Good review Grammaticus. I was young enough when the film came out not to take too much offence with Hollywood's rendition of our favourite barbarian, and actually rate the scene where boy Conan feels his mother's hand slip away from his own when she is decapitated as one of film's finest scenes. It's shot so well. I totally agree with you about the Buscema art. It feels sacrilegious criticizing one of the world's greatest draughtsmen, but it has to be said that sometimes his Conan work did seem rushed. If only Marvel would have handed those pencils over to Alfredo Alcala to ink, maybe we would have had something truly epic. I never could understand Buscema's dislike of Alcala's inking of his work. I think those early Savage Sword collaborations were some of the finest comic strip eye candy ever created. I must admit that I am interested to see what you think of Jim Zub's use of other Cimmerians in the new Titan comics. They are ignoring your rules a bit too blatantly for sure! Be easy on them, By Crom! 🤘
Thanks Mark! And I agree, the scene with his mom is a great sword and sorcery scene. But, at least in my opinion, it's not Conan. Not REH's Conan anyway. Milius' directing in that movie and the scene productions are excellent though! Throughout. I also love Alcala's inks on SS. Some of the finest graphic art ever produced was on those early issues of Savage Sword. And I'm thinking about shooting a 3 Laws of Conan video for this Tuesday...we'll see. Thanks again Mark!
I have seen movie several time when I was much young and only most recently read a couple of the stories and they really don't feel like the same Conan. To put it blunt he is more interesting and smart in the stories I read than he was in the movie.
Agreed Stephen! But it does depend on which Conan stories you read! Anything original by Howard is generally going to be well written. Thank you for checking out the video!
The soundtrack of the 1982 movie was fantastic! I have the album. Basil Poledouris composed the music, and the soundtrack received a Saturn Award for Best Music.
Someday, when the film industry finally gets over its hangups, we'll get a faithful Conan movie adaptation, and it will be glorious! Until then, REH sits atop his mountain and laughs at us.
I went to Universal Studios in 1985, and they had a Conan the barbarian stage show. It really didn't have anything to do with the "real" Conan, but it was an entertaining show about a young hero who fights a wizard.
Good in-depth review, thanks. Lin Carter was in poor health at the time of writing this book and so hardly had a hand in it. Interestingly Sprague de Camp also admitted that about 60% of this book was written by his wife Catherine Crook de Camp. The publisher Ballantine didn't want to add another name to the by-line so she was left off. Thanks for the video 👍 🎞️📖🎞️
I was totally in love with Sandahl Bergman after seeing this movie. Later when she appeared in Red Sonia I was disappointed. You can also see her in Bob Fosse's "All That Jazz".
@@GrammaticusBooks Yup. You're correct. Sandahl played the villain. I've seen it reported that she was offered the lead, but said she wanted to play the villain. The film was certainly nothing to write home about, that's for sure. Sandahl was a 6 -foot -tall dancer and it's a real shame that Hollywood never found a follow up project for her. She deserved better.
Thanks for the review. I tend to agree with your assessments, though perhaps not as strongly. What I did really enjoy is the way certain aspects of the book really enhance the film. Acting as sort of a companion I get a better understanding (or perhaps a different possible vision) for the film. For instance, the manner in which Doom reacts to the Eye of Set seems to suggest he is a beastman. Also, the geography of the journey is nicely conveyed in the book too. I like tracking the journeys of our intrepid adventurer! But all in all, you're right. Rough start, enjoyable finish. Kinda like drinking cheap tequila until it becomes amazing!
Unfortunately, de Camp and Carter were saddled out of the gate with a poor Milius script (for the start). But then the pace and the spirit of the movie and the book pick up considerably. At least I thought so! Thanks for checking out the video2+2=5!
Another fantastic review! I haven't watched the movie in years but read the novelization just a few years back. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on Robert Jordan's Conan the Destroyer novelization as well as your thoughts on the Jason Mamoa movie. Looking forward to Cimmerian September, as I am finishing up reading the DelRey Bran Mak Morn collection and am ready to move on to Conan again.
Jason Mamoa...the perfect actor to play Conan. But saddled with a god awful script and director. Unfortunately, he's starting to get a little old for some of the Conan stories. Not sure we'll ever see him back in that role again.
I've always loved action movies, and this was a really good one for its time. Arnold became one of my favorite action heroes. One of my favorite scenes in one of the Conan movies was when Conan knocked out a horse with one blow... or was it a camel???
Loved the movie. Still can't get into the books. I will admit my attitude towards reading Conan was colored by my love of the movie, and my love for more cerebral protagonists. Zelazny's protagonists are all pretty much polymaths. Their extended lifespans allow them to master multiple professions, such as Corwin of Amber, who was a doctor, poet, sailing captain, mercenary soldier and swordsman. Jack of Shadows taught physics in a university. Sam, was a hydroponics specialist on the Star of India, as well as rebel, philosopher, warrior, and pilot of the jets of Heaven. Some really, really good swords and sorcery, that I actually enjoyed, may be found in books by Brian Daley. The Doomfarers of Cormonde two book series, as about as perfect as you can find for the genre. I've always preferred the Grey Mouser, over Fafred. And let's not forget the last Sorcerer King of Melnibone, Elric. No barbarians, please. They never wash their loincloths. 🤢🤮😵
Love Conan the barbarian the movie, first saw it advertised on a massive coming soon banner in Universal studios loit back in summer of 1981(along with the Thing). The best Conan movie by far and the best sword and sandal movie. The writers and director did everything right with Conan and it was done in line with Robert E Howard's style. and as for the novel its also good. a very good pastiche, expands on the movie, heck the movie is probably one of teh best Conan pastiches.
