Conan The Barbarian - 1982 - American Memory Lane

About The Movie

Conan the Barbarian is a 1982 American epic sword and sorcery film directed by John Milius and written by Oliver Stone. It stars Arnold Schwarzenegger as the title character. Co-stars include James Earl Jones, Max von Sydow, Sandahl Bergman, Ben Davidson, and Mako Iwamatsu. The film is based on stories by Robert E. Howard, a pulp fiction writer of the 1930s. It describes the adventures of the eponymous character in a fictional prehistoric world of dark magic and savagery.

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The film was released in the United States on May 14, 1982 and grossed $68 million worldwide. Critical reception was mixed. Some reviewers praised its visuals and acting while others criticized its violence and plot. However, its financial success led to a sequel, Conan the Destroyer, being released in 1984. A remake of Conan the Barbarian was released in 2011.

Schwarzenegger’s performance as Conan was ranked 35th on a list of his greatest performances by the American Film Institute. In 1997, the film was deemed “culturally, historically, and aesthetically significant” by the United States Library of Congress. It’s also been selected for preservation in their National Film Registry.

Conan the Barbarian: The Plot

Conan the Barbarian is a Cimmerian warrior-king who seeks revenge for the death of his father and the slaughter of his village. On his quest, Conan crosses paths with Subotai the Hyrkanian, a thief and archer. He also meets Valeria, an ex-pirate, for instance, and the wizard Akiro. Together, they battle the evil sorcerer Thulsa Doom and his henchmen: Dogrell the Beastmaster, Rexor, and Thorgrim.

Fun Facts about Conan the Barbarian

– Arnold Schwarzenegger was paid $250,000 for his work on the film.

– Sandahl Bergman did all of her own stunts.

– Conan the Barbarian was filmed in Almería, Spain. The film’s sets were designed by Ron Cobb and Simon Wakefield.

-Milius took inspiration from the artwork of Frank Frazetta, who served as a visual consultant on the film.

-The film’s score was composed by Basil Poledouris and featured the song “Anvil of Crom” by Queen.

More Fun Trivia About Conan The Barbarian

– Mako, played Conan’s father brilliantly, however, he died before the film was released.

– The movie was originally going to be called “Conan the Cimmerian.”

– The film’s opening sequence was inspired by the painting “Delacroix and the Barricades.”

– Arnold Schwarzenegger worked diligently on the role physically. As a result, he broke his wrist during filming.

– “Conan the Barbarian” was added to the National Film Registry in 2012.

– In 2011, a remake of the film was made, with Jason Momoa as Conan.

– The film’s working title was “Conan of Cimmeria.”

– Director John Milius has a cameo in the film as one of Conan’s fellow slaves.

– “Conan the Barbarian” was nominated for two Oscars: Best Sound and Best Visual Effects.

In short, If you’re a fan of fantasy or action films, then you need to check out Conan the Barbarian. It’s a classic film that helped to launch Arnold Schwarzenegger’s career and cement his status as a leading action film star. The film is set in the Hyborian Age, a fictional time and place created by Robert E. Howard. It follows Conan’s attempts to avenge the murder of his parents and the slaughter of his tribe. The film is packed with action and adventure and is sure to keep you entertained from start to finish. In conclusion, if you’re looking for a classic fantasy film to watch, then make sure to check out Conan the Barbarian.