Questions
When did Total Recall come out and who directed it?
It was released on June 1, 1990, and directed by Paul Verhoeven. The screenplay was written by Ronald Shusett, Dan O’Bannon, and Gary Goldman.
Is Total Recall based on a book?
Yes, it is based on Philip K. Dick’s 1966 short story "We Can Remember It for You Wholesale." The film greatly expanded the story into a big-budget action epic.
Who starred in the movie?
Arnold Schwarzenegger played Douglas Quaid/Hauser, with Rachel Ticotin as Melina, Sharon Stone as Lori, Ronny Cox as Cohaagen, and Michael Ironside as Richter.
Why is the hero named Quaid instead of the book’s name?
Philip K. Dick’s original character was named Quail, but it was reportedly renamed Quaid to avoid referencing Vice President Dan Quayle.
How long did it take to get the movie made?
The project spent roughly 16 years in development, reportedly going through about 40 script drafts and seven different directors before it was greenlit.
Did Schwarzenegger help get the film made?
Yes. After the earlier studio De Laurentiis Entertainment Group went bankrupt in 1988, Schwarzenegger convinced Carolco Pictures to pick up the project. Dino De Laurentiis had initially rejected him as not suitable for the lead.
Which other actors were considered for the lead?
Actors reportedly considered over the years included Richard Dreyfuss, William Hurt, Christopher Reeve, Jeff Bridges, Harrison Ford, and Patrick Swayze.
How much did Schwarzenegger get paid?
He reportedly received a salary of $10 million to $11 million plus 15 percent of the profits.
Did anyone get hurt on set?
Reportedly Michael Ironside cracked his sternum and separated two ribs but returned after three weeks, and Schwarzenegger cut his wrist when a glass explosion misfired.
Is it true the cast got food poisoning during filming?
Reportedly much of the cast and crew suffered food poisoning while shooting in Mexico City, with Schwarzenegger avoiding it because he had food flown in from the United States.
How were the special effects done?
Nearly 100 practical visual effects were created, with CGI used minimally, mainly for the X-ray scanner sequences. The film won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.
How big was the production?
It used up to 45 sets across 10 soundstages at Estudios Churubusco in Mexico City, with up to 500 crew. The alien reactor set was among the largest and most complex ever built for a film.
Was the movie a hit at the box office?
Yes. It grossed $261.4 million worldwide and was the fifth highest-grossing film of 1990. It also set a record at the time for the biggest opening weekend for an R-rated film at $25.5 million.
What awards did Total Recall win?
It won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects and the Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film. It was also nominated for two more Oscars, for Best Sound and Best Sound Effects Editing.
Did Total Recall do well on home video?
Yes. Released on VHS and LaserDisc in November 1990 at an unusually low $24.99, it became one of the bestselling home entertainment products of the year.
