Introduction Conan the Barbarian
"Conan the Barbarian" is a sword-and-sorcery film released in 1982, based on the character created by Robert E. Howard. The story takes place in medieval Europe and follows Conan, a barbarian warrior who seeks revenge against Thulsa Doom, a powerful sorcerer who killed his family and sold him into slavery. The film is set in the fictional world of Hyboria, which is depicted as a land of magic, monsters, and mythical creatures. It is a time of great turmoil and upheaval, with various kingdoms vying for power and Conan's own people struggling to survive against the forces of darkness. Throughout his journey, Conan encounters a variety of characters, including witches, warriors, and other adventurers who aid him on his quest for revenge. Along the way, he faces numerous challenges and battles fierce enemies in order to achieve his goal. "Conan the Barbarian" is known for its over-the-top action sequences, memorable characters, and iconic performances from Arnold Schwarzenegger as Conan. The film has become a cult classic among fans of the sword-and-sorcery genre and remains one of the most beloved and influential films in the genre to this day.
Plot and Themes Conan the Barbarian
"Conan the Barbarian" (1982) is a sword-and-sorcery film directed by John Milius, based on the novel "The Hour of the Dragon" by Robert E. Howard. The story follows Conan, a powerful warrior from Cimmeria, who seeks revenge against Thulsa Doom, a powerful sorcerer who killed his family and enslaved his people. Conan is played by Arnold Schwarzenegger in one of his most iconic roles. He is a barbarian from the fictional land of Cimmeria, known for its harsh climate and brutal warriors. Conan's father was a great warrior, but he was murdered by Thulsa Doom, who also killed Conan's family and enslaved the people of Cimmeria. The film begins with Conan as a young boy, watching his family being slaughtered by Thulsa Doom's warriors. He survives and grows up to become a powerful warrior, seeking revenge against the sorcerer who destroyed his life. Conan becomes embroiled in a complex web of politics and intrigue when he discovers that Thulla Doom has stolen the powerful Amulet of Power from the King of Aquilonia. Conan decides to join forces with the King's daughter, Valeria, to steal back the amulet and defeat Thulsa Doom. The film explores several themes, including: 1. Revenge: The driving force behind Conan's actions is his desire for revenge against Thulsa Doom. This theme is explored throughout the film as Conan faces various challenges and enemies in his quest for justice. 2. Power: The Amulet of Power is a powerful artifact that can grant immense power to its owner. The film explores the corrupting influence of power, as seen through the actions of Thulsa Doom and King Aquilonia. 3. Loyalty: Conan's loyalty to his friends and allies is tested throughout the film. He forms strong bonds with Valeria and other characters, but ultimately, he is driven by his desire for revenge against Thulsa Doom. Overall, "Conan the Barbarian" is a classic sword-and-sorcery film that explores themes of revenge, power, and loyalty in a gritty and action-packed world.
Performance and Direction Conan the Barbarian
Here's my evaluation: **Actors:** 1. **Arnold Schwarzenegger (Conan)** - His performance is a mixed bag. He brings some physicality to the role, particularly during the fight scenes, but his acting skills are limited. He struggles with delivering dialogue and often comes across as wooden. 2. **Sandahl Bergman (Valeria)** - She's good in her role, bringing a sense of authority and intelligence to her character. Her chemistry with Schwarzenegger is decent. 3. **James Earl Jones (Thulsa Doom)** - He's excellent as the villainous sorcerer Thulsa Doom. His deep voice adds gravity to his lines and he brings an air of menace to every scene he's in. 4. **Gary Lundy (Subotai)** - He's a bit one-dimensional, but does a decent job as Conan's sidekick. **Direction:** 1. **Ralph Bakshi** - His direction is inconsistent. At times, the pacing and editing are clumsy, making scenes feel slow or confusing. On the other hand, some of the action sequences are well-executed and visually striking. 2. **John Milius (writer)** - The screenplay has some interesting ideas and themes, but it's also quite simplistic at times. The dialogue can be clunky and overly dramatic. **Other aspects:** 1. **Music**: The score by Basil Poledouris is excellent, adding a sense of grandeur to the film. 2. **Visuals**: The special effects are somewhat dated, but the sword fights and action sequences are well-executed. 3. **Setting**: The fantasy world of Hyboria is well-realized, with some impressive sets and costumes. Overall, 'Conan the Barbarian' has its moments, particularly in terms of its visuals and music. However, it's let down by Schwarzenegger's limited acting abilities and Bakshi's inconsistent direction.
