Total Recall Ending Explained, Release Date, Plot, Cast, and Trailer
by Naveenkumar | Updated Mar 01, 2024
Total Recall
Total Recall is a science fiction action film from 1990. It's directed by Paul Verhoeven and stars Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rachel Ticotin, Sharon Stone, Ronny Cox, and Michael Ironside.
The story is based on a short story by Philip K. Dick called "We Can Remember It for You Wholesale." Schwarzenegger plays Douglas Quaid, a construction worker who gets implanted with memories of a thrilling adventure on Mars. But soon, he realizes that this adventure might not be just a fantasy.
The film's production faced many challenges over the years. It took sixteen years to develop, with numerous script drafts, directors, and actors involved. Schwarzenegger's persistence eventually led to the film being made under Carolco Pictures. Despite a budget of $48–80 million, filming was tough, with injuries and illnesses among the cast and crew during the six-month shoot in Mexico.
When Total Recall was released, it was a commercial success, earning around $261.4 million worldwide. However, critical reception was mixed, with praise for its themes and practical effects, but criticism for its content. Over time, it has become known for its ambiguous ending and exploration of identity and reality, earning a place among the best science fiction films ever made.
Total Recall Ending Explained
In the ending of Total Recall, there's a big showdown between Quaid, Melina, and the villainous Cohaagen. Richter and his men are defeated, but not before Quaid and Melina cleverly outsmart them using a hologram watch. Quaid also has a final fight with Richter, resulting in Richter losing his arms and falling down an elevator shaft.
Then, Quaid and Melina confront Cohaagen, who tries to stop them from accessing the reactor. Melina shoots Cohaagen, causing him to set off an explosive device. Quaid throws the explosive into the tunnels, causing a massive explosion.
As they hang on for dear life, Quaid manages to pull Cohaagen off, sending him flying through the tunnels and suffocating to death outside on the surface of Mars.
Quaid and Melina almost suffocate as well, but Quaid activates the reactor just in time. The reactor melts Mars' ice core into gas, providing breathable air and saving everyone. Quaid and Melina are relieved and share a kiss, with Quaid questioning if everything they experienced was just a dream.
Total Recall Release Date
Total Recall was released on June 1, 1990. The movie has a runtime of 113 minutes and was produced in the United States. It is primarily in the English language. The film was made with a budget estimated to be between $48 and $80 million.
Upon its release, Total Recall achieved considerable success at the box office. It grossed approximately $261.4 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films of the year. Despite its financial success, the movie received mixed reviews from critics.
Total Recall's release date marked the culmination of years of development and production efforts.
The film's unique storyline, based on Philip K. Dick's short story "We Can Remember It for You Wholesale," combined with its action-packed sequences and impressive special effects, captivated audiences around the world.
Total Recall Cast
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Douglas Quaid / Carl Hauser
Rachel Ticotin
Melina
Sharon Stone
Lori
Ronny Cox
Vilos Cohaagen
Michael Ironside
Richter
Marshall Bell
George / Kuato (voice)
Michael Champion
Helm
Mel Johnson Jr.
Benny
Roy Brocksmith
Dr. Edgemar
Rosemary Dunsmore
Dr. Renata Lull
Ray Baker
Bob McClane (Rekall salesman)
Robert Costanzo
Harry
Alexia Robinson
Tiffany
Robert Picardo
Johnnycab (voice)
Lycia Naff
Mary (mutant three-breasted prostitute)
Marc Alaimo
Everett
Dean Norris
Tony
Debbie Lee Carrington
Thumbelina
Sasha Rionda
Mutant Child
Mickey Jones
Burly Miner
Priscilla Allen
"Fat Lady"
Actor
Character
Total Recall Plot
In "Total Recall," Douglas Quaid, a construction worker on Earth, becomes fascinated with Mars after experiencing recurring dreams about the planet and a mysterious woman. Seeking adventure, he visits Rekall, a company that implants false memories, and chooses a fantasy where he is a secret agent on Mars. However, during the procedure, Quaid believes his memories have been suppressed, leading to a series of violent encounters that suggest his past may not be what it seems.
As Quaid's journey unfolds, he discovers that his true identity is that of Hauser, a former ally of Vilos Cohaagen, the tyrannical ruler of Mars. Hauser's memories were erased, and he was implanted with false memories as Quaid to infiltrate the rebellion against Cohaagen. With the help of allies like Melina, Quaid navigates the dangerous landscape of Mars, evading capture by Cohaagen's forces and uncovering secrets about his own past.
The plot thickens as Quaid learns of a powerful alien reactor hidden on Mars, capable of providing breathable air for the planet's inhabitants but also potentially destroying Cohaagen's control over valuable resources. As the rebellion against Cohaagen intensifies, Quaid must decide whether to embrace his true identity as Hauser and fulfill his mission to activate the reactor, despite the risks involved.
In the climax of the story, Quaid confronts Cohaagen in a dramatic showdown, ultimately activating the reactor and saving Mars from environmental catastrophe. As the planet's atmosphere transforms and the sky turns blue, Quaid shares a moment of doubt about the reality of his experiences before embracing the newfound freedom and kissing Melina, signaling a hopeful future for Mars and its inhabitants.
Total Recall Trailer
Where to Watch Total Recall?
If you want to watch Total Recall, there are a few different ways you can do it. You might find it on some streaming platforms or rental services. These platforms could include places like Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, or Netflix. But remember, availability can vary depending on where you live.
Another option is to rent or buy the movie from digital platforms. You can do this through places like Google Play Movies, YouTube Movies, iTunes, or Vudu. These platforms let you rent or buy digital copies of the movie to watch on your computer, tablet, or TV.
If you prefer watching movies on TV, Total Recall might also be airing on cable television channels. Keep an eye out for it in your TV guide to see if it's playing on any channels you have.
Lastly, if you like having physical copies of movies, you can purchase Total Recall as a DVD or Blu-ray. You can find these at retailers like Amazon or Walmart. Just make sure to check if it's available in your area and on your preferred platform so you can enjoy watching Total Recall.
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Total Recall Ending Explained-FAQs
In the end, after a series of intense events, Quaid manages to activate an ancient Martian reactor, providing breathable air for the planet. He and Melina share a moment of uncertainty, wondering if it was all a dream before sharing a kiss.
Total Recall was released on June 1, 1990, in theaters across the United States and Canada.
The movie follows Douglas Quaid, a construction worker, who visits Rekall to implant memories of a Mars adventure. However, he discovers hidden memories of being a Martian secret agent and gets embroiled in a real-life conflict on Mars, involving rebellion against the tyrannical regime of Vilos Cohaagen.
The main characters include Douglas Quaid (played by Arnold Schwarzenegger), Melina (played by Rachel Ticotin), Lori (played by Sharon Stone), Vilos Cohaagen (played by Ronny Cox), Richter (played by Michael Ironside), George / Kuato (voice) (played by Marshall Bell), and Benny (played by Mel Johnson Jr.).
You can watch Total Recall on various streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, or Netflix, depending on your region. Additionally, you can rent or purchase it from digital platforms such as Google Play Movies, YouTube Movies, iTunes, or Vudu.