Editing Total Recall (1990 film)

{{Short description|1990 film by Paul Verhoeven}}
{{Featured article}}
{{Use list-defined references|date=November 2021}}
{{Use American English|date=November 2021}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2021}}
{{Infobox film
| name           = Total Recall
| image          = Total Recall (1990 film) poster.jpg
| alt            = The film poster shows a close up of Arnold Schwarzenegger, with his last name on top and a pyramid shape glowing on top with planets near the bottom. The tagline read "Get ready for the ride of your life". Below the tagline is the film's name and the bottom contains a list of the film's credits.
| caption        = Theatrical release poster
| director       = [[Paul Verhoeven]]
| screenplay     = {{Plainlist|
* [[Ronald Shusett]]
* [[Dan O'Bannon]]
* [[Gary Goldman (screenwriter)|Gary Goldman]]
}}
| story          = {{Plainlist|
* Ronald Shusett
* Dan O'Bannon
* [[Jon Povill]]
}}
| based_on       = {{Based on|"[[We Can Remember It for You Wholesale]]"|[[Philip K. Dick]]}}
| producer       = {{Plainlist|
* [[Buzz Feitshans]]
* Ronald Shusett
}}
| starring       = {{Plainlist|
* [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]]
* [[Rachel Ticotin]]
* [[Sharon Stone]]
* [[Michael Ironside]]
* [[Ronny Cox]]
}}
| cinematography = [[Jost Vacano]]
| editing        = [[Frank J. Urioste]]
| music          = [[Jerry Goldsmith]]
| studio         = [[Carolco Pictures]]
| distributor    = [[TriStar Pictures|Tri-Star Pictures]]
| released       = {{Film date|1990|06|01}}
| runtime        = 113 minutes<!--Theatrical runtime: 112:55-->
| country        = United States
| language       = English
| budget         = $48–80{{nbsp}}million
| gross          = $261.4{{nbsp}}million
}}

'''''Total Recall''''' is a 1990 American [[Science fiction film|science fiction]] [[action film]] directed by [[Paul Verhoeven]], with a screenplay by [[Ronald Shusett]], [[Dan O'Bannon]], and [[Gary Goldman (screenwriter)|Gary Goldman]]. The film stars [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]], [[Rachel Ticotin]], [[Sharon Stone]], [[Ronny Cox]], and [[Michael Ironside]]. Based on the 1966 short story "[[We Can Remember It for You Wholesale]]" by [[Philip K. Dick]], ''Total Recall'' tells the story of Douglas Quaid (Schwarzenegger), a construction worker who receives an implanted memory of a fantastical adventure on [[Mars]]. He subsequently finds his adventure occurring in reality as agents of a shadow organization try to prevent him from recovering memories of his past as a Martian secret agent aiming to stop the tyrannical regime of the planet's dictator Vilos Cohaagen (Cox).

Shusett bought the rights to Dick's short story in 1974 and developed a script with O'Bannon. Although considered promising, the ambitious scope kept the project in [[development hell]] at multiple studios over sixteen years, seeing forty script drafts, seven different directors, and multiple actors cast as Quaid. ''Total Recall'' eventually entered the early stages of filming in 1987 under the [[De Laurentiis Entertainment Group]] shortly before its bankruptcy. Schwarzenegger, who had long held an interest in the project but had been dismissed as inappropriate for the lead role, convinced [[Carolco Pictures]] to purchase the rights and develop the film with him as the star. On an estimated $48–80{{nbsp}}million budget (making it [[List of most expensive films|one of the most expensive films made]] in its time), filming took place on expansive sets at [[Estudios Churubusco]] in Mexico over six months. Cast and crew experienced numerous injuries and illnesses during filming.

''Total Recall'' was anticipated to be one of the year's most successful films. On its release, the film earned approximately $261.4{{nbsp}}million worldwide, making it the [[1990 in film|fifth-highest-grossing film of the year]]. Its critical reception was mixed, with reviewers praising its themes of identity and questioning reality, but criticizing content perceived as vulgar and violent. The [[practical special effects]] were well received, earning the film an [[Special Achievement Academy Award|Academy Award]], and the score by [[Jerry Goldsmith]] has been praised as one of his best works.

Since its release, ''Total Recall'' has been praised for its ambiguous ending positing whether Quaid's adventures are real or a fantasy, and it has also been analyzed for themes of authoritarianism and colonialism. Retrospective reviews have called it one of Schwarzenegger's best films and placed it among the [[List of films voted the best|best science fiction films ever made]]. Alongside comic books and video games, ''Total Recall'' has been adapted into the 1999 television series ''[[Total Recall 2070]]''. An early attempt at a sequel, based on Dick's ''[[The Minority Report]]'', became the 2002 standalone film ''[[Minority Report (film)|Minority Report]]'', and a 2012 remake, also titled ''[[Total Recall (2012 film)|Total Recall]]'', failed to replicate the success of the original.

==Plot==
 <!-- Per WP:FILMPLOT, plot summary should be between 400 to 700 words. -->         
In 2084, Mars is a colonized world under the tyrannical regime of Vilos Cohaagen, who controls the mining of valuable turbinium ore. On Earth, construction worker Douglas Quaid experiences recurring dreams about Mars and a mysterious woman. Intrigued, Quaid visits Rekall, a company that implants realistic false memories, and chooses one set on Mars (with a blue sky) where he is a Martian secret agent. However, before the implant is completed he lashes out, already thinking he is a secret agent. Believing Cohaagen's "Agency" has suppressed Quaid's memories, the Rekall employees erase evidence of Quaid's visit and send him home.

En route, Quaid is attacked by men led by his colleague Harry because he unknowingly revealed his past; Quaid's instincts take over and he kills his assailants. At home, he is assaulted by his wife Lori, who claims she was assigned to monitor Quaid by the Agency and that their marriage is a false memory implant. He flees but is pursued by armed men led by Richter, Cohaagen's operative and Lori's real husband. A man who says he is Quaid's former acquaintance gives him a suitcase containing supplies and a video recording in which Quaid identifies himself as Hauser, a Cohaagen ally who defected after falling in love. According to the recording, Cohaagen brainwashed Hauser to become Quaid and conceal his secrets before securing him on Earth. Hauser instructs Quaid to return to Mars and stop Cohaagen.

On Mars, Quaid evades Richter and, following a note from Hauser, travels to Venusville, a district populated by humans and those mutated by air pollution and solar radiation within the cheaply built domes protecting the colony. Quaid meets Melina, the woman from his dreams, who knows him as Hauser and believes he is still working for Cohaagen. In his hotel room, Quaid is confronted by Lori and Dr. Edgemar from Rekall, who tell Quaid he is still at Rekall on Earth, trapped in his fantasy memory and on the verge of permanent brain damage. Quaid notices Edgemar is sweating and, believing he is real, kills him. Quaid is captured by Richter's men, but Melina rescues him and Quaid kills Lori. The pair escape with taxi driver Benny to Venusville.

The mutants lead them to a hidden rebel base, where Quaid meets their leader Kuato, a mutant growing out of the abdomen of his brother George. Kuato psychically reads Quaid's mind, learning that Cohaagen is hiding a 500,000-year-old alien reactor built into a mountain that, once activated, produces breathable air but could also destroy all turbinium, ending Cohaagen's monopoly over both resources. Benny shoots George, revealing himself to be in Cohaagen's employ, and Cohaagen's forces attack the base, killing the rebels. Kuato implores Quaid to start the reactor before Richter executes him. Cohaagen disables Venusville's air supply to slowly suffocate the remaining inhabitants.

Quaid and Melina are brought to Cohaagen, who explains that Hauser was his close friend who volunteered to become Quaid as an elaborate ruse to bypass the mutants' psychic abilities, infiltrate the rebellion, and destroy it. Quaid's Rekall visit had activated him earlier than planned and Cohaagen has been helping him to survive the oblivious Richter's pursuit. Cohaagen orders Hauser's memories to be restored in Quaid and Melina to be reprogrammed as his subservient lover, but they manage to escape to the mines below the reactor. Benny, Richter, and his men attack them, but the pair outwits and kills them all.

Cohaagen awaits them in the reactor control room, claiming that activating it will destroy the planet. He activates an explosive to destroy the controls, but Quaid throws the explosive into a nearby tunnel, where it detonates and creates a breach to the Martian surface. The [[explosive decompression]] blows Cohaagen out to the surface where he suffocates and dies. Quaid activates the reactor before he and Melina are also blown out. 

The reactor melts the planet's ice core into gas that bursts to the surface, forming a breathable atmosphere and saving Quaid, Melina, and the rest of Mars's population. As everyone beholds the now-blue sky, Quaid momentarily wonders if everything was a dream, before he and Melina kiss.

==Cast==
{{multiple image|total_width=400
| direction = horizontal
| align = right
| footer = (Left to right) [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]] (pictured in 2003), [[Sharon Stone]] (2005), and [[Ronny Cox]] (2019) 
| image1 = A. Schwarzenegger (3x4a).jpg
| alt1 = A photograph of Arnold Schwarzenegger 
| image2 = Sharon Stone 2005 (cropped).jpg
| alt2 = A photograph of Sharon Stone
| image3 = Ronny Cox 2019.jpg
| alt3= A photograph of Ronny Cox
}}
* [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]] as Douglas Quaid / Carl Hauser: An Earth-based construction worker with a hidden past<ref name="SyFyCast"/>
* [[Rachel Ticotin]] as Melina: A Martian freedom fighter<ref name="ColliderCast"/>
* [[Sharon Stone]] as Lori: Quaid's wife, revealed to be a secret agent<ref name="SyFyCast"/>
* [[Ronny Cox]] as Vilos Cohaagen: The governor of the Martian colony<ref name="DOGCast"/>
* [[Michael Ironside]] as Richter: Cohaagen's ruthless enforcer<ref name="DOGCast"/><ref name="WaTimesCast"/>
* [[Marshall Bell]] as George / Kuato (voice): The mutant leader of the Martian resistance<ref name="CBRCast"/>
* [[Michael Champion]] as Helm: Richter's right-hand man<ref name="DOGCast2"/>
* [[Mel Johnson Jr.]] as Benny: A Martian taxi driver<ref name="SyFyCast2"/>
* [[Roy Brocksmith]] as Dr. Edgemar: A Rekall employee<ref name="SyFyCast"/>
* [[Rosemary Dunsmore]] as Dr. Renata Lull: A Rekall programmer<ref name="Filmsite.orgCast"/>

The Earth-based cast features [[Ray Baker (actor)|Ray Baker]] as Rekall salesman Bob McClane,<ref name="Filmsite.orgCast"/> [[Robert Costanzo]] as Harry, and [[Alexia Robinson (actress)|Alexia Robinson]] as Tiffany.<ref name="BFICast"/> [[Robert Picardo]] provides the voice and visual likeness of Johnnycab, an automated taxi driver.<ref name="SyFyat30"/>

The Martian cast includes [[Lycia Naff]] as Mary, a mutant three-breasted prostitute,<ref name="VultureCast"/> [[Marc Alaimo]] as Captain Everett, [[Dean Norris]] as Tony, [[Debbie Lee Carrington]] as Thumbelina, [[Sasha Rionda]] as Mutant Child, [[Mickey Jones]] as Burly Miner, and Priscilla Allen as "Fat lady".<ref name="BFICast"/>

==Production==
===Early development===
The development of ''Total Recall'' began in 1974, when producer [[Ronald Shusett]] purchased the adaptation rights to science fiction writer [[Philip K. Dick]]'s 1966 short story "[[We Can Remember It for You Wholesale]]" for $1,000.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="DOGCast"/>{{sfn|Hughes|2012|pp=60–61}}{{sfn|Murray|1990|p=52}}{{sfn|Murray|1990b|p=30}}}} Shusett had read the 23-page story by the then-little-known pulp fiction writer in an April 1966 edition of ''[[The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction]]''.{{sfn|Hughes|2012|pp=60–61}} Dick's story depicts a meek clerk on Earth named Quail who visits Rekal Incorporated to receive a memory implant of being a secret agent on Mars. However, the process uncovers his true identity as a secret agent who previously visited Mars and whose death will bring about an alien invasion.{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=61}}<ref name="WiredPKD"/>

Renaming it ''Total Recall'', Shusett worked with [[Dan O'Bannon]] to write the script. O'Bannon exhausted the existing material quickly, and the short story's abrupt ending meant he could only write thirty pages, effectively only the first act, and an original second and third act were needed; he suggested sending Quaid to Mars.{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=61}} Shusett and O'Bannon disagreed over the third act, the former wanting something more dramatic. O'Bannon's ending revealed the handprint on the alien machine as Quaid's, who is a replica of the original, and placing his hand on it grants him total memory recall. O'Bannon described the filmed ending as "lame".{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=62}}<ref name="XRating1"/> Dick read the script prior to his death in 1982 and, according to O'Bannon, enjoyed it.{{sfn|Murray|1990b|p=72}} Although studios deemed Shusett and O'Bannon's script an ambitious and brilliant idea, it was essentially considered unfilmable, in part because of the extensive special effects and high budget that would be required.{{sfn|Murray|1990|p=52}}{{sfn|Murray|1990b|p=30}}

The pair moved on to collaborating on the script for the science fiction horror film ''[[Alien (film)|Alien]]'' (1979), the success of which earned Shusett a development deal at [[Walt Disney Studios (division)|Walt Disney Studios]]. He pursued the ''Total Recall'' project at the studio, initially budgeted at $20{{nbsp}}million, but the idea did not progress because issues with the third act could not be resolved. The project was sold to [[Dino De Laurentiis]]'s [[De Laurentiis Entertainment Group]] (DEG) in 1982.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:{{sfn|Murray|1990|p=52}}{{sfn|Murray|1990b|p=30}}<ref name="WiredPKD"/>{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=62}}<ref name="LATimesDec1988"/>{{sfn|Roberts|1990|p=6}}}}

===Development under De Laurentiis Entertainment Group===
[[File:Dino de laurentiis crop.jpg|thumb|upright|left|alt=A 2009 photograph of Dino De Laurentiis|Producer [[Dino De Laurentiis]] (pictured in 2009) thought [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]] was not suitable to lead the film. ]]
De Laurentiis considered [[Richard Rush (director)|Richard Rush]], [[Lewis Teague]], [[Russell Mulcahy]], and [[Fred Schepisi]] to direct the film, before choosing [[David Cronenberg]] in 1984.{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=62}}{{sfn|Roberts|1990|p=6}} Cronenberg was unfamiliar with Dick's work but was interested in the script. Even so, problems remained with the third act and Cronenberg spent the next year writing twelve separate drafts.{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=62}}{{sfn|Cronenberg|2006|p=78}} In his finished script, Quaid's true identity is Chairman Mandrell, the dictator of Earth who, following a failed assassination attempt on his life, is convinced by Mars Administrator Cohaagen to confront the organization that suppressed his memory. Cohaagen later reveals that Quaid is an inconsequential government worker chosen to play the role of Mandrell to facilitate Cohaagen usurping control of the Earth. Quaid defeats Cohaagen and assumes the identity of Mandrell.{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=65}} Cronenberg was responsible for the mutant characters, including Kuato (originally called Quato), and further developed an idea by Shusett about mutant animals, known as Ganzibulls, in the Martian sewers; Cronenberg made them mutant camels.{{sfn|Hughes|2012|pp=64–65}}

Cronenberg found himself at odds with Shusett regarding the tone, as Shusett and De Laurentiis did not want it to be as serious as the science fiction film ''[[Blade Runner]]'' (1982)—an adaptation of Dick's novel ''[[Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?]]'' (1968).{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=63}} Shusett described Cronenberg's work as bringing the film back to Dick's original short story, whereas they wanted an adventure closer to "''[[Raiders of the Lost Ark]]'' go to Mars".{{sfn|Murray|1990|p=52}}<ref name="WiredPKD"/>{{sfn|Cronenberg|2006|p=8}} Cronenberg did not want to make that film and chose to quit. He was also frustrated by his disagreements with Shusett and De Laurentiis, and the casting of [[Richard Dreyfuss]] in the lead role.{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=63}} Dreyfuss had requested further rewrites to have Quaid reflect the everyman persona he had established in his previous films, rather than the action-focus of the Shusett/O'Bannon story. Cronenberg had wanted to cast [[William Hurt]] as the lead instead and focus more on the concepts of memory and identity.{{sfn|Murray|1990|p=52}}{{sfn|Hughes|2012|pp=63–64}} [[Christopher Reeve]], [[Jeff Bridges]], and [[Harrison Ford]] were also considered for Quaid.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:{{sfn|Murray|1990|p=52}}{{sfn|Murray|1990b|p=30}}<ref name="WiredPKD"/>{{sfn|Vest|2009|p=48}}<ref name="FORD"/>}} De Laurentiis threatened to sue Cronenberg for quitting but was placated by Cronenberg agreeing to work with him on a different film.{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=63}} A few years later, De Laurentiis offered Cronenberg the opportunity to make ''Total Recall'' as he had wanted, but Cronenberg was not interested and did not want to argue with Shusett again.{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=63}}

