‘Consider that a divorce…’
You can’t love everything. If something is beloved by lots of people, I will generally try to tap into why people love that thing so I can love it myself. This isn’t always possible, of course. Sometimes, however, something comes along that might appear tailor-made for a specific person but for some reason it just doesn’t connect. Total Recall is and always has been that film for me. All the elements are there. I love the Paul Verhoeven films from this era. I love Arnie. I generally enjoy anything adapted from the work of Philip K. Dick. And yet…
This second paragraph is typically where I would helpfully and selflessly provide a plot synopsis. And this brings us to my first issue. Despite this being my third viewing of Total Recall, I still don’t fully understand what the hell is going on in this damn thing. I’ve never got the impression that this is considered to be a particularly complex film, but for some reason, I just can’t grasp it. Douglas Quaid (Arnold Schwarzenegger) definitely goes to Mars. He’s definitely married to a woman named Lori (Sharon Stone) until he isn’t. Ronny Cox and Michael Ironside definitely appear as villains (they’re always villains, them two). Aside from that, there is nothing I can say with any certainty.
I see why this film has become iconic (although it had mixed reviews upon release). As well as the aforementioned components, it should also be noted that the visual effects are genuinely stunning (Oscar-winning, don’t you know), there are plenty of captivating action sequences and loads of memorable moments (“two weeks… two weeks”) dotted across the narrative, but… BUT… for me, it doesn’t form a cohesive whole. I rewatched Robocop recently and found it to be a modern-day sci-fi masterpiece. Total Recall just doesn’t compare.
I’m still confident that one day I will figure out why everyone else loves Total Recall. Alas, today is not the day.
