Total Recall easily sits in the top 5 Schwarzenegger films that I just love. And now it looks like the Verhoven film from 1990 is going to be getting the remake stamp.
Power producer Neal H. Moritz is currently developing a “contemporary version” of Total Recall at Columbia Pictures.
Total Recall is one of only a handful of films (Blade Runner being another) based on a short story by sci-fi author Philip K. Dick. “We Can Remember It for You Wholesale” follows a man haunted by a recurring dream of journeying to Mars who buys a literal dream vacation from a company called Rekall Inc., which sells implanted memories.
Total Recall has a special place for me as it marked the day I was old enough to go see a Rated R film (legitimately). It came out on my birthday and I proudly showed the ticket girl (she herself not old enough to see the movie) my ID and I was IN.
Blood, Action, Special Effects! Even a cameo appearance by the Triple Breasted Whore from Eroticon 7! My innocent eyes were peeled open.
Fortunately for me it turned out to be a great action flick with a cool storyline. When I found out it was also based on a Philip K. Dick short story, I tracked it down. My geekdom was challenged as well as my sexual identity as my friends giggled when I went to the bookstore looking for Dick. But I digress…
Total Recall getting a remake? Lets check that with The Rules to see if its a good idea.
1) The original has to have a good story Check. The movie version elaborated on Dick’s story, but if either are the source material I am in.
2) Majority of current audience hasn’t seen the original The original is a Schwarzenegger classic, but it might be hit or miss as to who might have seen it. I’d say majority haven’t though enough have that it won’t be considered obscure.
3) Original has to be at least 20 years old By the time they get around to making this, it will JUST be 20.
4) The story would benefit from a modern telling I think this story foundation is solid. Philip K Dick is an incredible writer and though he died in 82, his stuff never gets old. I only hope that in adapting this remake when they say “a more contemporary version” that they go with a dramatic sci-fi thriller instead of the splodey action genre popular back then.
So the votes are in and TMB approves of this remake.
So who should play the lead if this isn’t going to be all action like the 1990 film version?
I could see Liam Neeson, or maybe cast Nic Cage to save his career. Someone mature and sincere. Who do you think?