De Laurentiis sought to keep the budget low following the financial failure of ''[[Dune (1984 film)|Dune]]'' (1984), and wanted to reduce costs by eliminating Mars entirely, but Shusett and O'Bannon dissented.{{sfn|Roberts|1990|p=6}}{{sfn|Rodley|1997|p=120}} Problems with finalizing the script and the high budget continued to stall ''Total Recall'' for the next few years.{{sfn|Murray|1990|p=52}}{{sfn|Roberts|1990|p=6}} In 1987, De Laurentiis again considered hiring Rush as director, but De Laurentiis disliked the finale featuring a breathable atmosphere on Mars while Rush supported the idea. De Laurentiis accepted he was wrong after hiring director [[Bruce Beresford]], who also supported the ending.{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=66}} Around this time, writer [[Gary Goldman (screenwriter)|Gary Goldman]] was offered an opportunity to refine the script, but he turned it down to focus on his own project, called ''Warrior'', that he was working on alongside director [[Paul Verhoeven]] at [[Warner Bros. Pictures]].{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=66}} Beresford began preparations for a version of ''Total Recall'' described by Shusett as less gritty and more "[[Steven Spielberg|Spielbergian]]" in tone, and [[Patrick Swayze]] was cast as Quaid. Set construction was underway in Australia when DEG filed for bankruptcy in 1988.<ref name="WiredPKD"/>{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=66}}<ref name="ringer june2020"/> Approximately 80 crew were fired and the sets had to be destroyed.{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=66}} By this point, the project had already accrued $8{{nbsp}}million in pre-production costs, and $6{{nbsp}}million in [[turnaround (filmmaking)|turnaround]] costs—a process allowing other studios to purchase the idea.{{sfn|Murray|1990b|p=72}}<ref name="LATimesDec1988"/>{{sfn|Murray|1990|pp=52–53}}
{{Clear}}

===Development under Carolco Pictures===
[[File:Paul Verhoeven Cannes 2016.jpg|thumb|upright|alt=A 2016 photograph of Paul Verhoeven|Director [[Paul Verhoeven]] (pictured in 2016). He wanted the script rewritten to make it possible for the events of ''Total Recall'' to be a dream or reality.]]
Arnold Schwarzenegger became aware of ''Total Recall'' in the mid-1980s, either during filming of ''[[Commando (1985 film)|Commando]]'' (1985) or ''[[Raw Deal (1986 film)|Raw Deal]]'' (1986).{{sfn|Murray|1990|p=52}}{{sfn|Murray|1990b|p=31}} He liked the script and agreed to pursue it alongside producer [[Joel Silver]] while filming ''[[Predator (film)|Predator]]'' (1987), but the project remained unrealized due to its prohibitive budget and because De Laurentiis did not think Schwarzenegger was right for the lead role.{{sfn|Murray|1990b|p=30}}<ref name="WiredPKD"/> Following DEG's bankruptcy, Schwarzenegger convinced [[Andrew G. Vajna]] and [[Mario Kassar]], co-owners of the independent film studio [[Carolco Pictures]], with whom he had made ''[[Red Heat (1988 film)|Red Heat]]'' (1988), to purchase the rights for $3{{nbsp}}million, including pre-production costs.{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=67}} Schwarzenegger wanted to star in the film, pending rewrites to his satisfaction, and his fame and international appeal justified the studio investing the necessary budget.<ref name="WiredPKD"/>{{sfn|Murray|1990|pp=52–53}}{{sfn|Murray|1990b|p=31}} Carolco completed its acquisition of the majority of DEG's business and assets in April 1989.<ref name="LATImesCarolco"/> Schwarzenegger was given substantial influence over the project: he retained Shusett as a screenwriter and co-producer alongside producer [[Buzz Feitshans]], and oversaw script revisions, casting decisions, and set construction.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=67}}{{sfn|Murray|1990|p=53}}<ref name="LATimesSchwarz"/><ref name="AFIBio"/>}} He described himself as effectively an executive producer without the responsibility, but he involved himself heavily because he wanted the project to work.{{sfn|Murray|1990|p=53}} He received a $10–$11{{nbsp}}million salary, plus 15% of the film's profits.<ref name="11plusTR"/><ref name="10TR12T2"/>{{efn|Arnold Schwarzenegger's estimated $10–$11{{nbsp}}million salary, minus his share of film profits, is equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|10000000|1990}}}}–${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|11000000|1990}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}}}

Schwarzenegger hired Verhoeven as the director after being impressed by his science fiction film ''[[RoboCop]]'' (1987), for which Schwarzenegger had been considered in the lead role.{{sfn|Murray|1990b|p=31}}{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=67}} Verhoeven had previously been courted by Shusett to direct the film based on his work on ''[[Soldier of Orange]]'' (1977), but declined then because he did not like science fiction.{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=67}} Even so, Verhoeven accepted Schwarzenegger's offer after reading the Mars hotel scene where Dr. Edgemar attempts to convince Quaid he is still on Earth.{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=67}} Verhoeven had wanted to avoid special effects-heavy films after ''RoboCop'' and said that he did not realize how much effects work would be involved.{{sfn|Murray|1990b|p=31}} He requested Goldman be brought in to help with rewrites, as well as some core personnel from ''RoboCop,'' including cinematographer [[Jost Vacano]], production designer [[William Sandell]], and special effects artist [[Rob Bottin]].{{sfn|Roberts|1990|p=7}}{{sfn|Hughes|2012|pp=67–68}} By this point, approximately thirty drafts had been completed, credited to a combination of Shusett and either O'Bannon, [[Jon Povill]], or [[Steven Pressfield]], among others. Verhoeven read each one and highlighted those he wanted Goldman to reference.{{sfn|Hughes|2012|pp=67–68}}

===Writing===
Goldman had little knowledge of Dick's work but tried to respect the source material and work of previous screenwriters.{{sfn|Hughes|2012|pp=70–71}} He considered the second half of the film a concession to traditional Hollywood narratives and so retained most of the structure from Beresford's shooting script. Because the creative team wanted to commence soon, Goldman believed he did not have the freedom to make substantial changes to the script and focused on refining the existing content and making the scientific aspects more realistic. Verhoeven and Schwarzenegger agreed that everything after Dr. Edgemar's visit to Quaid on Mars was not working.{{sfn|Hughes|2012|pp=67–68}}{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=71}} Verhoeven wanted a significant change, to indicate that Edgemar could be telling the truth and Quaid is actually having a mental breakdown on Earth. Goldman rewrote the script to make it possible for the film to be viewed as both reality and fantasy.{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=68}} He also made Hauser an ally to Cohaagen, clearly defining Quaid and Hauser as separate identities.{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=69}} Goldman believed that making Hauser evil would better justify Quaid not returning to his original personality. It would also explain why Hauser becomes Quaid: to conceal his intentions from the psychic mutants. Goldman made the Benny character a villain, because he believed African Americans were typically typecast as good characters and the reveal would be surprising.{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=70}}

The script also had to be revised to match Schwarzenegger's action-hero public image, although Goldman tried to make it less comical than some of the actor's previous films.{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=71}} The meek clerk Quail was renamed Quaid, to avoid referencing then-vice president [[Dan Quayle]], and became a muscle-bound construction worker, while fight scenes were rewritten to include more feats of strength and less martial arts or running.{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=61}}<ref name="WiredPKD"/>{{sfn|Murray|1990|p=53}} Second unit director and stunt coordinator [[Vic Armstrong]], among other stunt people who had worked with Schwarzenegger on ''[[Conan the Barbarian (1982 film)|Conan the Barbarian]]'' (1982) and ''[[Red Sonja (1985 film)|Red Sonja]]'' (1985), said that they knew what he could physically do without looking silly.{{sfn|Murray|1990|pp=53–54}} Schwarzenegger also wanted more creative methods to dispatch Quaid's foes because he had been criticized for an over-reliance on guns to kill people in films like ''Commando''.{{sfn|Murray|1990|p=54}} After Goldman's first rewrite, he discussed it with Verhoeven, Schwarzenegger, Shusett, Vajna, and Kassar. Schwarzenegger and Shusett believed the climax lacked emotion, which was an intentional choice by Verhoeven, who did not take the Martian rebel plot very seriously and prioritized the intellectual aspects of the narrative. To appease Schwarzenegger, Goldman conceived of Cohaagen shutting off the oxygen to the mutants in Venusville.{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=71}} After nearly sixteen years in development, seven directors, four co-writers, and forty script drafts, ''Total Recall'' went into production.{{sfn|Murray|1990|p=52}}{{sfn|Hughes|2012|pp=66,71,88}}{{sfn|Murray|1990b|pp=30,72}}

===Cast and characters===
{{multiple image|total_width=300
| direction = horizontal
| align = left
| footer = (Left to right) [[Michael Ironside]] (pictured in 2009) who portrayed Richter and [[Roy Brocksmith]] (date unknown) who played Rekall employee Dr. Edgemar
| image1 = Michael Ironside WOH-06 (cropped).jpg
| alt1 = A photograph of Michael Ironside
| image2 = Roy Brocksmith.png
| alt2 = A black-and-white photograph of Roy Brocksmith
}}

Verhoeven chose Michael Ironside to portray Cohaagen's henchman Richter. Ironside had previously auditioned for the lead in ''RoboCop'' and Verhoeven had also offered him the role of antagonist Clarence Boddicker, which he turned down because he did not want to portray another "psychopath" character following his role in ''[[Extreme Prejudice (film)|Extreme Prejudice]]'' (1987). Ironside said he considered Richter more of a "sociopath", who had personal ambitions and covets Cohaagen's position.<ref name="DOGCast"/>{{sfn|Murray|1990|p=54}}{{sfn|Murray|1990b|p=59}} Turning down a role on ''RoboCop'' and a separate film had created the impression that Ironside was difficult to work with, so he had to complete an audition before being offered the role. In it, he portrayed someone having an emotional breakdown leading to him lying on the floor crying as Verhoeven moved in for a closeup shot.<ref name="DOGCast"/><ref name="BFIORal"/> Schwarzenegger believed Ironside's physical presence made him a credible threat to his portrayal of Quaid.{{sfn|Murray|1990|p=54}}

The female leads, Rachel Ticotin and Sharon Stone, were chosen in part for their athleticism, which was needed for the physically demanding roles.{{sfn|Murray|1990|p=52}} Stone said that her physically formidable character resulted in the cast and crew treating her like she was "one of the guys", and that Ironside "was the one guy who never forgot I was a woman. When I was thrown down, he would help me up."<ref name="PeopleSchwarzJune52020"/> Verhoeven's daughters were responsible for casting Benny, picking Mel Johnson Jr.'s screen test for the available options. He recounted having just finished filming a "horrible" [[Blaxploitation|black exploitation]] film when he read the ''Total Recall'' script and, after seeing Benny described as a "black jivester", he threw the script across the room. Nonetheless, he eventually read it through and decided to audition because he believed the character was more fully realized, saying "this guy is cold and calculating and the story was intriguing."<ref name="SyFyCast2"/><ref name="SyFyat30"/><ref name="LATimesJohnson"/>

Cox had previously worked with Verhoeven on ''RoboCop'' and traded on the actor's history of playing good-natured characters to make his villainous turn more impactful. Describing his portrayal, Cox said that he did not employ [[method acting]] but did try to understand how the character would feel and think and how he would react to situations and that would determine his performance. The character's hairstyle came about after Cox's hair was slicked-back in order to make a face mold for special effects purposes. Cox knew it was the right look and convinced Verhoeven to reshoot two days of Cox's scenes with the new style.<ref name="SyFyat30"/><ref name="SyFyCox"/> When Marshall Bell auditioned for the role, the script did not explain the relationship between George and Kuato, and he was confused as to why George had so few lines. Although voice actors were considered for Kuato, Verhoeven decided to use Bell.<ref name="CBRCast"/> Verhoeven based the appearance and physicality of Brocksmith's Dr. Edgemar on the central scientist character portrayed by [[Paul Newman]] in [[Alfred Hitchcock]]'s 1966 thriller ''[[Torn Curtain]]''. He wanted an actor who looked "naive and strange and a bit weird."<ref name="FSREdgemar"/>
{{Clear}}

===Filming and post-production===
{{multiple image
| total_width       = 230
| direction         = vertical
| align             = right
| footer            = The [[Chabacano metro station|Chabacano station]] of the [[Mexico City Metro]] (top, pictured in 2011). Some exterior scenes set on Mars were filmed at [[Valley of Fire State Park]] in [[Overton, Nevada]] (pictured in 2009).
| image1            = Metro Chabacano - Transbordo.jpg
| alt1              = A photo of a station in the Mexico City Metro
| image2            = EM VALLEY OF FIRE (3224689212).jpg
| alt2              = A photo of the Valley of Fire State Park in Overton, Nevada
}}

[[Principal photography]] for ''Total Recall'' began in April–May 1989.{{sfn|Vest|2009|p=48}}<ref name="LATimesMarch261989" /> Filmed almost entirely in sequence—a rare feat—the production took place over 20 weeks.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="SyFyCast2"/><ref name="SyFyat30"/><ref name="LATimesSchwarz"/><ref name="GizmodoStunt"/>}} The initial budget was reported as $30{{nbsp}}million,<ref name="LATimesDec1988" /> but the final budget was reported as being between $48{{nbsp}}million and $80{{nbsp}}million.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="AFIBio"/><!-- $50 million--><ref name="NYTimes1989Dec7"/><!--$50, $60, $65, and $73 million-->{{sfn|Vest|2009|pp=29,184}}<!--$80 million-->{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=77}}}}{{efn|The estimated budget of $48–$80{{nbsp}}million is equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|48000000|1990}}}}–${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|80000000|1990}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}}} ''Total Recall'' was filmed almost entirely on sets at [[Estudios Churubusco]] in [[Mexico City]], Mexico, where 43 cast and up to 500 crew members worked across forty-five sets on ten soundstages. The Earth train station was filmed in the [[Mexico City Metro]] and many exterior Mars scenes took place at the [[Valley of Fire State Park]] in [[Overton, Nevada]].{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="CBRCast"/><ref name="XRating1"/><ref name="PeopleSchwarzJune52020"/><ref name="NYTimesMetro"/><ref name="NYTimes1990Jan1"/><ref name="FilmNevada"/><ref name="PeopleIronside1990"/>}}

Shusett and Goldman were present on set, providing additional rewrites where necessary; Goldman estimated the script was changed "less than one percent".{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=72}} Verhoeven sometimes required up to twenty takes of scenes, but remained faithful to the script and discouraged improvisation. Even so, some scenes, such as Benny's death, lacked sufficient detail and in these cases dialogue was mostly improvised.<ref name="SyFyCast2" /><ref name="ringer june2020" />{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=72}} Although Verhoeven had been adamant that he did not want a second unit director—having fired three of them on ''RoboCop''—Armstrong ended up filming 1,200 different setups and all of the fight scenes; Verhoeven was happy with his work. Armstrong's first scene was filming Schwarzenegger drilling cement.<ref name="GizmodoStunt" />

Filming was beset by injuries and illness. Almost everyone involved suffered from dust inhalation on set. Food poisoning and gastroenteritis from the local Mexican cuisine was also a problem, except for Shusett and Schwarzenegger, who had his food brought from the United States after a negative experience while filming ''Predator'' in Mexico.<ref name="XRating1"/><ref name="ringer june2020"/> The illness compounded the difficulties Lycia Naff had filming her scenes as the three-breasted prostitute. She said she felt like crying because even though the breasts were artificial, she felt exposed in front of the cast and crew.<ref name="VultureCast"/> Schwarzenegger cut his wrist while smashing a train window when an explosive designed to pre-detonate the glass failed. His injuries were patched up and concealed by his jacket. He also incurred other minor cuts and broken fingers.<ref name="ringer june2020"/><ref name="PeopleSchwarzJune52020"/>

Ironside cracked his sternum and separated two ribs after running into Michael Champion, who was holding an [[Uzi]] during the pursuit of Quaid and Melina in a Martian hotel. Filming had to be paused while he recovered, as Richter was involved in most of the remaining scenes. After three weeks, a producer asked that he return to filming but they could not obtain insurance unless Ironside performed fifty push-ups. Despite the doctor's advice, he attempted the feat and reinjured himself; after thirty push-ups, the doctor said it was sufficient. Ironside's first scene upon his return involved him fighting Schwarzenegger on an elevator, but he struggled to lift his arm. The doctor had [[Oakland Raiders]] quarterback [[Jim Plunkett]] drop off a brace built for his own injury, which held Ironside's chest in a stable position, although it made breathing difficult. Ironside filmed his scene over the remainder of the day, only being hit once accidentally by Schwarzenegger, who was cautious due to his condition.<ref name="DOGCast"/> A separate fight between Stone and Ticotin was arranged to feature one of the actresses and one stunt person because padding could not be concealed under their outfits. Verhoeven wanted the actresses to perform the fight stunts themselves, but Armstrong insisted on using a stunt person.<ref name="GizmodoStunt"/>

Schwarzenegger was known for his pranks on the set, such as arranging styrofoam snowball fights and water pistol battles during dinners as well as booking parties to reward the crew for the six-day working weeks and practical stunts.<ref name="SyFyCast2"/><ref name="ringer june2020"/><ref name="LATimesSchwarz"/> Even so, Ironside recounted how Schwarzenegger helped him stay in regular contact with his ill sister using the personal phone in his trailer, at a time before widespread use of mobile phones or internet access. Ironside later learned Schwarzenegger was also regularly calling his sister to check on her.<ref name="DOGCast"/>

