'Total Recall' Is 30 — 10 Truly Epic Moments From The Sci-Fi Classic
30 years ago, Arnold Schwarzenegger defined himself as the '90s action hero in director Paul Verhoeven's timeless sci-fi thriller, Total Recall. Don't overlook the campy humor amidst all of the action and special effects.
The sci-fi movie had tons of fun adapting the script from Philip K. Dick's short story "We Can Remember It for You Wholesale", finding many opportunities for the humor that drives the film. Some would argue that the reason the 2012 remake starring Colin Farrell and Kate Beckinsale didn't work was because of the straight-laced script. Director Len Wiseman played it up more as a straight-up action flick and lost out on the original's cheeky humor.
Four years ago, Verhoeven explained to Collider why the Robocop and Total Recall remakes didn't connect with modern audiences. He said, "Both those movies needed the distance of satire or comedy to situate it for audiences. Playing it straight without any humor is a problem and not an improvement."
Check out the other memorable moments that make the original Total Recall stand out:
10. Sharon Stone's Fight Scene!
Stone played two different versions of Lori, Douglas' housewife. At first, we're supposed to think Lori is loving and faithful to her husband. But Lori is a secret agent and actually married to the antagonist, Richter (Michael Ironside). While wearing pink spandex, Stone spin kicks and knocks out Schwarzenegger in the entertaining fight scene.
9. The Nightmare
Special make-up effects Rob Bottin created the gory look of the asphyxiation scenes. In the opening sequence, Douglas trips and falls, cracking the helmet of his space suit. As his face stretches out, Douglas' eyes and tongue are ready to pop out.
8. Is that a baby?
In the gross-out scene, George (Marshall Bell) presents his deformed body to Douglas. George's abdomen is conjoined with his mutant brother Kuato, who has psychic abilities.
7. The Exploding Head
Before entering Mars, Douglas has to sneak past the security guards. Unfortunately, Richter's henchmen realize Douglas has disguised himself as a woman with red hair. Douglas tosses the fake head and escapes before the bomb explodes.
6. I Don't Tell You To Think!
Ronny Cox chews out the scene as the corrupt and vindictive Vilos Cohaagen. Why does Vilos have a fish tank in his office, in the middle of Mars? I don't know but it's fun to watch!
5. Schwarzenegger At His Prime!
The graphic violence is so over-the-top and gory, especially when Douglas shoots his way through and breaks the necks of his attackers.
4. The Nose Scene!
You will never want to pick your nose again after watching this scene! In order to locate the implanted tracking device, Douglas digs right into his nose and pulls out his huge glowing device.
3. Melina vs. Lori!
Rachel Ticotin and Stone have an epic brawl, which involves both fighters trading punches and flipping each other around.
2. The Divorce
Lori and Douglas have a quick draw contest, where only one of them is left alive. After Douglas shoots Lori in the head, Schwarzenegger delivers his snappy one-liner, "Consider this a divorce!"
1. Air!
After defeating the bad guys, Douglas saves the residents of Mars and restores oxygen onto the planet. Because the ending is a little too perfect, Douglas has doubts that he might be dreaming again. Were we watching a simulation the entire time?
