ARCH 443/646. architecture & film. UW School of Architecture. a website by Andrea Wong. 2005.
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TOTAL RECALL (1990)

In this movie, there is a clear distinction between meals on Earth and meals on Mars that echoes the differences in lifestyle in both places.

On Earth, Douglas Quaid is seen preparing breakfast in his home.  He uses a combination of powders and liquids, and natural ingredients such as fruits.  The result is a healthy-looking smoothie that he drinks.  Food on Earth seems so be readily available to be prepared in the comfort and intimacy of your own home.  Organic and processed ingredients work together. Nature and technology coexist harmoniously.

On Mars, however, people are only seen eating in large restaurants.  The assumption is that because of the extremely arid living conditions, food can only be purchased prepared and must be consumed on the spot.  In addition to regulating the breathable air, the authorities also have power on nourishment, another human necessity. Food is yet again used as a token of oppression.