Initially scheduled for release on June 15, ''Total Recall''{{'}}s post-production schedule was rushed to move the date forward two weeks to avoid competition from other films, particularly ''[[Dick Tracy (1990 film)|Dick Tracy]]'' with its cast of popular stars. Editor [[Frank J. Urioste]] worked overtime to complete ''Total Recall''{{'}}s 113-minute cut early.<ref name="AFIBio"/>{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=72}}<ref name="BBFCRuntime"/> This meant there was no time to [[Test screening|test screen]] the film, which Verhoeven and Goldman believed worked against the finished product, including its third act.<ref name="AFIBio"/>{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=72}} The film also had to be trimmed to remove violent content and gore, including a longer version of Benny's death, to avoid an [[X rating]], which would have restricted attendance to audience members over the age of 17. ''Total Recall'' ultimately received an [[Motion Picture Association film rating system#MPA film ratings|R rating]], allowing younger people to see it when accompanied by an adult.<ref name="XRating1"/><ref name="XRating2"/>
{{Clear}}

===Special effects and design===
{{main|Special effects of Total Recall (1990 film)|l1=''Special effects of'' Total Recall}}
The development of the film's special effects was led by [[Dream Quest Images]], with [[Eric Brevig]] serving as visual effects supervisor, [[Alex Funke]] as special effects photographer, [[Thomas L. Fisher]] as special effects supervisor, [[William Sandell]] as production designer,{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="PeopleIronside1990"/>{{sfn|Murray|1990b|p=32}}<ref name="ASCHistory"/><ref name="FXGuide"/>}} and Mary Siceloff as effects producer.{{sfn|Roberts|1990|p=7}} [[Rob Bottin]], who previously worked with Verhoeven on ''RoboCop'', provided the character visual effects.<ref name="DOGCast"/><ref name="CBRCast"/> Concept artist [[Ron Cobb]] and illustrator [[Ron Miller (artist and author)|Ron Miller]] contributed to designs for technology, vehicles, and locations.{{sfn|Roberts|1990|p=6}}{{sfn|Murray|1990b|pp=31–32}}<ref name="DecidedIllustrator"/> Additional effects were provided by Metrolight Studios,<ref name="ASCHistory"/> and [[Industrial Light & Magic]].<ref name="AFIBio"/>

''Total Recall'' features over 100 visual effects, including [[Miniature effect|miniatures]] and [[Chroma key|bluescreen]] effects.{{sfn|Roberts|1990|p=7}} The film was made at the onset of [[computer-generated imagery]] (CGI), which was not a suitable option for photorealistic or textured imagery, and was used mainly in the X-ray machine sequence. Most other effects were practical, employing sophisticated prosthetics and animatronics to realize automated taxi drivers, "fat lady" disguises, mutants, and scenes of explosive decompression.<ref name="CBRCast"/><ref name="FXGuide"/>{{sfn|Roberts|1990|pp=13,15,19–20,22,31–32}} ''Total Recall'' features thirty-five sets across eight of Estudios Churubusco's soundstages.{{sfn|Murray|1990b|p=32}} The sets were expansive and connected by tunnels so long that they continued outside of the stage, making it possible to drive between them on film.<ref name="SyFyat30"/>{{sfn|Murray|1990b|p=59}}<ref name="BFIORal"/>

Expansive locations, including Martian exteriors, were created using miniature sets produced by Stetson Visual Services in Los Angeles, and supervised by [[Mark Stetson]] and Robert Spurlock.{{sfn|Roberts|1990|p=8}} The sets were large, with the alien reactor being among the largest and most complex sets ever constructed in cinema, and the largest set built for the film. It had to be built vertically to fit on Dream Quest's stage. Even so, it was limited by the {{cvt|25|ft|m}} high ceilings.{{sfn|Roberts|1990|p=23}}{{sfn|Roberts|1990|p=27}} The Martian mountain set was also substantial, measuring {{cvt|14|ft|m}} tall and {{cvt|14|ft|m}} in diameter, with only the frontside constructed, allowing special effects to be operated from behind.{{sfn|Roberts|1990|p=31}}{{sfn|Roberts|1990|p=32}}

===Music===
{{main|Total Recall (soundtrack)}}
{{Listen|filename=Jerry Goldsmith - The Dream.ogg|pos=right|title=''Jerry Goldsmith&nbsp;– The Dream''|description=[[Jerry Goldsmith]]'s ''Total Recall'' score is considered among his best work.<ref name="DOGGoldsmith"/><ref name="DOGGoldsmith2"/>|format=[[ogg]]}}
The score was composed by [[Jerry Goldsmith]]. The producers intended to have him record the score in [[Munich]] because the pay for musicians there was lower, but the players were unfamiliar with Goldsmith's style and the resulting score was disappointing. Instead, Goldsmith was given the funding necessary to record the score in London with the [[National Philharmonic Orchestra]], who were more fitting to Goldsmith's musical intentions with brass and string instruments combined with electronic sounds. The recording was put on hiatus for three months so Verhoeven could have time to edit the special effects, during which Goldsmith recorded the score for ''[[Gremlins 2: The New Batch]]'' (1990), before returning to finish his work on ''Total Recall''. Goldsmith also performed the commercial jingles and elevator music heard in the film, and composer Bruno Louchouarn provided additional pieces heard on Mars.<ref name="FilmTracksGoldsmith"/>

==Release==
===Context===
{{see also|1990 in film}}
Following the previous year's record $5{{nbsp}}billion box office, more films than ever were expected to surpass $100{{nbsp}}million at box office as fifty films were scheduled for release during the summer theater season of 1990 (May 18 – September 3). ''Dick Tracy'' was predicted to dominate the box office, and films such as ''[[Another 48 Hrs.]]'', ''[[Back to the Future Part III]]'', ''[[Days of Thunder]]'', ''[[Die Hard 2]]'', ''[[RoboCop 2]]'', and ''Total Recall'' were expected to perform well based on their brand recognition and star appeal. These films were all scheduled for release by the end of June to ensure a long theatrical run during the peak time of the year, and other releases were scheduled to avoid opening against them. The importance of domestic box office grosses was also decreasing as studios increasingly earned profits from home media releases, television rights, and markets outside of the United States and Canada. These growing markets were, in turn, increasing film production costs as stars commanded higher salaries to compensate for their international appeal, with ''Total Recall'', ''Die Hard 2'', and ''Days of Thunder'' among the most expensive films being released. Average salaries for male leads had also increased to between $7–$11{{nbsp}}million.<ref name="NYTimesSummerPreview"/>

===Marketing===
{{ external media
| float = right
| video1 = {{YouTube|id=QMlYYKGZ9qU|title=''Total Recall'' teaser}} [https://web.archive.org/web/20241207231406/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMlYYKGZ9qU Archived]| video2= {{YouTube|id=u-JZb46UZzE|title=''Total Recall'' trailer}} [https://web.archive.org/web/20241009162607/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-JZb46UZzE Archived]
}}
The teaser for ''Total Recall'', made by distributor Tri-Star Pictures, disappointed Schwarzenegger and tested poorly with audiences. It lacked the action scenes and special effects, and presented the film in a vague, dramatic way. Schwarzenegger believed it "cheapened" the film, saying "it looks like a $20{{nbsp}}million movie in this trailer{{nbsp}}... it's like a $50{{nbsp}}million movie." He contacted [[Peter Guber]], the head of Tri-Star's owner [[Sony Pictures Studios]], who contracted a different company, Cimmaron/Bacon/O'Brien, to produce a new trailer focusing on the action and special effects; it fared much better with audiences and attracted praise from industry professionals, such as Joel Silver.<ref name="ringer june2020"/>

===Box office===
In the U.S. and Canada, ''Total Recall'' was released on June{{nbsp}}1, 1990, in 2,060 theaters. It grossed $25.5{{nbsp}}million—an average of $12,395 per theater—and finished as the [[List of 1990 box office number-one films in the United States|number one film of the weekend]], ahead of ''Back to the Future Part III'' ($10.3{{nbsp}}million), which was in its second weekend of release, and ''[[Bird on a Wire (film)|Bird on a Wire]]'' ($6.3{{nbsp}}million), in its third. This figure gave it the highest opening weekend gross of the year to date, narrowly beating ''[[Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990 film)|Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles]]''{{'s}} $25.4{{nbsp}}million.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="ringer june2020"/><ref name="BOMDomesticWeekend1"/><ref name="NYTIMesJune221990"/><ref name="LATimesJune41990"/>}} This was also the highest opening for an [[R rating (Motion Picture Association of America)|R-rated]] film,{{sfn|Variety, June|1996|p=6}} and one of the ten highest-grossing three-day opening weekends ever.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="ringer june2020"/><ref name="BOMDomesticWeekend1"/><ref name="NYTIMesJune221990"/><ref name="LATimesJune41990"/>}} The film fell to number two in its second weekend, with an additional gross of $15{{nbsp}}million (a decline of forty-one percent), behind the debut of ''Another 48 Hrs.'' ($19.5{{nbsp}}million), and to the number three position in its third week with an additional gross of $10.2{{nbsp}}million, behind ''Another 48 Hrs.'' ($10.7{{nbsp}}million) and the debut of ''Dick Tracy'' ($22.5{{nbsp}}million).<ref name="BOMDomesticWeekend2"/><ref name="BOMDomesticWeekend3"/>

By mid-July, the film had earned over $100{{nbsp}}million and was classified as a success.<ref name="NYTimesJuly121990"/> During the remainder of its sixteen-weekend theatrical run, ''Total Recall'' never regained the number one position, leaving the top-ten highest-grossing films by the end of July.<ref name="BOMOverall"/> ''Total Recall'' earned an approximate total box office gross of $119.4{{nbsp}}million.{{efn|The United States and Canada box office of $119.4{{nbsp}}million is equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|119400000|1990}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}}} This figure made it the second-highest-grossing film of the summer, behind the surprise success of ''[[Ghost (1990 film)|Ghost]]'', and the seventh-highest-grossing film of the year behind ''[[The Hunt for Red October (film)|The Hunt for Red October]]'' ($120.1{{nbsp}}million), ''Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles'' ($135.3{{nbsp}}million), ''[[Pretty Woman]]'' ($178.4{{nbsp}}million), ''[[Dances with Wolves]]'' ($184.2{{nbsp}}million), ''Ghost'' ($217.6{{nbsp}}million), and ''[[Home Alone]]'' ($285.8{{nbsp}}million).{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="WiredPKD"/><ref name="TheNumbersDomestic1990"/><ref name="NYTimesSep221990"/><ref name="NYTimesNov31990"/>}}

Figures are unavailable for all theatrical releases outside of the U.S. and Canada, but the film is estimated to have earned a further $142{{nbsp}}million, giving it a cumulative worldwide gross of $261.4{{nbsp}}million,{{efn|The worldwide 1990 box office of $261.4{{nbsp}}million is equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|261400000|1990}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}}} making it the [[1990 in film|fifth-highest-grossing film of the year]], behind ''Dances with Wolves'' ($424.2{{nbsp}}million), ''Pretty Woman'' ($432.6{{nbsp}}million), ''Home Alone'' ($476.7{{nbsp}}million), and ''Ghost'' ($517.6{{nbsp}}million).{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="WiredPKD"/><ref name="ringer june2020"/><ref name="AFIBio"/><ref name="TheNumbersWorldwide1990"/>}} Taking into account production fees, interest, residual payments, and other costs, ''Total Recall'' is estimated to have returned $36{{nbsp}}million in profit to the studio.<ref name="NYTimesCarolcoProfit"/>{{efn|Carolco Pictures is estimated to have earned $36{{nbsp}}million in profit from the theatrical box office, equivalent to ${{Format price|{{Inflation|US|36000000|1990}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US}}}}

==Reception==
===Critical response===
[[File:Arnold Schwarzenegger 1991 (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright|left|alt=A photograph of Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1991|[[Arnold Schwarzenegger]] in 1991. The actor playing against his action hero persona in portraying a sympathetic and vulnerable character was generally well received, although some found the role to be beyond his acting abilities.]]
On its release, ''Total Recall'' received mixed reviews from critics, who generally praised the production values and Schwarzenegger's performance, but criticized the violent content.<ref name="AFIBio"/><ref name="LATimesJune51990"/><ref name="ScreenRantReviews"/> Audience polls by [[CinemaScore]] reported moviegoers gave the film an average grade of "A−" on an {{nowrap|A+ to F}} scale.<ref name="CinemaScore"/>

The narrative polarized reviewers; some praised it as an above-average, complex, and visually interesting science fiction film that successfully blends humor with satirization of the genre's tropes,{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="ReviewVariety"/><ref name="ReviewLATimes"/><ref name="ReviewNYTimes"/><ref name="ReviewRogerEbert"/>}} while others found it lacked humor, romance, or a strong narrative structure.<ref name="ReviewNYTimes"/><ref name="ReviewChicagoTribune2"/> [[Gene Siskel]] and [[Peter Travers]] believed the latter half of the film, after Quaid reaches Mars, to be where ''Total Recall'' became "mechanical", abandoning logic and artistic ambition for excessive action and violence.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="ReviewNYTimes"/><ref name="ReviewChicagoTribune2"/><ref name="ReviewChicagoTribune"/><ref name="ReviewWAPOKempley"/><ref name="ReviewRollingStone"/>}} Travers described it as a transitory blockbuster in contrast to ''[[The Terminator]]'' (1984) (also starring Schwarzenegger), which he said would "haunt our dreams".<ref name="ReviewRollingStone"/> Several reviewers agreed that the hotel confrontation between Quaid and Rekall's Dr. Edgemar on Mars, in which the former learns everything he has experienced is potentially a dream, was the best scene,<ref name="ReviewLATimes"/><ref name="ReviewNYTimes"/><ref name="ReviewRogerEbert"/> and found the concept of overwriting memories and identity to be a genuinely horrifying concept.<ref name="ReviewLATimes"/><ref name="ReviewRollingStone"/> [[Jonathan Rosenbaum]] called it a "worthy entry in the dystopian" genre initiated by ''Blade Runner'' that avoided being derivative of its predecessors.<ref name="ReviewChicagoReader"/>

The film was often compared to Verhoeven's previous work on ''RoboCop'', with some reviews remarking that ''Total Recall'' lacked the same "impudence and incandescence" or satirization of 1980s action films as the earlier film.<ref name="ReviewLATimes"/><ref name="ReviewWAPOHowe"/><ref name="ReviewEW"/> Some said the film was only fun when Verhoeven inserted moments of ''RoboCop''{{'}}s [[Camp (style)|camp style]].<ref name="ReviewWAPOHowe"/><ref name="ReviewEW"/> ''[[The Washington Post]]''{{'}}s review compared it unfavorably with the [[Sylvester Stallone]] action film ''[[Cobra (1986 film)|Cobra]]'' (1986), saying it was disappointing in its overuse of violence and abandonment of cynicism and creativity for machoism and misogyny.<ref name="ReviewWAPOKempley"/> Several reviews focused on the excessive violence, with [[Vincent Canby]] describing it as part of an influx of action-adventure films featuring numerous deaths, counting seventy-four kills in the film and over two hundred in ''Die Hard 2''.<ref name="ReviewNYTimes"/><ref name="NYTimesCanbyViolence"/> Some were concerned by the dismissive and sometimes comical depiction of the deaths, and the general reliance on violence as a solution to all problems posed.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="ReviewLATimes"/><ref name="ReviewNYTimes"/><ref name="ReviewChicagoTribune"/><ref name="ReviewWAPOKempley"/><ref name="NYTimesCanbyViolence"/>}} Even so, the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]''{{'}}s review said the violence never seemed to be deliberately sadistic or callous.<ref name="ReviewLATimes"/> Despite this criticism, Bottin's practical effects were roundly praised, particularly the three-breasted prostitute and mutants that provided many of the film's standout visuals, despite their sometimes perverse or macabre nature.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="ASCHistory"/><ref name="ReviewNYTimes"/><ref name="ReviewRollingStone"/><ref name="ReviewEW"/>}}

Reviews praised Schwarzenegger for playing against his public action hero image by portraying a confused, vulnerable, and sympathetic character, with [[Roger Ebert]] considering him vital to the film's success.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="ReviewLATimes"/><ref name="ReviewNYTimes"/><ref name="ReviewRogerEbert"/><ref name="ReviewEW"/>}} [[Desson Howe]] and Travers described it as Schwarzenegger's finest and most interesting work since ''The Terminator''.<ref name="ReviewRollingStone"/><ref name="ReviewWAPOHowe"/> Even so, others believed the actor's "superman presence" and comic [[One-line joke|one-liners]] were out of place and undermined attempts to make the audience emotionally connect with Quaid's genuine fears about his identity. [[Janet Maslin]] wrote that this was further harmed by the narrative failing to emphasize his dual identities.<ref name="ReviewLATimes"/><ref name="ReviewRollingStone"/> Some reviews considered the role to be beyond Schwarzenegger's acting abilities, describing him as "unusually oafish{{nbsp}}... a cross between [[Frankenstein's monster]], a hockey puck, and [[Colonel Klink]]", incapable of generating a romantic connection with Stone's or Ticotin's characters.<ref name="ReviewChicagoTribune2"/><ref name="ReviewWAPOKempley"/><ref name="ReviewRollingStone"/> Some female reviewers were critical of the film's treatment of women, who they perceived as "hybrid hooker-commandos" and "basically whores", writing that the three-breasted prostitute is the film's idea of a "witty mutation" while Ticotin "registers less strongly than Stone's ambiguous, blonde slut-wife".<ref name="ReviewLATimes"/><ref name="ReviewNYTimes"/><ref name="ReviewWAPOKempley"/>