Your thou-shalt-nots are spot on man. Conan is an outsider and adding Cimmeria, Cimmerians or family breaks that very integral bit of the character. You are also spot on about the film not really being a Conan film. Schwarzenegger will never be my Conan. I was watching a lot of samurai movies and kung fu movies when I saw Conan, and I thought the fight scenes in it were lethargic and ponderous and not very convincing and Arnold is just so bad. I am just not a fan. The music in the film was the best part about it and that didn't make it into the novelization. 🤠 The novelization, just my 2 pennies here, is worse than the movie - so you are pretty much right on the money again, Gramatticus. Want to read a good movie novelization from that period, check out Escape from New York by Mike McQuay. That one rocks. Cheers, man. PS the comic was a rush job which is why JB inked himself and the work devolved from page to page as the deadline loomed. Stuff like that has a short turn around between getting the material from the studio and producing the comic. Of the many movie adaptations Marvel did, the Bladerunner and Dragonslayer comics are the best. Not a high bar though.
I saw the movie as a child and thought it was the greatets movie EVER ! But have never seen it since. Wise of Schwarzenegger to ask to be directed like that. I dont mind that Milius broke the 3 thou shalt nots. I think it's time Netflix (or whoever) did a Conan series.
Amazon was going to do a Conan series but then decided not to. Which is when HBO swooped in and hired Amazon's entire Conan creative team and put them onto House of the Dragon. We were so close to a decent Conan series!
Conan came out when I was 11 and played nowhere near me. I had to make do with the novelization and comic adaptation. John Buscema is one of the greatest artists of all time and I find his Conan work from 1975 on to be either rushed or uninspired. My Dad took me to my first convention in March of 82 where they had presentations for ST2WOK, Conan, Cat People and Bladerunner. My mind was blown and to this day I’m still OBSESSED with Arnold in that tiger stripe camouflage. I read all the REH Del Reys 2 years ago on a tear and now see why so many fans were upset with the film. It is NOT Conan. However, I’ll posit 2 things- 1) I think REH would have approved and even greatly liked Milius. Both are into all the same things. And 2) after watching Conan on the big screen on its re-release 2 years ago (finally!), I feel after Conan is crucified and saved by Subatai, brought back from the dead by Valeria- he BECOMES REH’s Conan starting with the orgy scene and for the rest of the movie. Unstoppable, master planner and tactician and no hang ups. That scene where Arnold tips the cannibal bowl and then shoves the woman out the way is bad ass. It also has one of my all time favorite scenes and line reads in movies. Arnold tips bowl and flexes with sword. Rexor with one of the heaviest line reads I’ve ever heard. “…You…” Great video!!! Looking forward to the next!!
@@GrammaticusBooks 2nd half of the film definitely. I think he would have approved of Milius as a person. Both are EXTREMELY talented writers with a love of history, boxing and other manly-man stuff. Getting ready to check out your Shadow Realm video next
Very nice retrospective, Grammaticus. I wasn't a fan of the movie or the book for all the reasons that you mentioned. I did love the comic adaptation, though, mostly for the Buscema artwork. I think bad Buscema is still better than half the sh!t out there. Nice job!
Thanks Jim! I agree Buscema on an off day is still better than 90% of what's produced today. And I loved the interviews and screen shots in that Super Special.
Great review as always. I somewhat snobishly never read novelizations. Alan Dean Foster would be homeless if it was up to me. Joke. For the Conan movie. I was so excited when it came out. After seeing it, wasnt sure to laugh cry or vomit. Much later I learned the best way to watch it. Turn off the sound. Put on your favorite hard rock or metal music. Enjoy your favorite substance. Sit back and enjoy. Works for all the Conan movies. Im joking, But not really. :)
Here's another way to watch Conan the Barbarian, reserve the Director's Cut from your local library with commentary by Arnold and John Milius. They lampoon everyone and everything. No one is safe and if they filmed that today, Milius would probably be in jail. It's very entertaining.
Good review Grammaticus. I was young enough when the film came out not to take too much offence with Hollywood's rendition of our favourite barbarian, and actually rate the scene where boy Conan feels his mother's hand slip away from his own when she is decapitated as one of film's finest scenes. It's shot so well.
I totally agree with you about the Buscema art. It feels sacrilegious criticizing one of the world's greatest draughtsmen, but it has to be said that sometimes his Conan work did seem rushed. If only Marvel would have handed those pencils over to Alfredo Alcala to ink, maybe we would have had something truly epic.
