Based on the short story by Philip K. Dick which was the inspiration
for the 1990 film of the same name, Total
Recall takes place after a chemical war at the end of the twenty-first century.
Following the fallout, only two areas are left habitable on Earth; The United
Federation of Britain (UFB) and The Colony (the landmass of Australia)
which is where the workers are forced to live. Each day they must take “the
fall”, a kind of superfast lift which takes them through the centre of the
Earth and joins up the two habitable areas. One of these workers is Douglas
Quaid (Colin Farrell) who wakes up from a reoccurring dream about trying to
save a woman from synthetic cops. Upon waking he is comforted by his wife Lori
(Kate Beckinsale) but feels as though he is meant for something more. Quaid
discovers Rekall, a company which can implant false memories and decides to
check it out. This decision creates a ripple effect and leaves Quaid unsure of whom
he is and why people, including some of those closest to him want him dead.
I saw Paul Verhoeven’s original 1990 film again recently and
having now seen both cannot make up my mind as to which one is better. Although
they have a similar plot and share themes they are two very different films,
made for different times.