===Accolades===
At the [[63rd Academy Awards]] in 1991, ''Total Recall'' won the award for [[Academy Award for Best Visual Effects|Best Visual Effects]] ([[Eric Brevig]], [[Rob Bottin]], [[Tim McGovern]], and [[Alex Funke]]). The film received a further two nominations: [[Academy Award for Best Sound|Best Sound]] ([[Nelson Stoll]], [[Michael J. Kohut]], [[Carlos Delarios]], and [[Aaron Rochin]]) and [[Academy Award for Best Sound Editing|Best Sound Effects Editing]] ([[Stephen Hunter Flick]]).<ref name="SyFyat30"/><ref name="Oscars1991"/> At the [[44th British Academy Film Awards]], the film received one nomination, for [[BAFTA Award for Best Special Visual Effects|Best Special Visual Effects]] (losing to the comedy film ''[[Honey, I Shrunk the Kids]]'' (1989)).<ref name="BAFTA"/> At the [[17th Saturn Awards]], ''Total Recall'' was named [[Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film|Best Science Fiction Film]].<ref name="SaturnAward"/> It was also nominated for a [[Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation]] (losing to fantasy romance film ''[[Edward Scissorhands]]'').<ref name="HugoAaward"/>

==Post-release==
===Aftermath===
Following ''Total Recall'', Schwarzenegger's popularity continued to grow as he went on to star in ''[[Kindergarten Cop]]'' (1990), ''[[Terminator 2: Judgment Day]]'' (1991), and ''[[True Lies]]'' (1994), earning over $1{{nbsp}}billion combined at the box office and solidifying his status as the most popular international film celebrity, based on surveys of studio executives and talent agents.<ref name="ringer june2020"/><ref name="LATimesPremiere"/> Verhoeven worked with Stone again when he directed the box office success ''[[Basic Instinct]]'' (1992) for Carolco.<ref name="DOGRiseandFallofCarolco"/><ref name="NYTimesStone"/> Despite their desire to collaborate on another project, Schwarzenegger and Verhoeven did not work together again. Their last attempt to do so, the big-budget historical drama ''Crusade'', was abandoned by Carolco in the mid-1990s in favor of ''[[Cutthroat Island]]'' (1995), a box office flop that contributed to Carolco entering bankruptcy the same year.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="ringer june2020"/><ref name="DOGRiseandFallofCarolco"/><ref name="LATimesCarolcoLoss"/><ref name="NYTimesCarolcoLoss"/><ref name="NYTimesCarolcoLoss2"/><ref name="NYTimesCarolcoBankruptcy"/><ref name="LATimesCarolcoBankruptcy"/>}}

Shusett and Goldman did not like aspects of ''Total Recall'', believing it was overly long and failed to make the audience care about the mutants, as well as disliking the excessive swearing, violence, and deaths. They also thought the special effect of Schwarzenegger's and Ticotin's swelling heads went on too long and, alongside Verhoeven, they regretted the rushed post-production and lack of test screenings to solicit feedback that could have led to a "tighter" re-edit on the third act.{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=72}} ''Total Recall'' also failed to impress Cronenberg, who believed Schwarzenegger was not the right actor for the lead role.{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=65}} Two lawsuits followed the film's release. John J. Goncz, a prop maker, sued for $3{{nbsp}}million alleging that his credit was removed from ''Total Recall'' after he refused permission for Carolco to merchandise a survival knife he made for it. A separate suit, also for $3{{nbsp}}million, was brought by the Southern California Consortium, who said ''Total Recall'' used animated sequences they had created for scientific videos about planets orbiting the Sun. The outcomes of these lawsuits are unknown.<ref name="AFIBio"/>

===Home media===
''Total Recall'' was released on [[VHS]] and [[LaserDisc]] on November 1, 1990; it was rushed out to take advantage of the Christmas season.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="NYTimesHomeMedia1"/><ref name="NYTimesHomeMedia2"/><ref name="NYTimesHomeMedia3"/><ref name="LATimesHomeMedia5"/>}} It was priced at $24.99, a relatively low figure compared to standard prices closer to $90, because audience research had shown a willingness to purchase the film due to its rewatchability. Although retailers normally avoided selling films with violent or sexual content, they were willing to stock ''Total Recall''.<ref name="LATimesHomeMedia5"/> It was predicted to perform well as a purchase and rental.<ref name="NYTimesHomeMedia1"/><ref name="NYTimesHomeMedia2"/><ref name="NYTimesHomeMedia3"/> It became one of the bestselling home entertainment products of the year, in which purchases outperformed rentals for the first time. It was also one of the top rentals in December, trading the number one position back and forth with ''Pretty Woman''.<ref name="LATimesHomeMedia6"/><ref name="NYTimesHomeMedia4"/>

The film was first released on [[DVD-Video|DVD]] in 2000, and received criticism from ''[[IGN]]'' for what was perceived as poor image quality. It was followed by a special edition version in 2001 that included a commentary track with Verhoeven and Schwarzenegger and a documentary about the film's production, including its release and subsequent reaction.<ref name="IGNDVDNormal"/><ref name="DVDIGNSpecial"/> A special ''Total Recall: Mind-Bending Edition'' [[Blu-ray]] was released in 2012, featuring a high-definition restoration from the original negative. This version included a new interview with Verhoeven and a comparison of the restored footage against the original.<ref name="WaTimesCast"/><ref name="BluRayMind1"/><ref name="BluRayMind2"/> For its 30th anniversary in 2021, the film was remastered as a [[4K resolution]] [[Ultra-high-definition television|Ultra HD]] Blu-ray (including a digital copy) based on a digital scan from the original 35mm film negatives under Verhoeven's supervision.<ref name="VultureCast"/> As well as content from the 2012 Blu-ray, this release introduced a 60-minute documentary about the success and failure of Carolco Pictures, and retrospectives on the film score, special effects, and production.<ref name="WaTimesCast"/> A separate 5-disc collectors edition was released with a double-sided poster, art cards, essays about the film and the score on [[compact disc]] (CD).<ref name="Empire30th"/>

Goldsmith's score was first released on CD in 1990 with 10 tracks. A deluxe edition was released in 2000 with 27 tracks.<ref name="SoundtrackNet"/> Coinciding with the 30th anniversary, Quartet Records released the remastered soundtrack on a 2-CD and limited edition 3-[[Phonograph record|Vinyl record]] set. The anniversary edition included the score plus alternates and source music, restored by Goldsmith's long-time sound mixer [[Bruce Botnick]].<ref name="30thAnniversaryScore"/>

===Other media===
A [[novelization]] of the film, written by [[Piers Anthony]] and based on the script and Dick's original novel, was released in 1990; it retains the original character name of Douglas Quail.<ref name="Novel"/> That same year, an action-platformer video game, ''[[Total Recall (video game)|Total Recall]]'', was released for the [[Commodore 64]], [[Amstrad CPC]], and [[Nintendo Entertainment System]], and [[Amiga]], and [[Atari ST]] computers. A ZX Spectrum version was planned but cancelled because it would not be ready for the Christmas 1990 release date.<ref name="DOGGame"/> A comic book adaptation of the film was also released in 1990 by [[DC Comics]].<ref name="CBR1990Comic"/> A 2011 four-issue miniseries comic book was released by [[Dynamite Entertainment]]. Written by Vince Moore with art by Cezar Rezak, the series' narrative continues on from the end of the film, depicting Quaid dealing with a Mars still in chaos following Cohaagen's death.<ref name="ComicBook2011"/><ref name="ComicBook20112"/><ref name="ComicBook20113"/>

==Themes and analysis==
===Themes===
The main theme of ''Total Recall'' is the question of whether or not Quaid's experiences are real or a dream induced by his failed Rekall memory implantation. Despite the film's deviations from Dick's original story, both focus on this theme.<ref name="WiredPKD"/> Verhoeven explicitly wanted both possibilities to be viable, although his personal preference is that Quaid's experiences are a dream. He explained "it's a dream, which is disturbing to the audience because they don't want that, of course. They want an adventure story, they don't want a fake adventure story. So they are on [Quaid's] side trying to believe that it's all true, while [Dr. Edgemar] is trying to tell him that it's not true."{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=68}} Quaid chooses to believe in his reality and kills Dr. Edgemar.{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=68}} Lori confirming that the Quaid persona is effectively a dream breaks down the barrier between reality and fantasy, leaving Quaid and the audience unable to definitively determine the reality of what they are experiencing.{{sfn|Vest|2009|p=35}}

It is left up to the audience to determine what is real, and because of Schwarzenegger's public image as a superhuman action hero, the possibility remains that Quaid's adventures on Mars are real. Verhoeven said that re-watching the film can induce more doubt in the audience, particularly when the Rekall manager, Bob McClane, effectively outlines everything that will happen to Quaid after the memory implantation. During the same scene, Melina is shown on the Rekall screen before Quaid has met her.{{sfn|Hughes|2012|pp=68–69}} At the film's end, Quaid still questions if everything is a dream, and Melina suggests that he kiss her before he wakes up. English professor Jason P. Vest said that by not including herself in Quaid's possible delusion, Melina both suggests and denies she is a creation of Quaid's fantasy.{{sfn|Vest|2009|p=37}} Ironside stated that he believed the film is an analog for manipulating reality for the common people through news and the media at the behest of those in power.<ref name="BFIORal"/> Writer Bek Aliev believed that this theme remains relevant in the age of social media, where the line between a person's average life and more curated online life becomes blurred.<ref name="CBRTotal"/>

Another theme of ''Total Recall'' is the meaning of identity in a world where memories are commodities that can be erased or fabricated completely.{{sfn|Vest|2009|pp=xxix, 33–34}} Vest contrasted this with ''Blade Runner,'' in which memory is presented as a precious and vital component of the human experience, while in ''Total Recall,'' memories can be easily removed, replaced, or revised and these changes are generally embraced. When Quaid learns that he is really Hauser, he affirms to himself "I am Quaid" and rejects the Hauser personality.{{sfn|Vest|2009|pp=33–34}}

Author David Hughes wrote that Quaid is not an altered version of Hauser but a completely separate personality with his own memories and morality. He contrasted Quaid with ''Blade Runner''{{'}}s [[replicant]]s—artificial humans—except that it is Quaid's mind that is artificial. Quaid is forced to choose between returning to his original but antagonistic persona or remaining as the artificial but benevolent construct of Quaid. Hughes considered this an interesting moral choice and true to Dick's work.{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=69}} Quaid is offered a chance at a better life by being restored to Hauser's higher social status, but will lose himself in the process.{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=70}} Goldman believed Quaid's refusal to be the authentic choice because he did not believe someone would willingly and permanently give up their identity.{{sfn|Hughes|2012|pp=69–70}} ''[[SyFy]]'' writer Noah Berlatsky said that as an everyday worker who desires grand adventures, Quaid is an audience stand-in, and suggested the hologram projector that creates a duplicate image of Quaid to be akin to the audience viewing themselves through the phantom personality that is Quaid.<ref name="SyFyCast"/>

The film presents a politically, morally, and visually unattractive future in which the Earth's locations are covered in brutalist, concrete architecture. Verhoeven specifically chose to use this style because he believed it suggested a cruel society indifferent to the suffering of the Martian colonists as long as turbinium ore mining continues. Mars is represented ubiquitously with various red hues, invoking associations with blood, danger, and a hellish domain.{{sfn|Vest|2009|p=32}}<ref name="LATimesRetro"/> The in-film Propaganda networks show reality being altered in real-time, as they brand the resistance as terrorists and describe the indiscriminate slaughter of them as restoring order with minimal use of force.<ref name="TheGuardianREtro"/>

===Analysis===
According to Vest and English professor Frank Grady, most political assessments of the film considered it [[left-wing]] for its anti-corporation and revolutionary message but Vest perceived a more [[Conservatism|conservative]] subtext in which the "white protagonist saves a society of the less well-off who cannot save themselves".{{sfn|Vest|2009|pp=39,41}}{{sfn|Grady|2003|p=44}} They identified ''Total Recall'' as one of many films produced throughout the 1980s—such as ''[[Rambo: First Blood Part II]]'' (1985) and ''Predator''—that were "fronted by white male characters who employ violence to preserve American righteousness, liberty, autonomy, and reinforce an idealistic American image of combating unnecessary bureaucracy, fascists, communists, and foreign and domestic threats". Schwarzenegger identified himself as a conservative and supporter of [[President of the United States|U.S. president]] [[Ronald Reagan]], which Vest opined made him "an unusual choice to portray the protagonist who liberates Mars from Cohaagen's dictatorship".{{sfn|Vest|2009|p=39}}{{sfn|Grady|2003|p=42}} Quaid's rejection of the Hauser persona can be seen as an example of self-determination and American exceptionalism, but in doing so he also avoids responsibility or punishment for Hauser's acts, which Grady considered an act of [[Cynicism (contemporary)|moral cynicism]]. Historian [[Stephen Prince]] described Quaid's choice not as the loss of self, but conscious rejection of it.{{sfn|Vest|2009|p=39}}{{sfn|Grady|2003|pp=44–45}} Remarking on the similarities between ''Total Recall'' and the science fiction film ''[[The Matrix]]'' (1999), educator [[Neal King]] found that both protagonists begin as discontented workers who learn their life is a fabrication, become instrumental to those rebelling against overwhelming authority, and eventually learn they were deliberately created to quash the rebellion. Any good deeds they perform are a result of who they were programmed to be, meaning their free will is an illusion.{{sfn|King|2008|pp=4–5}}

Grady and ''SyFy'' writer Stephanie Williams described the [[privatization]] of air in ''Total Recall'' as the extreme of unchecked corporate power, comparing it to the real world privatization of water sources by companies whose core incentive is to increase profits, such as in the [[Flint water crisis]]. The mutants on Mars are the result of early colonists exposed to a toxic atmosphere because of cheap domes, and their offspring still serve Cohaagen, meaning the authorities have escaped any responsibility for their involvement. In the end, Cohaagen suffocates in a toxic atmosphere that he could have changed at any time.{{sfn|Grady|2003|p=44}}<ref name="SyFyPrivatization"/> The film also contains a number of product placements for brands such as [[Pepsi]], [[Coca-Cola]], and [[Jack in the Box]], promoting corporate interests while portraying an anti-corporate stance.{{sfn|Grady|2003|p=44}}

Linda Mizejewski, a professor of women's studies at the [[Ohio State University]], suggests that the name "Cohaagen" is supposed to sound [[Afrikaans]] and this, along with the character's links to the mining industry, is part of an analogy between [[Apartheid|Apartheid-era South Africa]], in which there was a highly prosperous [[Mining industry of South Africa|mining industry]], and sharply defined class divisions, akin to those in the film between the mining executives and the ordinary, oppressed Martians.{{sfn|Vest|2009|p=40}} Likewise, Aliev considered the relationship between the lower classes on Mars and the government to be analogous to real-world colonial and post-colonial social structures, such as Apartheid. The technology that undermines the existing power structure is a metaphor for decolonization and championing the voices of the oppressed.<ref name="CBRTotal"/> Vest believed ''Total Recall'' did not offer a positive representation of minorities, as Benny, the only important African American character, collaborates with Cohaagen and helps assassinate the Martian freedom fighter Kuato. Vest believed that his repeated references to having multiple children "reinforced stereotypes of African American men as irresponsible and promiscuous", and that "his alliance with Cohaagen presents the character as untrustworthy, selfish, and corrupt".{{sfn|Vest|2009|p=46}}

Vest identified certain elements in the film as sexist and misogynistic. Many female characters are presented as prostitutes or mutants, which he believed suggested that "femininity is a source of moral or physical deformity". Many female characters are violently killed throughout, such as Lori, who is dispatched while Schwarzenegger quips that she should "consider that a divorce". However, while Melina is sometimes reliant on Quaid to save her, both she and Lori are portrayed as effective fighters and Melina is essential to saving Quaid's life at the end.{{sfn|Grady|2003|pp=44–45}}{{sfn|Vest|2009|pp=42–43}} [[Union College]] film studies co-director Michelle Chilcoat wrote that ''Total Recall'' began a decade of [[cyberpunk]] films that focused on a separation and transformation of the mind away from a traditional human body, such as ''[[The Lawnmower Man (film)|The Lawnmower Man]]'' (1992), ''[[Strange Days (film)|Strange Days]]'' (1995), and ''The Matrix''. Even so, Chilcoat argues that given the option to become anything via Rekall, ''Total Recall'' repeatedly asserts Quaid's heterosexuality.{{sfn|Chilcoat|2004|pp=156,162}}

==Legacy==
===Modern reception===
[[File:Jerry Goldsmith 2.jpg|thumb|upright|alt=A 2003 photo of Jerry Goldsmith |The score for ''Total Recall'' is considered among the best work of composer [[Jerry Goldsmith]] (pictured in 2003).]]
Since its release, several publications have named ''Total Recall'' as one of the greatest science fiction films ever made.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="BestSciFiIGN"/><ref name="BestSciFiPaste"/><ref name="BestSciFiRT"/><ref name="BestSciFiTimeOut"/><ref name="BestSciFiParade"/>}} [[Rotten Tomatoes]] named it one of the 300 essential films to watch,<ref name="RT300"/> and it is also listed in the book ''[[1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die]]''.{{sfn|Schneider|2013}} On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a {{RT data|score}} approval rating from the aggregated reviews of {{RT data|count}} critics, with an average score of {{RT data|average}}. The consensus reads, "Under Paul Verhoeven's frenetic direction, ''Total Recall'' is a fast-paced rush of violence, gore, and humor that never slacks."<ref name="RottenTomatoes"/> The film has a score of 57 out of 100 on [[Metacritic]] based on 15 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".<ref name="Metacritic"/>

