When a man goes in to have virtual vacation memories of the planet Mars implanted in his mind, an unexpected and harrowing series of events forces him to go to the planet for real - or is he?
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Paul Verhoeven’s mind-bending sci-fi flips between Earth and a colonised Mars – and found its cold, brutalist future in Mexico City, whose striking modernist metro stations became the corridors of the world to come.
Where was Total Recall filmed?
Total Recall was filmed largely in Mexico City – its metro stations and studios – with Mars-landscape scenes in Nevada.
Every Total Recall location, explained
1
The future – Mexico City’s metro
The film’s futuristic corridors used the striking modernist metro stations of Mexico City, including Chabacano.
2
Churubusco Studios
The Mars sets and interiors were built at Churubusco Studios in Mexico City.
3
The city’s modernist architecture
The film used Mexico City‘s bold buildings for its cold, high-tech world.
4
Nevada – the Mars landscape
Some Mars-surface scenes used the desert of Nevada.
Planning a visit
Mexico City‘s dramatic metro stations – the film’s futuristic corridors – are real, everyday parts of the city, a striking piece of modernist design.
Total Recall Fun Facts
1
Mexico City's metro plays the future The film used Mexico City’s striking modernist metro stations for its future world.
2
'Get your ass to Mars' The film’s punchy one-liners became widely quoted.
3
Practical effects galore The film’s inventive practical and animatronic effects won a special Oscar.
4
Based on Philip K. Dick It adapts the short story ‘We Can Remember It for You Wholesale.’
5
A Verhoeven spectacle The film combined blockbuster action with the director’s satirical edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Total Recall (1990) filmed?
Largely in Mexico City – its metro stations and Churubusco Studios – with Mars scenes in Nevada.
What plays the future world?
Mexico City’s striking modernist metro stations.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – Mexico City’s metro stations are everyday, accessible parts of the city.
