Total Recall - S14 E114

Open your mind and join us for one last ride in our Identity season as we discover Paul Verhoeven’s Total Recall (1990).

We dive into the cinema of Arnold Schwarzenegger, debating if he makes a good secret agent of if he’s too conspicuous for anything other than a bodybuilding competition. Along the way, we pay tribute to the legendary Sharon Stone, the terrifying Michael Ironside, and our ultimate cinematic protector, Dean Norris, who proves he’s a daddy even when he doesn’t have a badge.

We explore the corporate satire and brutalist architecture of Mars, while mourning the days when 90s action movies had enough in the squib budget to paint a whole metro station in claret. We tackle the heavy character identities at play, from Ronny Cox’s corporate greed to the dual roles that leave us wondering if you are defined by what you remember, or as Kuato says, “you are what you do”.

What to expect from this episode:

• Discovering this hidden gem that hasn’t been covered by any other podcasts.
• A recap on the production of Total Recall including the early involvement of Ronald Shusett who acquired the rights from Philip K. Dick.
• How character identities are forged by memory and why Arnold Scharzenegger is a terrible choice for a spy.
• We examine the brutalist architecture and corporate satire that define the film’s unique aesthetic.
• Paying homage to the practical effects genius Rob Bottin.
• We discuss why Priscilla Allen’s performance as the “Fat Lady” is the glue holding together one of the best scenes in the movie.
• Dan makes a case for why Dean Norris is the ultimate protector of people.
• Debate around the “real vs dream” ending and whether that fade-to-white is a definitive lobotomy or a happy ending.
• We bid farewell to the Identity season and announce our first movie for the new season starting May 18th.

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