In a 2012 retrospective, ''[[Vulture (website)|Vulture]]'' wrote that despite its anachronistic aspects, such as outdated technology, ''Total Recall'' remained relevant, particularly in its themes of the oppressed fighting back against their oppressors, which was compared to the 2011 [[Occupy Wall Street]] movement.<ref name="RetroVulture"/> Discussing the film in 2016, ''[[The A.V. Club]]'' described it as one of the best 1980s-style action films.<ref name="AVClubRetro"/> Other publications have called it one of Schwarzenegger's most entertaining films and one of his best roles.<ref name="TheGuardianREtro"/><ref name="RetroVulture"/><ref name="RetroIndieWire"/> The film's score, by Jerry Goldsmith, is considered among his finest work and, in his own words, one of his "greatest scores".<ref name="DOGGoldsmith"/><ref name="DOGGoldsmith2"/>

A 2020 ''[[Inverse (website)|Inverse]]'' retrospective argued that ''Total Recall'', not ''Blade Runner'', was the best adaptation of Dick's work, despite its deviations from the source material. He argued that ''Blade Runner'' presented a stylish and cool future, whereas ''Total Recall'' presents an "ugly, banal, and grimy" future. Similarly, he believed Quaid's upbeat, amoral antihero protagonist was closer to Dick's traditional protagonists.<ref name="Inverse"/> Even so, ''[[Comic Book Resources]]'' wrote that "its weirdness and appreciation of dumb-fun" meant that it would probably never be as highly considered as ''Blade Runner'' or films such as ''[[2001: A Space Odyssey (film)|2001: A Space Odyssey]]'' (1968).<ref name="CBRTotal"/> To mark Schwarzenegger's 75th birthday in 2022, ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' listed ''Total Recall'' as the fourth-best film in his 46-year career.<ref name="Variety75"/>

===Cultural influence===
''Total Recall'' became one of the most expensive films ever made in its time, and one of the last big-budget films to use almost entirely practical special effects.<ref name="BFIORal"/><ref name="ReviewVariety"/><ref name="LATimesRetro"/> It is also seen as among the films responsible for a significant rise in the costs of film production because of the high salaries studios like Carolco paid to stars with international appeal such as Schwarzenegger, Stallone, and [[Mel Gibson]], recouping their investment by selling their films to the rapidly growing film markets outside of the U.S. and Canada.<ref name="10TR12T2"/><ref name="NYTImesJune251990"/> Alongside the boost to Schwarzenegger's career, ''Total Recall'' also redefined Stone from a model to a legitimate film star.<ref name="ringer june2020"/><ref name="LATimesPremiere"/><ref name="ETSTone"/>

A 2020 ''SyFy'' article credited ''Total Recall'' as one of three action films, along with ''Terminator 2'' and ''True Lies'' (1994), that revived Schwarzenegger's career after a series of less successful action films such as ''[[The Running Man (1987 film)|The Running Man]]'' (1987), and ''Red Heat''.<ref name="LATimesJune51990"/><ref name="SYFYCareer"/> Schwarzenegger recounted coming across the film on television that year, and believing it still held up, saying: "that is really great filmmaking{{nbsp}}... when you can, after 30 years, watch a movie and it still feels the same."<ref name="ringer june2020"/> Schwarzenegger also named his 2012 [[memoir]] ''Total Recall''.<ref name="Memoir"/>

In 2020, ''[[The Guardian]]'' wrote that, with hindsight, ''Total Recall'' formed the middle of Verhoeven's unofficial science fiction action film trilogy about authoritarian governance, following ''RoboCop'' and preceding ''[[Starship Troopers (film)|Starship Troopers]]'' (1997).<ref name="TheGuardianREtro"/> Quaid's line, "consider that a divorce", after killing Lori, is considered one of Schwarzenegger's most iconic [[One-line joke|one-line quips]] from his filmography,<ref name="CBRTotal"/><ref name="AVClubRetro"/><ref name="TheGuardianREtro"/> and the three-breasted prostitute, portrayed by Lycia Naff, is regarded as an iconic character in cinematic history.<ref name="SyFyCast2"/><ref name="VultureCast"/> Although she eventually came to terms with the role, Naff was initially embarrassed by her appearance in ''Total Recall'' and avoided interviews or fan interactions, saying "I decided not to answer every letter from every prisoner in the world who was writing to me{{nbsp}}..."<ref name="EmpireDutch"/>

''Total Recall'' influenced films such as ''The Matrix'', ''[[The 6th Day]]'' (2000), also starring Schwarzenegger, as well as other media such as ''[[Rick and Morty]]'', ''[[South Park]]'', and ''[[The Expanse (TV series)|The Expanse]]''.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="CBRTotal"/><ref name="LATimesRetro"/><ref name="RetroVulture"/><ref name="AVClubRetro"/><ref name="CultRickandM"/><ref name="CultSouthPark"/><ref name="CultExpanse"/>}} It has been referenced in politics when, during his 2020 address to the [[Austrian World Summit]] climate conference about the urgency of their 2050 climate neutrality goal, Dutch politician and [[European Commissioner for Climate Action]], [[Frans Timmermans]], said, "it's been 30 years since ''Total Recall'' and ''Kindergarten Cop'' — I mean these things go so fast{{nbsp}}... we have to act now and we can."<ref name="Politico"/>

==Sequel and adaptations==
{{Main|Total Recall 2070|Minority Report (film)|Total Recall (2012 film)}}

''Total Recall''{{'}}s success led to development of a sequel. Goldman had optioned another of Dick's works, the 1956 novella ''[[The Minority Report]]'', intending to direct it himself. Unable to make progress on that project, he and Shusett worked together on adapting ''The Minority Report'' into a ''Total Recall'' sequel in 1993, depicting Quaid as the head of an organization that uses mutants with precognition abilities to predict and stop crimes before they happen.<ref name="WiredPKD"/><ref name="AFIBio"/><ref name="i09Sequel"/> Carolco struggled to secure either funding or Schwarzenegger's interest to progress the project before its bankruptcy.{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=83}}{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=87}}<ref name="i09Sequel"/> The television rights to ''Total Recall'' were bought by DFL Entertainment for $1.2{{nbsp}}million to develop the television series ''[[Total Recall 2070]]'' (1999).{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=77}}{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=76}}<ref name="VarietySequel"/> The show, set entirely on Earth, was not based on the film and was described by author David Hughes as closer to a ''Blade Runner'' adaptation.{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=77}}<ref name="SciFi.com"/> In the interim, Shusett and Goldman had removed the ''Total Recall'' elements from their script to develop it as a standalone film, ''[[Minority Report (film)|Minority Report]]'' (2002).<ref name="WiredPKD"/><ref name="i09Sequel"/>

The film rights to ''Total Recall'' were bought by [[Dimension Films]] for $3.15{{nbsp}}million at Carolco's bankruptcy auction.{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=77}}{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=76}}<ref name="VarietySequel"/> The studio began development of a sequel, intending to bring back the principal cast, but not Verhoeven. Matt Cirulnick developed a script, but Shusett's original contract guaranteed him first draft rights to a sequel and he, based on an earlier agreement, was obliged to work with Goldman.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="i09Sequel"/>{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=83}}{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=87}}{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=79}}<ref name="VarietySequel"/>}} The pair's story continued from the end of ''Total Recall'' with Mars now an independent planet. The rebels explore Quaid's mind for Hauser's memories of a mind-control project. It featured several twists, including Quaid waking up at Rekall on Earth, and other hints that he is living within a dream.{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=79}}{{sfn|Hughes|2012|pp=79–80}}{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=81}} Schwarzenegger became actively involved by 1998, but believed their idea was overly complicated.{{sfn|Hughes|2012|pp=79,81}}{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=87}} Cirulnick wrote another draft, revealing that Hauser and Quaid are both fabricated personalities, and depicting the destruction of Mars to save Earth from a bomb placed in the Sun. This draft was well received by Dimension, but he was asked to rewrite it to lower the budget.<ref name="i09Sequel"/> Development eventually ceased as a series of failed films had harmed Dimension financially, and the studio was unable to reach an agreement with Schwarzenegger.<ref name="i09Sequel"/>{{sfn|Hughes|2012|p=88}}

The rights to ''Total Recall'' were eventually purchased by [[Columbia Pictures]] and a remake was announced in 2009.<ref name="THRRemake"/> Released in 2012, the film, also called ''[[Total Recall (2012 film)|Total Recall]]'', starred [[Colin Farrell]], [[Bryan Cranston]], [[Kate Beckinsale]], and [[Jessica Biel]]. Its plot follows elements of the 1990 film but omits Mars entirely, taking place on a mostly uninhabitable Earth.<ref name="EbertRemake"/><ref name="WiredRemake"/> The film failed to replicate the financial or critical success of the original.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<ref name="ScreenRantReviews"/><ref name="DOGRemake"/><ref name="DOGRemake2"/><ref name="DigitalSpyRemake"/>}}

==See also==
* [[List of adaptations of works by Philip K. Dick]]
* [[List of films set on Mars]]

==References==
===Notes===
{{Notelist}}

===Sources===
{{reflist||refs=

<ref name="10TR12T2">{{cite web|last=Fabrikant|first=Geraldine|title=The Hole in Hollywood's Pocket|website=[[The New York Times]]|date=December 10, 1990|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/12/10/business/the-hole-in-hollywood-s-pocket.html |access-date=October 11, 2021 |archive-date=May 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510234640/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/12/10/business/the-hole-in-hollywood-s-pocket.html|url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="11plusTR">{{cite web |title=The 101 Most Powerful People in Entertainment|website=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|date=November 2, 1990|url=https://ew.com/article/1990/11/02/1990s-101-most-influential-people-entertainment/|access-date=February 19, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090425092710/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,318518,00.html|archive-date=April 25, 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="30thAnniversaryScore">Multiple sources, in chronological order:
*{{cite web |title=''Total Recall: 30th Anniversary Edition'' (2-CD) |url=https://quartetrecords.com/product/total-recall-30th-anniversary-edition-2-cd/|website=Quartet Records |accessdate=November 5, 2021 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204110314/https://quartetrecords.com/product/total-recall-30th-anniversary-edition-2-cd/ |archivedate=February 4, 2021 |url-status=live }}
*{{cite web |title=''Total Recall: 30th Anniversary Edition'' (3XLP) |url=https://quartetrecords.com/product/total-recall-30th-anniversay-edition-3xlp/ |website=Quartet Records |accessdate=November 5, 2021 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118014135/https://quartetrecords.com/product/total-recall-30th-anniversay-edition-3xlp/ | archivedate=January 18, 2021 |url-status=live }}
</ref>

<ref name="AFIBio">{{cite web |title=''Total Recall'' |url=https://catalog.afi.com/Catalog/moviedetails/67086 |website=[[American Film Institute]] |accessdate=November 1, 2021 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210611201726/https://catalog.afi.com/Catalog/moviedetails/67086 |archivedate=June 11, 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="ASCHistory">{{cite web |first=Ron |last=Magid |title=Many Hands Make Martian Memories in ''Total Recall'' |url=https://ascmag.com/articles/memories-in-total-recall |website=[[American Cinematographer]]|date=March 2, 2020 |accessdate=October 1, 2021 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301101022/https://ascmag.com/articles/memories-in-total-recall |archivedate=March 1, 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="AVClubRetro">{{cite web |first=Tom |last=Breihan |title=With ''Total Recall'', Schwarzenegger got to blow things up and blow minds |url=https://www.avclub.com/with-total-recall-schwarzenegger-got-to-blow-things-up-1798254972|website=[[The A.V. Club]]|date=February 12, 2016 |accessdate=November 6, 2021 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929212513/https://www.avclub.com/with-total-recall-schwarzenegger-got-to-blow-things-up-1798254972 |archivedate=September 29, 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="BAFTA">{{cite web |title=Film in 1991|url=https://awards.bafta.org/award/1991/film |website=[[British Academy of Film and Television Arts]] |access-date=November 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628224806/https://awards.bafta.org/award/1991/film |archive-date=June 28, 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="BBFCRuntime">{{cite web | url=https://bbfc.co.uk/releases/total-recall-1 | title=''Total Recall'' (18) | website=[[British Board of Film Classification]] | date=June 13, 1990 | access-date=November 6, 2021 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141101060647/https://bbfc.co.uk/releases/total-recall-1 | archive-date=November 1, 2014 | df=mdy-all }}</ref>

<ref name="BestSciFiIGN">{{cite web |title=Top 100 Sci-Fi Movies |url=https://www.ign.com/lists/best-science-fiction-movies/70 |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=October 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411003055/https://www.ign.com/lists/best-science-fiction-movies/70 |archive-date=April 11, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="BestSciFiPaste">{{cite web|first=Michael |last=Burgin |title=The 100 Best Sci-Fi Movies Of All Time |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/sci-fi-movies/the-100-best-sci-fi-movies-of-all-time/#14-back-to-the-future |website=[[Paste (magazine)|Paste]] |date=November 13, 2018 |access-date=October 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200430193727/https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/sci-fi-movies/the-100-best-sci-fi-movies-of-all-time/ |archive-date=April 30, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="BestSciFiRT">{{cite web |title=150 Essential Sci-Fi Movies To Watch Now |url=https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/guide/best-sci-fi-movies-of-all-time/ |website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] |access-date=October 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926195854/https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/guide/best-sci-fi-movies-of-all-time/ |archive-date=September 26, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="BestSciFiTimeOut">{{cite web|first1=Alex |last1=Plim|first2=Tom |last2=Huddleston|first3=Geoff |last3=Andrew|first4=Catherine |last4=Bray|first5=Dave |last5=Calhoun|first6=Cath |last6=Clarke |last7=Dudok de Wit |first7=Alex |author7-link=Alex Dudok de Wit |first8=Eddy |last8=Frankel |first9=Trevor |last9=Johnston|first10=Alim |last10=Kheraj|first11=Joshua |last11=Rothkopf|first12=Phil |last12=de Semlyen |first13=Anna |last13=Smith |first14=Keith |last14=Uhlich |title=The 100 Best Sci-fi Movies |url=https://www.timeout.com/london/film/the-100-best-sci-fi-movies |website=[[Time Out (magazine)|Time Out]] |date=February 20, 2020 |access-date=October 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728100848/https://www.timeout.com/london/film/the-100-best-sci-fi-movies |archive-date= July 28, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="BestSciFiParade">{{cite web|first=Samuel R.|last=Murriman |title=We Ranked The 101 Best Science Fiction Movies Of All Time, From Metropolis To Dune |url=https://parade.com/1258802/samuelmurrian/best-sci-fi-movies/ |website=[[Parade (magazine)|Parade]] |date=October 25, 2021 |access-date=March 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128133822/https://parade.com/1258802/samuelmurrian/best-sci-fi-movies/ |archive-date=January 28, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="BFICast">{{cite web |title=''Total Recall'' (1990) |url=https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b79d3411b |website=[[British Film Institute]] |accessdate=September 30, 2021 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303123217/https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b79d3411b |archivedate=March 3, 2021 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

<ref name="BFIORal">{{cite web |first=Josh |last=Slater-Williams |title=I can remember it for you wholesale: The making of ''Total Recall'', 30 years on |url=https://www.bfi.org.uk/interviews/total-recall-paul-verhoeven-michael-ironside |website=[[British Film Institute]]|date=November 24, 2020 |accessdate=October 1, 2021 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929212516/https://www.bfi.org.uk/interviews/total-recall-paul-verhoeven-michael-ironside |archivedate=September 29, 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="BluRayMind1">{{cite web |first=R. L.|last=Shaffer |title=''Total Recall: Mind-Bending Edition'' Blu-ray Review |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/08/06/total-recall-blu-ray-review|website=[[IGN]]|date=August 6, 2012 |accessdate=November 5, 2021 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531081315/https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/08/06/total-recall-blu-ray-review |archivedate=May 31, 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="BluRayMind2">{{cite web |first=R. L.|last=Shaffer |title=Schwarzenegger's ''Total Recall'' Returns to Blu-ray |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/05/14/schwarzeneggers-total-recall-returns-to-blu-ray |website=[[IGN]]|date=May 15, 2012 |accessdate=November 5, 2021 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20211105140635/https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/05/14/schwarzeneggers-total-recall-returns-to-blu-ray |archivedate=November 5, 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="BOMDomesticWeekend1">{{cite web|title=Domestic 1990 Weekend 22 June 1–3, 1990|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/1990W22/ |website=[[Box Office Mojo]] |accessdate=November 1, 2021 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210630031358/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/1990W22/ |archivedate=June 30, 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="BOMDomesticWeekend2">{{cite web|title=Domestic 1990 Weekend 23 June 8–10, 1990|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/1990W23/?ref_=bo_rl_table_2 |website=[[Box Office Mojo]] |accessdate=November 1, 2021 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628114012/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/1990W23/ |archivedate=June 28, 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="BOMDomesticWeekend3">{{cite web|title=Domestic 1990 Weekend 24 June 15–17, 1990|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/1990W24/ |website=[[Box Office Mojo]] |accessdate=November 1, 2021 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627230432/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/1990W24/ |archivedate=June 27, 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="BOMOverall">{{cite web|title=''Total Recall'' |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl74941953/weekend/?ref_=bo_rl_tab#tabs |website=[[Box Office Mojo]] |accessdate=November 1, 2021 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20211101135258/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl74941953/weekend/?ref_=bo_rl_tab%23tabs |archivedate=November 1, 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="CBR1990Comic">{{cite web|first=Nicole |last=Mello |title=10 Classic 90s Movies You Didn't Know Had Comic Adaptations |url=https://www.cbr.com/classic-90s-movies-comic-adaptations/ |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |date=December 10, 2020 |access-date=November 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201210223752/https://www.cbr.com/classic-90s-movies-comic-adaptations/ |archive-date=December 10, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="CBRCast">{{cite web|first=Meagan |last=Damore |title=''Total Recall'' Star Marshall Bell Reflects on the Film's Enduring Legacy |url=https://www.cbr.com/total-recall-marshall-bell-interview-george-kuato/ |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |date=December 7, 2020 |access-date=September 29, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210126084432/https://www.cbr.com/total-recall-marshall-bell-interview-george-kuato/ |archive-date=January 26, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="CBRTotal">{{cite web|first=Bek |last=Aliev |title=30 Years of ''Total Recall'', the Smartest Stupid Movie |url=https://www.cbr.com/30-years-of-total-recall-the-smartest-stupid-movie/ |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |date=June 2, 2020 |access-date=November 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929221401/https://www.cbr.com/30-years-of-total-recall-the-smartest-stupid-movie/|archive-date=September 29, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="CinemaScore">{{cite web |url= https://www.cinemascore.com/publicsearch/index/title/ |title= Cinemascore |website= [[CinemaScore]] |access-date=September 11, 2019 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181220122629/https://www.cinemascore.com/publicsearch/index/title/ |archive-date= December 20, 2018 }}</ref>

