Construction worker Douglas Quaid's obsession with the planet Mars leads him to visit Recall, a company that manufactures memories. When his memory implant goes wrong, Doug can no longer be sure what is and isn't reality.
In 2084, a construction worker named Douglas Quaid dreams of visiting Mars. He goes to Rekall, Inc. to have a virtual vacation implanted into his memory, but the procedure goes awry, triggering his hidden memories of being a secret agent and leading him on a violent quest to expose a conspiracy on Mars.
Total Recall was a critical and commercial success, praised for its inventive special effects, thrilling action sequences, and mind-bending plot. It was seen as a return to form for director Paul Verhoeven and a showcase for Arnold Schwarzenegger's star power, although some critics found its violence excessive.
Google audience: Audiences largely enjoyed Total Recall for its exciting blend of action and science fiction, its imaginative premise, and Arnold Schwarzenegger's signature performance. The film's complex plot and impressive visual effects were frequently highlighted as positives.
Won an Academy Award for Best Special Achievement (Visual Effects), and was nominated for Best Art Direction and Best Sound.
The iconic scene where Arnold Schwarzenegger's character has his eyes bulging out was achieved through a combination of practical effects and early CGI, with the bulging effect being a real physical alteration of the actor's eye socket using a prosthetic.
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