**
—Lindsay’s Pick, SCANNERS (1981): A security company looking weaponize telekinetic powers dispatches their most powerful human experiment in order to stop a renegade and a rebellion. **Starring Stephen Lack, Jennifer O’Neill, Patrick McGoohan, Michael Ironside. Directed by David Cronenberg.**
—Justin’s Pick, KINDERGARTEN COP (1990): A brawny cop goes undercover as a kindergarten teacher to catch a dangerous criminal seeking out his ex-wife and estranged son. **Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Penelope Ann Miller, Pamela Reed, Linda Hunt. Directed by Ivan Reitman.**
▶️MURRAYMOMENT: Remembering the time when (and why) Billy popped up in the otherworldly family comedy, nothin-but-net mega hit, SPACE JAM.
▶️FINAL THOUGHTS: TOTAL RECALL’s initial MPAA rating, inventive fight sequences, renaming Schwarzenegger’s character because of a political connection and Jerry Goldsmith’s score of the film.
▶️Coming Up: ACE VENTURA: PET DETECTIVE (1994)!

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