<ref name="ColliderCast">{{cite web |first=Matt |last=Goldberg |title=Eva Mendes, Kate Bosworth, Diane Kruger Among Actresses Reading for Female Leads in ''Total Recall'' Remake |url=https://collider.com/total-recall-remake-eva-mendes-kate-bosworth/|website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] |date=March 22, 2011 |access-date=September 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200108101528/https://collider.com/total-recall-remake-eva-mendes-kate-bosworth/ |archive-date=January 8, 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="ComicBook2011">{{cite web|title=''Total Recall'' #1 |website=[[Dynamite Entertainment]] |url=http://www.dynamiteentertainment.com/htmlfiles/viewProduct.html?PRO=C725130167316 |access-date=November 5, 2021 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110312104221/http://www.dynamiteentertainment.com/htmlfiles/viewProduct.html?PRO=C725130167316 |archive-date=March 12, 2011 }}</ref>

<ref name="ComicBook20112">{{cite web |first=Chad |last=Nevett |title=''Total Recall'' #1 | url=https://www.cbr.com/total-recall-1/ |website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |date=May 16, 2011 |access-date=November 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926201245/http://www.cbr.com/total-recall-1/ |archive-date=September 26, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="ComicBook20113">{{cite web |first=Blair |last=Marnell |title=''Total Recall'' Comics On The Way |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/2596825/total-recall-comics-on-the-way/ | website=[[MTV]] |date=June 7, 2010 |access-date=November 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20211105133144/https://www.mtv.com/news/2596825/total-recall-comics-on-the-way/ |archive-date=November 5, 2021 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

<ref name="CultRickandM">{{cite web |first=Cathal |last=Gunning |title=Every Movie & TV Show Referenced In ''Rick & Morty''{{'}}s "Total Rickall" |url=https://screenrant.com/total-rickall-rick-morty-movies-tv-easter-eggs/ | website=[[Screen Rant]] |date=May 18, 2021 |access-date=March 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324220420/https://screenrant.com/total-rickall-rick-morty-movies-tv-easter-eggs/ |archive-date=March 24, 2022 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="CultSouthPark">{{cite web |first=Eric |last=Thurm |title=''South Park'': "Grounded Vindaloop"|url=https://www.avclub.com/south-park-grounded-vindaloop-1798181914 | website=[[The A.V. Club]] |date=November 13, 2014 |access-date=March 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321015608/https://www.avclub.com/south-park-grounded-vindaloop-1798181914 |archive-date=March 21, 2022 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="CultExpanse">{{cite web |first=Reuben |last=Baron |title=Schwarzenegger And ''Total Recall'' Inspired A Scene In ''The Expanse'' |url=https://www.cbr.com/schwarzenegger-total-recall-inspired-expanse-scene/ | website=[[Comic Book Resources]] |date=November 30, 2021 |access-date=March 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211202054353/https://www.cbr.com/schwarzenegger-total-recall-inspired-expanse-scene/ |archive-date=December 2, 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="DecidedIllustrator">{{cite web |first=Alex |last=Zalben |title=''Total Recall'' 30th Anniversary: Get an Exclusive Look Behind the Scenes at the Mars That Almost Was |url=https://decider.com/2020/12/04/total-recall-30th-anniversary-behind-the-scenes-of-mars-exclusive/ |website=[[Decider (website)|Decider]] |date=December 4, 2020 |access-date=October 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302072111/https://decider.com/2020/12/04/total-recall-30th-anniversary-behind-the-scenes-of-mars-exclusive/ |archive-date=March 2, 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="DigitalSpyRemake">{{cite web |first=Ryan |last=Lambie |title=Len Wiseman interview: ''Total Recall'' Director's Cut is my vision of film |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a446574/len-wiseman-interview-total-recall-directors-cut-is-my-vision-of-film/ |website=[[Digital Spy]] |date=December 27, 2012 |access-date=November 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20211106161039/https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a446574/len-wiseman-interview-total-recall-directors-cut-is-my-vision-of-film/ |archive-date=November 6, 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="DOGCast">{{cite web |first=Don |last=Kaye |title=How ''Total Recall'' Brought a Memorable Villain to Life|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/how-total-recall-brought-a-memorable-villain-to-life/ |website=[[Den of Geek]] |date=December 7, 2020 |access-date=September 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210218001409/https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/how-total-recall-brought-a-memorable-villain-to-life/ |archive-date=February 18, 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="DOGCast2">{{cite web |first=Ryan |last=Lambie |title=''Total Recall''{{'s}} Richter: A Day in the Life of Cinema's Unluckiest Villain |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/total-recall-s-richter-a-day-in-the-life-of-cinema-s-unluckiest-villain/ |website=[[Den of Geek]] |date=December 7, 2020 |access-date=September 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210217121124/https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/total-recall-s-richter-a-day-in-the-life-of-cinema-s-unluckiest-villain/ |archive-date=February 17, 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="DOGGame">{{cite web |first=Ryan |last=Lambie |title=''Total Recall'': Axed ZX Spectrum Game Emerges |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/games/total-recall-axed-zx-spectrum-game-emerges/ |website=[[Den of Geek]] |date=January 30, 2017 |access-date=November 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20211105131757/https://www.denofgeek.com/games/total-recall-axed-zx-spectrum-game-emerges/ |archive-date=November 5, 2021 
 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="DOGGoldsmith">{{cite web |first=Sean|last=Wilson|title=Saluting the Film Scores of Paul Verhoeven Movies |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/saluting-the-film-scores-of-paul-verhoeven-movies/ |website=[[Den of Geek]] |date=March 16, 2017 |access-date=October 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126022417/https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/saluting-the-film-scores-of-paul-verhoeven-movies/ |archive-date=January 26, 2021|url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="DOGGoldsmith2">{{cite web |first=Glen|last=Chapman |title=Music in the movies: the sci-fi themes of Jerry Goldsmith |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/music-in-the-movies-the-sci-fi-themes-of-jerry-goldsmith/ |website=[[Den of Geek]] |date=September 14, 2010 |access-date=October 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027222219/https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/music-in-the-movies-the-sci-fi-themes-of-jerry-goldsmith/ |archive-date=October 27, 2021|url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="DOGRemake">{{cite web |first=Ryan |last=Lambie |title=Paul Verhoeven on remakes, ''RoboCop'' and crowdsourced movies |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/paul-verhoeven-on-remakes-robocop-and-crowdsourced-movies/ |website=[[Den of Geek]] |date=April 24, 2013 |access-date=November 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104041320/https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/paul-verhoeven-on-remakes-robocop-and-crowdsourced-movies/ |archive-date=November 4, 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="DOGRemake2">{{cite web |first=Ryan |last=Lambie |title=Is the big-budget Hollywood remake in trouble? |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/is-the-big-budget-hollywood-remake-in-trouble/ |website=[[Den of Geek]] |date=September 25, 2012 |access-date=November 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20211106160934/https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/is-the-big-budget-hollywood-remake-in-trouble/ |archive-date=November 6, 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="DOGRiseandFallofCarolco">{{cite web |first=Ryan |last=Lambie |title=The Rise And Fall Of Carolco |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/the-rise-and-fall-of-carolco/ |website=[[Den of Geek]] |date=March 11, 2014 |access-date=March 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121095852/https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/the-rise-and-fall-of-carolco/ |archive-date=January 21, 2022 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="DVDIGNSpecial">{{cite web |first=Jeremy |last=Conrad |title=''Total Recall'' (Special Edition) |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/09/21/total-recall-special-edition |website=[[IGN]]|date=September 21, 2001 |accessdate=November 5, 2021 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140318072356/https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/09/21/total-recall-special-edition |archivedate=March 18, 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="EmpireDutch">{{cite web |url= https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/paul-verhoeven/ |title= Triple Dutch: Paul Verhoeven's sci-fi trilogy |last1= Smith |first1= Adam |last2= Williams |first2= Owen |date= February 12, 2015 |website= [[Empire (film magazine)|Empire]] |access-date= May 25, 2020 |archive-date= June 10, 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200610185005/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/paul-verhoeven/ |url-status= live }}</ref>

<ref name="EbertRemake">{{cite web |first=Roger|last=Ebert |author-link=Roger Ebert |title=Well done, lacking Schwarzenegger's charm |url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/total-recall-2012 |website=[[RogerEbert.com]] |date=August 1, 2012 |access-date=November 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716223413/https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/total-recall-2012 |archive-date=July 16, 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="Empire30th">{{cite web |first=Ben |last=Travis |title=''Total Recall'' Returns In 4K For Its 30th Anniversary – Exclusive Trailer |url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/total-recall-returns-in-4k-for-its-30th-anniversary-exclusive-trailer/|website=[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]]|date=March 9, 2020 |accessdate=November 5, 2021 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200904102215/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/total-recall-returns-in-4k-for-its-30th-anniversary-exclusive-trailer/ |archivedate=September 4, 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="ETSTone">{{cite web |title=Sharon Stone Does Not Age|url=https://www.etonline.com/news/145789_sharon_stone_does_not_age |website=[[Entertainment Tonight]]|date=April 23, 2014 |accessdate=November 6, 2021 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019232635/https://www.etonline.com/news/145789_sharon_stone_does_not_age |archivedate=October 19, 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="FilmNevada">{{cite web|title=Scene In Nevada: Total Recall |url=https://nevadafilm.com/scene-in-nevada-total-recall/ |website=[[Nevada Film Office]] |date=May 16, 2016 |access-date=November 15, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20211112234933/https://nevadafilm.com/scene-in-nevada-total-recall/|archive-date= November 12, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Filmsite.orgCast">{{cite web |url=https://www.filmsite.org/greattwists45.html |title=Greatest Film Plot Twists, Film Spoilers and Surprise Endings |website=[[Filmsite.org]] |accessdate=September 29, 2021 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210911233732/https://www.filmsite.org/greattwists45.html|archivedate=September 11, 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="FilmTracksGoldsmith">{{cite web|first=Christian |last=Clemmensen |title=''Total Recall'' |url= https://www.filmtracks.com/titles/total_recall.html |website=[[Filmtracks.com]] |date=April 28, 2021 |access-date=October 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027222203/https://www.filmtracks.com/titles/total_recall.html |archive-date= October 27, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="FORD">{{cite web|first=Jordan |last=Ruimy |title=Interview: Paul Verhoeven Talks ''Elle'', Why Well Known Actresses Turned It Down & The Problem With Hollywood |url= https://theplaylist.net/interview-paul-erhoeven-elle-actresses-turned-down-problem-with-hollywood-20160525/ |website=The Playlist |date=May 25, 2016 |access-date=October 13, 2024 |archive-url= |archive-date= |url-status=}}</ref>

<ref name="FSREdgemar">{{cite web|first=Kate|last=Erbland |title=24 Things We Learned from Paul Verhoeven's ''Total Recall'' Commentary|url= https://filmschoolrejects.com/24-things-we-learned-from-the-total-recall-commentary-9e99444bacb2/ |website=[[Film School Rejects]] |date=April 19, 2012 |access-date=November 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519150938/https://filmschoolrejects.com/24-things-we-learned-from-the-total-recall-commentary-9e99444bacb2/ |archive-date= May 19, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="FXGuide">{{cite web|first=Ian |last=Failes |title=Recalling Total Recall|url= https://www.fxguide.com/fxfeatured/recalling-total-recall/|website=[[Fxguide]] |date=June 4, 2015 |access-date=November 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112234933/https://www.fxguide.com/fxfeatured/recalling-total-recall/ |archive-date= November 12, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="GizmodoStunt">{{cite web|first=Vic|last=Armstrong |title= What was it like being a stunt director on ''Total Recall''? |url=https://gizmodo.com/what-was-it-like-being-a-stunt-director-on-total-recall-5801396 |date=May 12, 2011| website=[[Gizmodo]] |access-date=November 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019053932/https://gizmodo.com/what-was-it-like-being-a-stunt-director-on-total-recall-5801396 |archive-date=October 19, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="HugoAaward">{{cite web |title=1991 Hugo Awards |date=July 26, 2007 |url=http://www.thehugoawards.org/hugo-history/1991-hugo-awards/ |website=[[Hugo Award]] |access-date=November 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011092809/http://www.thehugoawards.org/hugo-history/1991-hugo-awards/ |archive-date=October 11, 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="IGNDVDNormal">{{cite web |title=''Total Recall''|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/02/22/total-recall |website=[[IGN]]|date=February 22, 2000 |accessdate=November 5, 2021 |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20211105140902/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/02/22/total-recall|archivedate=November 5, 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="Inverse">{{cite web|first=Ryan |last=Britt |title=Why ''Total Recall'' (Not ''Blade Runner'') Is The Best Phillip K. Dick Movie |url=https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/total-recall-anniversary-30-years |date=June 1, 2020 | website=[[Inverse (website)|Inverse]] |access-date=November 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912120923/https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/total-recall-anniversary-30-years |archive-date=September 12, 2021 |url-status=live |ref=none}}</ref>

<ref name="i09Sequel">{{cite web|first=David |last=Hughes |title= The Long, Strange Saga of ''Total Recall 2'' |url=https://gizmodo.com/the-long-strange-saga-of-total-recall-2-5887350 |date=February 22, 2012 | website=[[Gizmodo]] |access-date=November 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20211106144142/https://gizmodo.com/the-long-strange-saga-of-total-recall-2-5887350 |archive-date=November 6, 2021 |url-status=live |ref=none}}</ref>

<!-- <ref name="LATimesBottin">{{cite web|first=Torene |last= Svitil |title=Rob Bottin: A Wizard in the World of Special Effects : Movies: The makeup effects artist creates more high-tech illusion in the futuristic action-thriller ''Total Recall''. |website=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=June 6, 1990 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-06-06-ca-562-story.html|access-date=November 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019175535/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-06-06-ca-562-story.html |archive-date=October 19, 2021 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref> -->

