In what 1987 dystopian action film does Arnold Schwarzenegger play Ben Richards, a contestant forced to participate in a deadly game show for survival in a totalitarian future United States?

The 1987 dystopian action film you're thinking of is indeed The Running Man (Review). In this sci-fi thriller, Arnold Schwarzenegger portrays Ben Richards, a framed police officer who is forced to become a contestant on a deadly, state-controlled game show. Set in a totalitarian future United States, the show features "runners" who must evade themed gladiatorial assassins called "stalkers" for the entertainment of the masses, with the ultimate goal of survival and freedom.

The film's premise is loosely based on a 1982 novel of the same name by Stephen King, written under his pseudonym Richard Bachman. While the movie takes a more action-oriented and satirical approach compared to King's darker, more cynical novel, both works offer a stark critique of media manipulation, societal control, and the public's appetite for violent entertainment. The film vividly portrays a future where television has become the ultimate tool for government propaganda and distraction.

"The Running Man" features a memorable cast, including Richard Dawson, a real-life game show host, as the sinister and ratings-obsessed host Damon Killian, adding an extra layer of meta-commentary to the film's themes. Schwarzenegger's character, Ben Richards, ultimately becomes an unlikely symbol of resistance against the corrupt government and its manipulative media machine, turning the tables on the system that sought to exploit him. The film's blend of explosive action, futuristic visuals, and sharp social commentary has cemented its place as a cult classic of 1980s cinema.