Technical Aspects Conan the Barbarian
The 1982 film 'Conan the Barbarian' directed by John Milius is a fantasy adventure film based on the character Conan created by Robert E. Howard. The technical aspects of the movie are notable for their time period, and here's how they contributed to the overall success of the film: Cinematography: The cinematography in 'Conan the Barbarian' was handled by Duke Callaghan. He used a combination of wide-angle lenses and camera movements to create a sense of grandeur and adventure. The lighting in the film is also notable, with a mix of natural light and artificial lighting creating a dramatic contrast between scenes. Sound Design: The sound design in 'Conan the Barbarian' was handled by Roy Charman. He used a combination of sound effects and music to create a sense of tension and action on screen. The score for the film was composed by Basil Poledouris, who used a mix of orchestral and choral elements to create a dramatic and epic sound. Visual Effects: The visual effects in 'Conan the Barbarian' were handled by various companies, including Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) and Albert Whitlock. ILM created many of the film's practical special effects, such as the hydra and the giant snake, while Whitlock was responsible for creating the film's optical effects, such as the flying scenes. The use of visual effects in 'Conan the Barbarian' was notable for its time period. The film was one of the first to extensively use miniatures, matte paintings, and digital compositing to create complex visual sequences. Conclusion: In conclusion, the technical aspects of 'Conan the Barbarian' were a key part of its success. The cinematography created a sense of grandeur and adventure, while the sound design added tension and action on screen. The visual effects were also notable for their time period, with a mix of practical and optical effects creating complex visual sequences. Overall, the technical aspects of 'Conan the Barbarian' helped to create a memorable and enjoyable film that has become a classic in its genre.
More Details Conan the Barbarian
Here's a detailed look at the making of 'Conan the Barbarian': **Cast:** * Arnold Schwarzenegger as Conan * Sandahl Bergman as Valeria * James Earl Jones as Thulsa Doom * Max von Sydow as King Osric * Mako Iwamatsu as Rhash * Gerry Lopez as Subotai **Production Companies:** * Dino De Laurentiis Corporation (DLC) * Condor International Productions * Warner Bros. Pictures **Interesting Trivia:** 1. **Arnold Schwarzenegger's First Leading Role:** 'Conan the Barbarian' was Schwarzenegger's first starring role in a major film. He had previously appeared as Hercules in several bodybuilding films, but this marked his transition to leading roles. 2. **Ripped from the Comics:** The movie is an adaptation of Robert E. Howard's pulp fiction character Conan. However, it takes significant creative liberties with the source material. 3. **A New Score:** The film's score was composed by Basil Poledouris. This marked one of the first times a composer had been specifically hired for a sword and sorcery film. 4. **Sandahl Bergman's Debut:** 'Conan the Barbarian' marked the acting debut of Sandahl Bergman, who played Valeria in the film. She went on to appear in several other films throughout her career. 5. **Gerry Lopez's Cameo:** Martial arts expert Gerry Lopez has a brief but memorable cameo as Subotai, one of Conan's fellow warriors. 6. **James Earl Jones' Voice Work:** Although James Earl Jones is listed in the credits as Thulsa Doom, his voice was actually dubbed by another actor due to technical issues during recording. 7. **Max von Sydow's Sword Fight:** Max von Sydow performed many of his own sword fighting stunts during filming, earning him a reputation as one of the most skilled swordsmen in Hollywood. 8. **Dino De Laurentiis' Influence:** The film's producer, Dino De Laurentiis, was instrumental in bringing 'Conan the Barbarian' to life. He had previously produced films like 'Serpico' and 'Hannibal,' but this marked his first foray into the sword and sorcery genre. 9. **Arnold Schwarzenegger's Physical Training:** Schwarzenegger trained extensively for the role of Conan, building up his physique to achieve the character's muscular physique. 10. **Box Office Success:** Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, 'Conan the Barbarian' was a commercial success, grossing over $67 million at the box office in 1982. 11. **Influence on Subsequent Films:** 'Conan the Barbarian' has been cited as an influence by numerous filmmakers and actors, including Sam Raimi, Guillermo del Toro, and Arnold Schwarzenegger himself. 12. **Sequel:** A sequel to 'Conan the Barbarian,' titled 'Conan the Destroyer,' was released in 1984 and starred Schwarzenegger once again as Conan.
Conclusion Conan the Barbarian
"Conan the Barbarian" is a classic sword-and-sorcery epic that has stood the test of time, even in today's era of CGI-enhanced blockbusters. While it may lack the polish and production values of modern films, Arnold Schwarzenegger's breakout performance as Conan makes up for its technical shortcomings. The film's greatest strength lies in its unapologetic excess - over-the-top violence, gratuitous nudity, and an unrelenting pace that never lets up. This is a movie that doesn't care about subtlety or restraint; it wants to blow everything up and make you laugh at the same time. It succeeds on both counts. On the other hand, the film's weak link is its convoluted plot, which often feels like a jumbled mess of random events strung together by some unseen force. The characters are paper-thin, with Conan being about as deep as a kiddie pool. But who cares? This isn't a movie that's trying to win any Oscars or impress anyone with its intellectual depth. Ultimately, "Conan the Barbarian" is a trashy, over-the-top masterpiece that knows exactly what it is and isn't afraid to embrace it. It's a fun ride from start to finish, full of ridiculous action sequences and memorable one-liners ("Crush your enemies, see them driven before you, hear the lamentations of their women!"). If you can get past its many flaws, there's a lot to enjoy here. So, if you're looking for a mindless, adrenaline-fueled thrill ride that doesn't take itself too seriously, then "Conan the Barbarian" is the movie for you. Just be prepared for some serious cheese and a whole lot of Conan's pecs.