<ref name="LATImesCarolco">{{cite web |title=Carolco Signs Deal for DEG: Carolco Pictures signed a... |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-04-21-fi-2245-story.html |website=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=April 21, 1989 |access-date=October 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005032137/http://articles.latimes.com/1989-04-21/business/fi-2245_1_carolco-signs-deal-preferred-stock-deg |archive-date=October 5, 2018 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="LATimesDec1988">{{cite web|first=Pat H.|last=Broeske|title=Spaced Out|website=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=December 4, 1988 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-12-04-ca-1188-story.html |access-date=November 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020022210/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-12-04-ca-1188-story.html |archive-date=October 20, 2021 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="LATimesHomeMedia5">{{cite web|first=Dennis |last= Hunt |title=''Total Recall'' Will Aim for Christmas Market |website=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=September 7, 1990 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-09-07-ca-781-story.html|access-date=November 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020022208/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-09-07-ca-781-story.html|archive-date=October 20, 2021 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="LATimesHomeMedia6">{{cite web|first=Dennis |last= Hunt |title=Video Rentals : Schwarzenegger Recalls Top Spot |website=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=December 13, 1990 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-12-13-ca-8687-story.html |access-date=November 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019143405/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-12-13-ca-8687-story.html |archive-date=October 19, 2021 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="LATimesJohnson">{{cite web|first=Sue |last= Martin |title=Mel Johnson Jr. Happy to Be in ''Total Recall''{{'s}} Driver's Seat |website=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=July 28, 1990 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-07-28-ca-462-story.html |access-date=November 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019103205/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-07-28-ca-462-story.html|archive-date=October 19, 2021 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="LATimesJune41990">{{cite web|first=Pat H.|last=Broeske|title=''Total Recall'' Totally Dominates Box Office : Movies: Film starring Schwarzenegger posts one of the top 10 biggest three-day openings ever. |website=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=June 4, 1990 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-06-04-ca-608-story.html |access-date=November 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019145222/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-06-04-ca-608-story.html |archive-date=October 19, 2021 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="LATimesJune51990">{{cite web|first=Pat H.|last=Broeske|title=''Recall'' Totally Outdistances ''Future'' in Box-Office Race : Movies: Schwarzenegger's sci-fi flick opens with $25.5 million. But it only just edges the ''Turtles'' $25.3-million record. |website=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=June 5, 1990 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-06-05-ca-641-story.html |access-date=November 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020011112/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-06-05-ca-641-story.html |archive-date=October 20, 2021 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="LATimesMarch261989">{{cite web|first=David |last=Pecchia|title=Films now going into production: ... |website=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=March 26, 1989 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-03-26-ca-930-story.html |access-date=November 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020015833/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-03-26-ca-930-story.html |archive-date=October 20, 2021 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="LATimesPremiere">{{cite web|first=Paul |last=Ciotti |title=Real Hollywood Muscle : No Star Makes More Money, Wields More Power Or Has More Fun |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-08-04-tm-371-story.html |website=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=August 4, 1991 |access-date=February 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610104914/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-08-04-tm-371-story.html |archive-date=June 10, 2021 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="LATimesRetro">{{cite web|first=Pat H.|last=Broeske|title=''Total Recall'' at 25: Paul Verhoeven's sci-fi still shocks |website=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=June 3, 2015 | url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/herocomplex/la-et-hc-total-recall-at-25-paul-verhoevens-scifi-still-shocks-20150602-story.html |access-date=November 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523181048/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/herocomplex/la-et-hc-total-recall-at-25-paul-verhoevens-scifi-still-shocks-20150602-story.html |archive-date=May 23, 2021 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="LATimesSchwarz">{{cite web|first=Jack |last=Mathews |title=The Man Inside the Muscles : From Mr. Universe to Mr. Hollywood--How Arnold Schwarzenegger got the last laugh |website=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=September 3, 1989 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-09-03-ca-2347-story.html|access-date=November 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020012243/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-09-03-ca-2347-story.html |archive-date=October 20, 2021 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="LATimesCarolcoLoss">{{cite web|first=David|last=Willman |title=Carolco Pictures Reports It Lost $265 Million Last Year |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-04-18-fi-629-story.html |website=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=April 18, 1992 |access-date=March 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220303144246/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-04-18-fi-629-story.html |archive-date=March 3, 2022 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="LATimesCarolcoBankruptcy">{{cite web|first=James |last=Bates |title=New Carolco Library Bid Sends Fox Running |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-01-17-fi-25405-story.html |website=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=January 17, 1996 |access-date=March 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105162707/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-01-17-fi-25405-story.html |archive-date=November 5, 2021 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="Memoir">{{cite web|first=Jordan |last=Zakarin |title=Early Reviews For Arnold Schwarzenegger's Memoir Are Not Pumped Up|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/arnold-schwarzeneggers-total-recall-memoir-reviews-375347/ |website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=October 1, 2012 |access-date=March 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326223354/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/arnold-schwarzeneggers-total-recall-memoir-reviews-375347/|archive-date=March 26, 2022 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="NYTimesCarolcoLoss">{{Cite web| last=Sims | first=Calvin| url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/12/25/business/deal-made-to-revive-carolco.html| title=Deal Made To Revive Carolco | date=December 25, 1992 |website=[[The New York Times]] | access-date=March 3, 2022| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180627235758/https://www.nytimes.com/1992/12/25/business/deal-made-to-revive-carolco.html | archive-date=June 27, 2018 | url-status=live | url-access=limited }}</ref>

<ref name="NYTimesCarolcoLoss2">{{Cite web| last=Stevenson| first=Richard W. | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/12/05/business/carolco-cuts-staff-by-25-and-may-scale-back-films.html | title=Carolco Cuts Staff by 25% And May Scale Back Films| date=December 5, 1991 |website=[[The New York Times]] | access-date=March 3, 2022| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525223831/https://www.nytimes.com/1991/12/05/business/carolco-cuts-staff-by-25-and-may-scale-back-films.html | archive-date=May 25, 2015 | url-status=live | url-access=limited }}</ref>

<ref name="NYTimesCarolcoBankruptcy">{{Cite web| last=Sterngold | first=James | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/03/31/movies/debacle-on-the-high-seas.html | title=Carolco Cuts Staff by 25% And May Scale Back Films| date=March 31, 1996 |website=[[The New York Times]] | access-date=March 3, 2022| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210828184957/https://www.nytimes.com/1996/03/31/movies/debacle-on-the-high-seas.html | archive-date=August 28, 2021 | url-status=live | url-access=limited }}</ref>

<ref name="NYTimesStone">{{Cite web| last=Bailey | first=Jason | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/20/movies/basic-instinct-sharon-stone.html | title='Basic Instinct' At 30: A Time Capsule That Can Still Offend | date=March 20, 2022 |website=[[The New York Times]] | access-date=March 26, 2022| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326000332/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/20/movies/basic-instinct-sharon-stone.html| archive-date=March 26, 2022 | url-status=live | url-access=limited }}</ref>

<ref name="Metacritic">{{Cite Metacritic |id=total-recall |type=movie |title=Total Recall |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022085428/https://www.metacritic.com/movie/total-recall |archive-date=October 22, 2021 |access-date=December 11, 2021 |publisher_hide=yes}}</ref>

<ref name="Novel">{{cite web|url=https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-688-05209-6|title= ''Total Recall''|date=September 1, 1989 | website=[[Publishers Weekly]]|access-date=November 5, 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171213092454/https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-688-05209-6|archive-date=December 13, 2017}}</ref>

<ref name="NYTimes1989Dec7">{{cite web |first=Aljean |last=Harmetz |author-link=Aljean Harmetz |title=It's Fade-Out for the Cheap Film As Hollywood's Budgets Soar |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/12/07/movies/it-s-fade-out-for-the-cheap-film-as-hollywood-s-budgets-soar.html |website=[[The New York Times]] |date=December 7, 1989 |access-date=October 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120124925/https://www.nytimes.com/1989/12/07/movies/it-s-fade-out-for-the-cheap-film-as-hollywood-s-budgets-soar.html |archive-date=November 20, 2020 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="NYTimes1990Jan1">{{cite web |first=Larry |last=Rother |title=A New Star For Studios Is Mexico |url=http://www.nytimes.com/1990/01/01/business/a-new-star-for-studios-is-mexico.html |website=[[The New York Times]] |date=January 1, 1990 |access-date=October 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525185641/http://www.nytimes.com/1990/01/01/business/a-new-star-for-studios-is-mexico.html|archive-date=May 25, 2015 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="NYTimesCanbyViolence">{{cite web |first=Vincent |last=Canby |author-link=Vincent Canby |title=Critic's Notebook; Now at a Theater Near You: A Skyrocketing Body Count |url=http://www.nytimes.com/1990/07/16/movies/critic-s-notebook-now-at-a-theater-near-you-a-skyrocketing-body-count.html |website=[[The New York Times]] |date=July 16, 1990 |access-date=November 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220504194522/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/07/16/movies/critic-s-notebook-now-at-a-theater-near-you-a-skyrocketing-body-count.html|archive-date=May 4, 2022 |page=C11, C13 |url-status=live |url-access=limited |ref=none}}
</ref>

<ref name="NYTimesCarolcoProfit">{{cite web |first=Richard W.|last=Stevenson |title=Carolco Flexes Its Muscle Overseas |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/06/26/business/carolco-flexes-its-muscle-overseas.html |website=[[The New York Times]] |date=June 26, 1991 |access-date=November 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008110124/https://www.nytimes.com/1991/06/26/business/carolco-flexes-its-muscle-overseas.html |archive-date=October 8, 2021 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="NYTimesHomeMedia1">{{cite web |first=Peter M.|last=Nichols |title=Film; In Home Video, a Lot to Rent and Even More to Buy |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/09/09/arts/film-in-home-video-a-lot-to-rent-and-even-more-to-buy.html |website=[[The New York Times]] |date=September 9, 1990 |access-date=November 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525193158/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/09/09/arts/film-in-home-video-a-lot-to-rent-and-even-more-to-buy.html |archive-date=May 25, 2015 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="NYTimesHomeMedia2">{{cite web |first=Peter M.|last=Nichols |title=Home Entertainment/Video: Fast Forward |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/09/16/arts/home-entertainment-video-fast-forward.html |website=[[The New York Times]] |date=September 16, 1990 |access-date=November 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525195242/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/09/16/arts/home-entertainment-video-fast-forward.html |archive-date=May 25, 2015 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="NYTimesHomeMedia3">{{cite web |title=Home Entertainments/Recordings New Video Releases |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/10/28/movies/home-entertainments-recordings-new-video-releases.html |website=[[The New York Times]] |date=October 28, 1990 |access-date=November 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525203529/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/10/28/movies/home-entertainments-recordings-new-video-releases.html|archive-date=May 25, 2015 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="NYTimesHomeMedia4">{{cite web |first=Peter M.|last=Nichols|title=Home Entertainment/1990; Video Settles Down To Its Second Decade |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/12/30/arts/home-entertainment-1990-video-settles-down-to-its-second-decade.html|website=[[The New York Times]] |date=December 30, 1990 |access-date=November 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525202609/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/12/30/arts/home-entertainment-1990-video-settles-down-to-its-second-decade.html |archive-date=May 25, 2015 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="NYTIMesJune221990">{{cite web |first=Richard W.|last=Stevenson |title=A Real Blockbuster, Or Merely a Smash?|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/06/22/business/a-real-blockbuster-or-merely-a-smash.html |website=[[The New York Times]] |date=June 22, 1990 |access-date=November 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525201102/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/06/22/business/a-real-blockbuster-or-merely-a-smash.html |archive-date=May 25, 2015 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="NYTImesJune251990">{{cite web |first=Geraldine |last=Fabrikant |title=The Media Business; Hollywood Takes More Cues From Overseas |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/06/25/business/the-media-business-hollywood-takes-more-cues-from-overseas.html |website=[[The New York Times]] |date=June 25, 1990 |access-date=November 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525202018/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/06/25/business/the-media-business-hollywood-takes-more-cues-from-overseas.html|archive-date=May 25, 2015 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="NYTimesJuly121990">{{cite web |first=Larry |last=Rohter |title=Hollywood Looks Beyond Mayhem For a Blockbuster |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/07/12/movies/hollywood-looks-beyond-mayhem-for-a-blockbuster.html |website=[[The New York Times]] |date=July 12, 1990 |access-date=November 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525194658/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/07/12/movies/hollywood-looks-beyond-mayhem-for-a-blockbuster.html |archive-date=May 25, 2015 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="NYTimesNov31990">{{cite web |first=Larry |last=Rohter |title=Top Movie Of the Year A Sleeper: It's ''Ghost'' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/11/03/movies/top-movie-of-the-year-a-sleeper-it-s-ghost.html |website=[[The New York Times]] |date=November 3, 1990 |access-date=November 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201120215040/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/11/03/movies/top-movie-of-the-year-a-sleeper-it-s-ghost.html |archive-date=November 20, 2020 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="NYTimesSep221990">{{cite web |first=Larry |last=Rohter |title=Love Conquers All in Hollywood Summer Season|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/09/12/movies/love-conquers-all-in-hollywood-summer-season.html |website=[[The New York Times]] |date=September 22, 1990 |access-date=November 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525194552/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/09/12/movies/love-conquers-all-in-hollywood-summer-season.html|archive-date=May 25, 2015 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="NYTimesSummerPreview">{{cite web |first=Aljean |last=Harmetz |author-link=Aljean Harmetz |title=Film; For Summer Films, Position Is (Almost) Everything|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/06/03/movies/film-for-summer-films-position-is-almost-everything.html |website=[[The New York Times]] |date=June 3, 1990 |access-date=October 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531045839/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/06/03/movies/film-for-summer-films-position-is-almost-everything.html |archive-date=May 31, 2022 |url-status=live |url-access=limited |pages=13, 17|ref=none}}
</ref>

<ref name="NYTimesMetro">{{cite web |first=Elisabeth |last=Malkin |title=Golden Line Adds Tarnish to Sprawling Subway System |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/23/world/americas/golden-line-brings-tarnish-to-mexicos-subway-system.html |website=[[The New York Times]] |date=May 22, 2014|access-date=October 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625024952/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/23/world/americas/golden-line-brings-tarnish-to-mexicos-subway-system.html |archive-date=June 25, 2021 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="Oscars1991">{{cite web |title=The 63rd Academy Awards (1991) Nominees and Winners |url=http://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1991 |website=[[Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences]] |access-date=November 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402004341/http://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1991 |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="PeopleIronside1990">{{cite web |first=Tim |last=Allis |title=A Face You Can't Totally Recall? Bad Guy Michael Ironside Chased Arnold Schwarzenegger to Mars |url=https://people.com/archive/a-face-you-cant-totally-recall-bad-guy-michael-ironside-chased-arnold-schwarzenegger-to-mars-vol-34-no-2/ |website=[[People (magazine)|People]] |date=July 16, 1990 |access-date=October 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190714015403/https://people.com/archive/a-face-you-cant-totally-recall-bad-guy-michael-ironside-chased-arnold-schwarzenegger-to-mars-vol-34-no-2/ |archive-date=July 14, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="PeopleSchwarzJune52020">{{cite web |first=Benjamin |last=VanHoose |title=Arnold Schwarzenegger Suffered a 'Deep' Wrist Wound While Shooting ''Total Recall'' 30 Years Ago|url=https://people.com/movies/arnold-schwarzenegger-says-he-suffered-deep-wrist-wound-while-shooting-total-recall-30-years-ago/ |website=[[People (magazine)|People]] |date=June 5, 2020 |access-date=October 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210701140444/https://people.com/movies/arnold-schwarzenegger-says-he-suffered-deep-wrist-wound-while-shooting-total-recall-30-years-ago/|archive-date=July 1, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Politico">{{cite web |first=America |last=Hernandez |title='It's Been 30 Years Since Total Recall': Timmermans Invokes Arnie In Climate Push |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/its-been-30-years-since-total-recall-timmermans-invokes-arnie-in-climate-push/ |website=[[Politico]] |date=September 18, 2020 |access-date=March 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303023005/https://www.politico.eu/article/its-been-30-years-since-total-recall-timmermans-invokes-arnie-in-climate-push/|archive-date=March 3, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="RetroIndieWire">{{cite web|last=Singer|first=Matt |title=The Original ''Total Recall'' — Classic or Crap? |url=https://www.indiewire.com/2012/07/the-original-total-recall-classic-or-crap-129552/ |website=[[IndieWire]] |date=July 31, 2012 |access-date=November 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201025202058/https://www.indiewire.com/2012/07/the-original-total-recall-classic-or-crap-129552/ |archive-date=October 25, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="RetroVulture">{{cite web |last=Singer |first=Matt |title=How Does ''Total Recall'' Hold Up? |url=https://www.vulture.com/2012/07/how-does-total-recall-hold-up.html |website=[[Vulture (website)|Vulture]] |date=July 30, 2012 |access-date=November 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104181730/https://www.vulture.com/2012/07/how-does-total-recall-hold-up.html |archive-date=November 4, 2021 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="ReviewNYTimes">{{cite web |first=Janet |last=Maslin |author-link=Janet Maslin |title=Review/Film; A Schwarzenegger Torn Between Lives on Earth and Mars|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/06/01/movies/review-film-a-schwarzenegger-torn-between-lives-on-earth-and-mars.html|website=[[The New York Times]] |date=June 1, 1990 |access-date=November 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020053216/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/06/01/movies/review-film-a-schwarzenegger-torn-between-lives-on-earth-and-mars.html |archive-date=October 20, 2021 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="ReviewChicagoReader">{{cite web |first=Jonathan |last=Rosenbaum |author-link=Jonathan Rosenbaum |title=''Total Recall'' |url=http://onfilm.chicagoreader.com/movies/capsules/8502_TOTAL_RECALL |website=[[Chicago Reader]] |access-date=November 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080629021727/http://onfilm.chicagoreader.com/movies/capsules/8502_TOTAL_RECALL|archive-date=June 29, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="ReviewChicagoTribune">{{cite web |first=Gene |last=Siskel |author-link=Gene Siskel |title=''Total Recall'' Starts Well |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1990-06-01-9002140540-story.html |date=June 1, 1990 |website=[[Chicago Tribune]] |access-date=November 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809114325/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1990-06-01-9002140540-story.html |archive-date=August 9, 2020 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="ReviewChicagoTribune2">{{cite web |first=Johanna |last=Steinmetz |title=Faulty ''Recall'' |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1990-06-01-9004180291-story.html |date=June 1, 1990 |website=[[Chicago Tribune]] |access-date=November 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210704104922/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1990-06-01-9004180291-story.html |archive-date=July 4, 2021 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="ReviewEW">{{cite web |first=Owen|last=Gleiberman |author-link=Owen Gleiberman |title=''Total Recall'' (1990) |url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,317530,00.html|website=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |date=June 8, 1990 |access-date=November 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130623220730/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,317530,00.html |archive-date=June 23, 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="ReviewRogerEbert">{{cite web |first=Roger|last=Ebert |author-link=Roger Ebert |title=''Total Recall'' |url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/total-recall-1990 |website=[[RogerEbert.com]] |date=June 1, 1990 |access-date=November 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020183603/https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/total-recall-1990 |archive-date=October 20, 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="ReviewLATimes">{{cite web |first=Michael |last=Wilmington |title=Movie Review : Total Schwarzenegger : Film: Paul Verhoeven's futuristic action-thriller ''Total Recall'' plunges the muscular hero in a deadly game of mind over matter. |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-06-01-ca-48-story.html |website=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=June 1, 1990 |access-date=November 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210701144118/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-06-01-ca-48-story.html |archive-date=July 1, 2021 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="ReviewRollingStone">{{cite web |first=Peter |last=Travers |author-link=Peter Travers |title=''Total Recall'' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-reviews/total-recall-2-102852/ |website=[[Rolling Stone]] |date=June 1, 1990 |access-date=November 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201027203421/https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-reviews/total-recall-2-102852/ |archive-date=October 27, 2020 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="ReviewVariety">{{cite web |title=''Total Recall'' |url=https://variety.com/review/VE1117795818.html?categoryid=31&cs=1 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=January 1, 1990 |access-date=November 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100714032430/https://variety.com/review/VE1117795818.html?categoryid=31&cs=1 |archive-date=July 14, 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="ReviewWAPOHowe">{{cite web |first=Desson |last=Howe |author-link=Desson Howe |title=''Total Recall'' (R) |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/longterm/movies/videos/totalrecallrkempley_a0a014.htm|website=[[The Washington Post]] |date=June 1, 1990 |access-date=November 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180509080434/https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/longterm/movies/videos/totalrecallrhowe_a0b280.htm |archive-date=May 9, 2018 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="ReviewWAPOKempley">{{cite web |first=Rita|last=Kempley |title=''Total Recall'' (R) |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/longterm/movies/videos/totalrecallrkempley_a0a014.htm|website=[[The Washington Post]] |date=June 1, 1990 |access-date=November 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129091115/https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/style/longterm/movies/videos/totalrecallrkempley_a0a014.htm|archive-date=November 29, 2020 |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="ringer june2020">{{cite web | url = https://www.theringer.com/movies/2020/6/4/21278539/arnold-schwarzeneggers-mission-to-mars | title = Arnold Schwarzenegger's Mission to Mars | first = Alan | last = Siegel | date = June 4, 2020 | access-date = October 31, 2021 | website= [[The Ringer (website)|The Ringer]] | archive-date = June 5, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200605170941/https://www.theringer.com/movies/2020/6/4/21278539/arnold-schwarzeneggers-mission-to-mars | url-status = live }}</ref>

