Total Recall (1990)
Paul Verhoeven's mind-bending sci-fi action classic starring Arnold Schwarzenegger as a man who can no longer trust his own memories.
Total Recall - Movie Information
- Original Title: Total Recall
- Release Year: 1990
- Directed by: Paul Verhoeven
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 53m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 1, 1990 (United States - R), July 27, 1990 (United Kingdom - 18), July 26, 1990 (Germany - 18), October 17, 1990 (France - 12), December 10, 1990 (India), December 6, 1990 (Australia - M), October 3, 1990 (Brazil - 16), July 13, 1990 (Mexico), December 13, 1990 (Italy - T), June 30, 1990 (Spain - 18), December 19, 1990 (South Korea - 19)
- Alternative Titles: एकूण आठवणी (IN), Die totale Erinnerung (DE), Desafío total (ES), Vingador do Futuro (BR), 宇宙威龍 (HK), 全面回忆 (CN), Вспомнить всё / Total Recall (RU), 宇宙威龍 (TW)
- Production Companies: Carolco Pictures, Ronald Shusett/Gary Goldman Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
Total Recall - Plot
Construction worker Douglas Quaid's obsession with the planet Mars leads him to visit Recall, a company that manufactures memories. When his memory implant goes wrong, Doug can no longer be sure what is and isn't reality.
Total Recall - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see where the line between memory and reality dissolves:
They stole his mind. Now, he wants it back.
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Total Recall - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Paul Verhoeven
Main Cast
- Arnold Schwarzenegger
- Rachel Ticotin
- Sharon Stone
- Ronny Cox
- Michael Ironside
- Marshall Bell
- Mel Johnson Jr.
- Michael Champion
- Roy Brocksmith
- Ray Baker
Writers
- Ronald Shusett
- Dan O'Bannon
- Gary Goldman
Producers
- Buzz Feitshans
- Ronald Shusett
Total Recall - FAQs
Is Total Recall based on a true story?
No, Total Recall is not based on a true story. It is adapted from Philip K. Dick's 1966 short story 'We Can Remember It for You Wholesale.' The film expands Dick's exploration of memory, identity, and reality into a full-scale sci-fi action narrative set on a colonized Mars.
Is the ending of Total Recall real or a dream?
The film deliberately leaves this ambiguous. Clues suggest Quaid's Mars adventure may be the Rekall implant playing out — notably, Dr. Edgemar's appearance and the blue sky ending matching the 'blue skies on Mars' fantasy. Director Paul Verhoeven has stated he intentionally kept both interpretations equally valid.
Who are the main actors in Total Recall?
Total Recall stars Arnold Schwarzenegger as Douglas Quaid, Rachel Ticotin as Melina, Sharon Stone as Lori Quaid, Ronny Cox as villain Vilos Cohaagen, and Michael Ironside as the relentless enforcer Richter. Marshall Bell plays the memorable mutant George/Kuato, and Mel Johnson Jr. appears as the cab driver Benny.
What is Total Recall about?
Total Recall follows construction worker Douglas Quaid, haunted by dreams of Mars. After visiting Rekall — a company that implants artificial memories — his mind unravels and he finds himself entangled in a Martian resistance movement. Critics praise it as a propulsive, ideas-rich sci-fi thriller that blurs the line between reality and illusion.
Where can I stream Total Recall (1990)?
Total Recall (1990) is available to stream on Paramount Plus Essential and MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Kanopy offers free access for eligible library cardholders.
Did Total Recall win any awards?
Yes. Total Recall won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects in 1991, with a Special Achievement Award recognizing the groundbreaking work of Eric Brevig, Rob Bottin, Tim McGovern, and Alex Funke. The film was also nominated for Best Sound and Best Sound Editing at the same ceremony.
What is the age rating for Total Recall?
Total Recall is rated R in the United States for strong graphic violence, language, and brief nudity. International ratings vary: the film received an 18 certificate in the UK and Germany, a 12 rating in France, an M classification in Australia, and a 16 rating in Brazil.
What are similar movies to Total Recall?
Fans of Total Recall often enjoy Paul Verhoeven's other sci-fi action films RoboCop (1987) and Starship Troopers (1997), as well as Arnold Schwarzenegger vehicles like The Running Man (1987), True Lies (1994), and Predator (1987). The 2012 remake Total Recall offers a modern reimagining of the same premise.
More About Total Recall
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