'Total Recall' (2012) viral sites, digital marketing campaign: Easy to forget

Columbia Pictures’ Total Recall, out August 3, is a remake of the 1990 sci-fi hit movie of the same title that starred Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sharon Stone and was directed by Paul Verhoeven.

(Movie poster, Photo source: IMP Awards)

Over two decades later, the new take on the 1966 Philip K. Dick short story about a future where Rekall Corporation can implant artificial memories to make fantasies come true stars Colin Farrell, Kate Beckinsale and Jessica Biel.

(Screencap from Total Recall Facebook)

Other than a set visit featured on Collider, exclusive motion poster unveiled on JoBlo, and the premiere of the trailer, Total Recall’s main engagement consisted of two viral, alternate-reality websites featured heavily on a series of posters: WelcomeToRekall.com and NoRekall.org.

Anti-Rekall Corporation banner (Photo source: IMP Awards)

Though the sites play into the movie’s Rekall Corporation, neither allows the user to be an active participant besides entering contests for real-life “dream experiences.” With a month before its release date, the campaign may want to change its lackluster approach and make this a movie worth remembering to go see; Total Recall’s wish fulfillment premise is ripe for engagement.