<ref name="RottenTomatoes">{{Cite Rotten Tomatoes|id={{RT data|rtid|noprefix=y}} |type=m |title=Total Recall |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023211501/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/total_recall |archive-date=October 23, 2021 |access-date={{RT data|access date}} |publisher_hide=yes}}{{RT data|edit}}</ref>

<ref name="RT300">{{cite web |title=300 Essential Movies to Watch Now |website=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] |url=https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/guide/essential-movies-to-watch-now/2/ |access-date=November 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417051630/https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/guide/essential-movies-to-watch-now/2/ |archive-date=April 17, 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="SaturnAward">{{cite web | url =https://www.deseret.com/1991/7/16/18931045/ghost-wins-sci-fi-awards | title = ''Ghost'' Wins Sci-Fi Awards | date = July 16, 1991| access-date = November 4, 2021 | website= [[Deseret News]] | archive-date = November 4, 2021| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20211104190223/https://www.deseret.com/1991/7/16/18931045/ghost-wins-sci-fi-awards| url-status = live }}</ref>

<ref name="SciFi.com">{{cite web|first=John |last=Platt |title=''Total Recall 2070'' |url=http://www.scifi.com/sfw/issue98/screen.html |website=[[SciFi.com]] |access-date=November 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080115153719/http://www.scifi.com/sfw/issue98/screen.html |archive-date=January 15, 2008 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="ScreenRantReviews">{{cite web|first=Mike |last=Jones |title=Chance The Rapper Argues Eddie Murphy Should Have Starred In ''Total Recall'' |url=https://screenrant.com/total-recall-eddie-murphy-chance-rapper-fan-casting/ |website=[[Screen Rant]] |date= June 23, 2021 |access-date=November 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703023953/https://screenrant.com/total-recall-eddie-murphy-chance-rapper-fan-casting/ |archive-date=July 3, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="SoundtrackNet">Multiple sources, in chronological order:
*{{cite web |title=''Total Recall Soundtrack'' |url=http://www.soundtrack.net/albums/database/?id=234 |website=[[Soundtrack.Net]] |accessdate=November 5, 2021 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071009230729/http://www.soundtrack.net/albums/database/?id=234 |archivedate=October 9, 2007 |url-status=live }}
*{{cite web |title=''Total Recall Soundtrack'' (1990) |url=https://www.soundtrack.net/album/total-recall-1990/ |website=[[Soundtrack.Net]] |accessdate=November 5, 2021 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803150532/https://www.soundtrack.net/album/total-recall-1990/ |archivedate=August 3, 2020 |url-status=live }}
</ref>

<ref name="SyFyat30">{{cite web|first=Adam |last=Pockross |title=''Total Recall'' At 30: Cohaagen, Benny & Johnny Cab Recall Paul Verhoeven's Mind-bending Masterpiece |url=https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/total-recall-at-30-cohaagen-benny-johnny-cab-interviews |website=[[Syfy Wire]] |date= June 1, 2020 |access-date=September 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418235350/https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/total-recall-at-30-cohaagen-benny-johnny-cab-interviews |archive-date=April 18, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="SYFYCareer">{{cite web|first=Phil|last=Pirrello |title=How ''Total Recall'' Saved Arnold Schwarzenegger's Action Movie Career|url=https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/total-recall-saved-arnold-schwarzeneggers-action-movie-career |website=[[Syfy Wire]] |date=May 29, 2020 |access-date=November 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20211105145253/https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/total-recall-saved-arnold-schwarzeneggers-action-movie-career |archive-date=November 5, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="SyFyCast">{{cite web|first=Noah |last=Berlatsky |title=30 Years Later, ''Total Recall'' Still Understands Escapism Better Than Most Fantasy |url=https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/total-recall-action-fantasy-escapism |website=[[Syfy Wire]] |date= July 11, 2020 |access-date=September 29, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201003124304/https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/total-recall-action-fantasy-escapism |archive-date=October 3, 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="SyFyCast2">{{cite web|first=Adam |last=Pockross |title=When Mel Johnson Jr. First Read ''Total Recall''{{'s}} Description Of Benny, He Threw The Script Across The Room |url=https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/mel-johnson-jr-total-recall-benny-interview |website=[[Syfy Wire]] |date= June 25, 2020 |access-date=September 29, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210308164156/https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/mel-johnson-jr-total-recall-benny-interview |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="SyFyCox">{{cite web|first=Adam |last=Pockross |title=Ronny Cox Only Played 'Boy Scout Nice-guys' Until Paul Verhoeven Turned Him Bad |url=https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/ronny-cox-total-recall-interview-cohaagen |website=[[Syfy Wire]] |date= June 19, 2020 |access-date=November 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20211112124722/https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/ronny-cox-total-recall-interview-cohaagen |archive-date=November 12, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="SyFyPrivatization">{{cite web|first=Stephanie |last=Williams |title=''Total Recall'' And The Danger Of Privatizing Of Natural Resources |url=https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/total-recall-and-the-danger-of-privatizing-of-natural-resources |website=[[Syfy Wire]] |date=March 31, 2020 |access-date=November 7, 2021 |archive-url= https://archive.today/20211107103940/https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/total-recall-and-the-danger-of-privatizing-of-natural-resources|archive-date=November 7, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="TheGuardianREtro">{{cite web|first=Scott|last=Tobias |title=''Total Recall'' at 30: a thrilling reminder of Paul Verhoeven at his best |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2020/jun/01/total-recall-paul-verhoeven-at-his-best |website=[[The Guardian]] |date= June 1, 2020 |access-date=November 6, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210929212514/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2020/jun/01/total-recall-paul-verhoeven-at-his-best|archive-date=September 29, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="TheNumbersWorldwide1990">{{cite web |title=Top 1990 Movies at the Worldwide Box Office |url=https://www.the-numbers.com/box-office-records/worldwide/all-movies/cumulative/released-in-1990 |website=[[The Numbers (website)|The Numbers]] |access-date=November 1, 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210130062955/https://www.the-numbers.com/box-office-records/worldwide/all-movies/cumulative/released-in-1990 |archive-date=January 30, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="TheNumbersDomestic1990">{{cite web |title=Top 1990 Movies at the Domestic Box Office|url=https://www.the-numbers.com/box-office-records/domestic/all-movies/cumulative/released-in-1990 |website=[[The Numbers (website)|The Numbers]] |access-date=November 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309155837/https://www.the-numbers.com/box-office-records/domestic/all-movies/cumulative/released-in-1990 |archive-date=March 9, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="THRRemake">{{cite web|first=Borys |last=Kit |title= ''Total Recall'' ready for revival|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/total-recall-ready-revival-79899/|date=February 25, 2009| website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |access-date=November 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929155930/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/total-recall-ready-revival-79899/ |archive-date=September 29, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Variety75">{{cite web|first=Clayton |last=Davis |title=Arnold Schwarzenegger Turns 75: From ''Terminator'' to ''Twins'', His 10 Best Performances|url=https://variety.com/lists/arnold-schwarzenegger-best-movies-performances-ranked/junior-1994/ |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date= July 30, 2022 |access-date=July 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220731030518/https://variety.com/lists/arnold-schwarzenegger-best-movies-performances-ranked/junior-1994/|archive-date=July 31, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="VarietySequel">{{cite web|first1=Rex |last1=Weiner |first2=Anita M. |last2=Busch |title= ''Recall'' In New Dimension |url=https://variety.com/1997/scene/vpage/recall-in-new-dimension-1117433616/ |date=January 14, 1997 |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |access-date=November 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210816095228/https://variety.com/1997/scene/vpage/recall-in-new-dimension-1117433616/ |archive-date=August 16, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="VultureCast">{{cite web |first=Jennifer |last=Vineyard |title=A Candid Conversation With ''Total Recall''{{'s}} Original Three-Breasted Woman|url=https://www.vulture.com/2012/08/total-recall-three-breasted-woman-interview.html |website=[[Vulture (website)|Vulture]] |date=August 3, 2012 |access-date=September 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719192136/https://www.vulture.com/2012/08/total-recall-three-breasted-woman-interview.html |archive-date=July 19, 2021 |url-status=live |url-access=limited }}</ref>

<ref name="WaTimesCast">{{cite web |first=Joseph |last=Szadkowski |title=''Total Recall'' 4K Ultra HD movie review|url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/dec/22/total-recall-4k-ultra-hd-movie-review/ |website=[[The Washington Times]] |date=December 22, 2020 |access-date=September 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414223914/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/dec/22/total-recall-4k-ultra-hd-movie-review/|archive-date=April 14, 2021 |url-status=live }}</ref>

<ref name="WiredPKD">{{cite web| last = Rose| first = Frank| title = The Second Coming of Philip K. Dick| website=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]]| url = https://www.wired.com/wired/archive/11.12/philip_pr.html| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140317004142/http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/11.12/philip_pr.html| archive-date = March 17, 2014 |access-date=October 2, 2021 |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="WiredRemake">{{cite web| last = Wallace | first =Lewis | title = Review: That ''Total Recall'' Remake? Forget About It | website=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]]| url = https://www.wired.com/2012/08/review-total-recall-remake/ |date=August 2, 2012 | url-status = live| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20210411054036/https://www.wired.com/2012/08/review-total-recall-remake/ | archive-date =April 11, 2021 |access-date=November 6, 2021 |url-access=limited}}</ref>

<ref name="XRating1">{{cite web|first=Jake |last=Dee |title=10 Behind-The-Scenes Facts About The Making of ''Total Recall'' |url=https://screenrant.com/total-recall-original-movie-behind-scenes-trivia/ |website=[[Screen Rant]] |date= September 3, 2020 | access-date=November 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20211107131934/https://screenrant.com/total-recall-original-movie-behind-scenes-trivia/ |archive-date=November 7, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="XRating2">{{cite web |title=Why ''Total Recall''{{'s}} Underrated |url=https://www.esquireme.com/brief/news/recalling-a-schwarznegger-classic|website=[[Esquire (magazine)|Esquire Middle East]]| access-date=November 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20211107132109/https://www.esquireme.com/brief/news/recalling-a-schwarznegger-classic|archive-date=November 7, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>

}}

===Works cited===
;Books
* {{cite book|last=Cronenberg |first=David |author-link=David Cronenberg |title=David Cronenberg: Interviews with Serge Grünberg |publisher=Plexus Publishing |date=2006 |url=https://archive.org/details/davidcronenbergi0000cron |isbn=0859653765}}
*{{Cite book |last=Hughes |first=David |title=Tales from Development Hell: The Greatest Movies Never Made? |isbn=9780857687234 |location=London, England |publisher=[[Titan Publishing Group]]|date=2012 |edition=New |chapter=We Can Rewrite it for You Wholesale |pages=60–89}}
* {{cite book|editor-last=Rodley |editor-first=Chris |title=Cronenberg on Cronenberg |publisher=[[Faber and Faber]] |date=1997 |url=https://archive.org/details/cronenbergoncron0000cron |isbn=0571191371}}
* {{cite book|last=Schneider|first=Steven Jay|title=[[1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die]]|chapter=1990s|date=2013|publisher=[[Murdoch Books]] Pty Limited|location=Boston, Massachusetts | isbn=978-0-7641-6613-6}}
*{{cite book |last=Vest |first=Jason P. |year=2009 |title=Future Imperfect: Philip K. Dick at the Movies |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ry-JGnxXPBQC |location=Lincoln, Nebraska |publisher=[[University of Nebraska Press]] |isbn=9780803218604}}

;Journals
*{{cite journal|first=Michelle |last=Chilcoat |title=Brain Sex, Cyberpunk Cinema, Feminism, And The Dis/Location Of Heterosexuality |journal=NWSA Journal | date=2004 |volume=16 |issue=2 | pages=156–176 |publisher=[[Johns Hopkins University Press]] |location=Baltimore, Maryland }}
*{{cite journal|first=Frank |last=Grady |title=Arnoldian Humanism, Or Amnesia And Autobiography In The Schwarzenegger Action Film |journal=Cinema Journal | date=2003 |volume=42 |issue=2 | pages=41–56 |url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/222329237 |publisher=[[Michigan Publishing]] |location=Ann Arbor, Michigan |doi=10.1353/cj.2003.0003 |url-access=subscription }}
*{{cite journal|first=Neal|last=King |title=Secret Agency In Mainstream Postmodern Cinema |journal=[[Postmodern Culture]] | date=2008 |volume=18 |issue=3 | pages=1–20 |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1353/pmc.0.0024 |publisher=[[Johns Hopkins University Press]] |location=Baltimore, Maryland |doi=10.1353/pmc.0.0024 |s2cid=143985429 |url-access=subscription }}

;Magazines
* {{cite magazine| last=Murray | first=Will |date= May 1990 |title=Postcards From Mars | magazine=[[Starlog]]|publisher= Starlog Group, Inc. |location=United States |url=https://archive.org/details/starlog_magazine-154/page/n27/mode/2up |access-date=October 1, 2021 |ref={{sfnref|Murray|1990b}}}}
* {{cite magazine| last=Murray | first=Will |date= July 1990 |title=Man Without Memory | magazine=[[Starlog]]|publisher= Starlog Group, Inc. |location=United States |url=https://archive.org/details/starlog_magazine-156/page/n49/mode/2up |access-date=October 1, 2021 }}
* {{cite magazine|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|title=''Recall'' Totally Big, Best R-Rated Bow; ''Future III'', ''Wire'' Show Sharp Falloff|page=6|date=June 6, 1990|publisher=[[Penske Media Corporation]] |location=United States| ref={{sfnref|Variety, June|1996}}}}
* {{cite magazine |last=Roberts |first=Paul |title=Ego Trip |magazine=[[Cinefex]] |location=United States |issue=32 |date=August 1990 |url=https://cinefex.com/backissues/issue43.htm |access-date=November 10, 2021 |issn=0198-1056 |archive-date=November 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104042022/https://cinefex.com/backissues/issue43.htm |url-status=dead }}

==External links==
* {{IMDb title|0100802}}
* {{TCMDb title|22164}}
* [[iarchive:coll-hp-1227-19900608-promo-total-recall-tvspecial-umatic|A 1990 documentary about the production of ''Total Recall'']] at [[Wayback Machine]]
* {{Rotten Tomatoes||}}

{{Total Recall}}
{{Paul Verhoeven}}
{{Philip K. Dick films}}
{{Dan O'Bannon}}
{{Ronald Shusett}}
{{Academy Award Best Visual Effects}}
{{Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film 1972–1990}}
{{Authority control}}

{{Subject bar|portal1=1990s|portal2=Film |portal3=United States|portal4=Science fiction|commons=yes|n=yes|wikt=yes|q=yes|d=yes|d-search=Q222018}}

{{bots|deny=Citation bot}}

[[Category:Total Recall (1990 film)| ]]
[[Category:1990 films]]
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[[Category:Films about memory erasure and alteration]]
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[[Category:Films adapted into comics]]
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[[Category:Films directed by Paul Verhoeven]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by Ronald Shusett]]
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[[Category:Films with screenplays by Gary Goldman (screenwriter)]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by Jon Povill]]
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[[Category:TriStar Pictures films]]
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[[Category:Films that won the Best Visual Effects Academy Award]]
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[[Category:Gnosticism in popular culture]]