Conan the Barbarian (1982) is a classic action-adventure film that has stood the test of time. Directed by John Milius and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger in his breakthrough role, it was based on the character created by Robert E. Howard in the 1930s. The film tells the story of Conan, a Cimmerian warrior who seeks revenge against Thulsa Doom, a sorcerer who killed his parents when he was a child.
Q: What inspired John Milius to direct Conan the Barbarian?
A: John Milius was a fan of Robert E. Howard’s novels and had wanted to make a film based on them for years. He saw Conan as an archetypal hero who embodied Nietzschean philosophy and admired his uncompromising nature. When he met Arnold Schwarzenegger at a party in 1977, he knew he had found his Conan.
Q: How did Arnold Schwarzenegger prepare for his role as Conan?
A: To prepare for his role as Conan, Arnold Schwarzenegger underwent an intense physical training regimen that included weightlifting, boxing, running, and swimming. He also learned sword fighting from experts such as Bob Anderson and practiced horseback riding.
Schwarzenegger’s bodybuilding background helped him develop the muscular physique that made him perfect for playing Conan. In fact, many people believe that without Schwarzenegger’s physical presence, the film would not have been nearly as successful.
Q: Who played Thulsa Doom?
A: James Earl Jones played Thulsa Doom in this movie with great skill and poise.
Jones brought an air of menace to his portrayal of Thulsa Doom with his deep voice and commanding presence.
Q: Who composed the music for Conan The Barbarian (1982)?
A: Basil Poledouris composed one of cinema’s most iconic scores for Conan the Barbarian. His music captures the epic scope of the film and conveys its themes of heroism, revenge, and redemption.
Poledouris’s score is characterized by its use of heavy percussion, brass instruments, and choral vocals. The main theme, “Anvil of Crom,” has become synonymous with the character of Conan and is frequently used in trailers for movies that feature heroic characters.
Q: What was the reception to Conan The Barbarian (1982)?
A: Conan The Barbarian (1982) received mixed reviews upon its release but has since gained a cult following among fans of action-adventure films. Its violent content and portrayal of women have been criticized by some as being sexist or misogynistic.
However, others see it as a celebration of masculinity and an exploration of primal human instincts. It remains one of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s most popular roles and helped establish him as a major Hollywood star.
Q: How did Conan The Barbarian influence pop culture?
A: Conan The Barbarian had a significant impact on pop culture in the 1980s. It inspired numerous imitators in both film and literature that sought to emulate its mix of action, adventure, and fantasy elements.
The success of this movie also helped establish Schwarzenegger as one Hollywood’s biggest stars which led to his appearance in other successful films such as Predator (1987), Terminator series( 1991-2019) etc.
Conan himself became an iconic character whose image has been used in countless works across multiple media formats including comic books video games board games graphic novels etc,.
In conclusion, Conan The Barbarian (1982) is an enduring classic that continues to captivate audiences with its thrilling action sequences memorable performances from actors like Arnold Schwarzenegger & James Earl Jones , incredible music score by Basil Poledouris etc,. Whether you’re a fan or not, there is no denying the impact this movie has had on pop culture and its enduring legacy as one of the greatest action-adventure films ever made.