I never could understand Buscema's dislike of Alcala's inking of his work. I think those early Savage Sword collaborations were some of the finest comic strip eye candy ever created.
I must admit that I am interested to see what you think of Jim Zub's use of other Cimmerians in the new Titan comics. They are ignoring your rules a bit too blatantly for sure! Be easy on them, By Crom! 🤘
Thanks Mark! And I agree, the scene with his mom is a great sword and sorcery scene. But, at least in my opinion, it's not Conan. Not REH's Conan anyway. Milius' directing in that movie and the scene productions are excellent though! Throughout. I also love Alcala's inks on SS. Some of the finest graphic art ever produced was on those early issues of Savage Sword. And I'm thinking about shooting a 3 Laws of Conan video for this Tuesday...we'll see. Thanks again Mark!
I have seen movie several time when I was much young and only most recently read a couple of the stories and they really don't feel like the same Conan. To put it blunt he is more interesting and smart in the stories I read than he was in the movie.
Agreed Stephen! But it does depend on which Conan stories you read! Anything original by Howard is generally going to be well written. Thank you for checking out the video!
I always tell people that if they only know Conan from the movies, they don't know Conan.
Too true Dragon!
Thanks
You are very welcome, thanks for checking it out.
The soundtrack of the 1982 movie was fantastic! I have the album. Basil Poledouris composed the music, and the soundtrack received a Saturn Award for Best Music.
A well deserved award Carol!
Someday, when the film industry finally gets over its hangups, we'll get a faithful Conan movie adaptation, and it will be glorious! Until then, REH sits atop his mountain and laughs at us.
Unfortunately, at present the four winds of Hollywood blow over the top of Crom's mountain....sigh.
I went to Universal Studios in 1985, and they had a Conan the barbarian stage show. It really didn't have anything to do with the "real" Conan, but it was an entertaining show about a young hero who fights a wizard.
A hero who fights a wizard but doesn't have a lot to do with REH's Conan...sounds a lot like the movie!
@@GrammaticusBooks The hero was (if I remember correctly) a teenage boy who became a beefy hero via some "Shazam" type magic.
Fun video. We share common ground here.
I am not surprised at all Bob!
Good in-depth review, thanks.
Lin Carter was in poor health at the time of writing this book and so hardly had a hand in it. Interestingly Sprague de Camp also admitted that about 60% of this book was written by his wife Catherine Crook de Camp. The publisher Ballantine didn't want to add another name to the by-line so she was left off.
Thanks for the video 👍
🎞️📖🎞️
That's really interesting information about Catherine de Camp! Thanks for that tidbit and for checking out the video.
Awesome Conan info! Now I've got a hankering to watch the movie!
Oh yeah, fire that bad boy up!
I have the vinyl LP soundtrack of the movie with that same cover art. Great, epic movie score.
Polidorus did the soundtrack if I remember correctly? And it was epic!
Right!
The other two Conan movies also have novelizations. I would love to hear your thoughts on them as well.
I'd read a novelization of Conan the Destroyer...but that last movie, yeesh.
I was totally in love with Sandahl Bergman after seeing this movie. Later when she appeared in Red Sonia I was disappointed. You can also see her in Bob Fosse's "All That Jazz".
Yeah, Red Sonja fell a little flat....actually, I think she was the villain in Red Sonja?
@@GrammaticusBooks Yup. You're correct. Sandahl played the villain. I've seen it reported that she was offered the lead, but said she wanted to play the villain. The film was certainly nothing to write home about, that's for sure. Sandahl was a 6 -foot -tall dancer and it's a real shame that Hollywood never found a follow up project for her. She deserved better.
@@buckocean7616 Agreed Buck
Thanks for the review. I tend to agree with your assessments, though perhaps not as strongly. What I did really enjoy is the way certain aspects of the book really enhance the film. Acting as sort of a companion I get a better understanding (or perhaps a different possible vision) for the film.
For instance, the manner in which Doom reacts to the Eye of Set seems to suggest he is a beastman. Also, the geography of the journey is nicely conveyed in the book too. I like tracking the journeys of our intrepid adventurer!
But all in all, you're right. Rough start, enjoyable finish. Kinda like drinking cheap tequila until it becomes amazing!
Unfortunately, de Camp and Carter were saddled out of the gate with a poor Milius script (for the start). But then the pace and the spirit of the movie and the book pick up considerably. At least I thought so! Thanks for checking out the video2+2=5!
Another fantastic review! I haven't watched the movie in years but read the novelization just a few years back. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on Robert Jordan's Conan the Destroyer novelization as well as your thoughts on the Jason Mamoa movie. Looking forward to Cimmerian September, as I am finishing up reading the DelRey Bran Mak Morn collection and am ready to move on to Conan again.
Jason Mamoa...the perfect actor to play Conan. But saddled with a god awful script and director. Unfortunately, he's starting to get a little old for some of the Conan stories. Not sure we'll ever see him back in that role again.
I've always loved action movies, and this was a really good one for its time. Arnold became one of my favorite action heroes. One of my favorite scenes in one of the Conan movies was when Conan knocked out a horse with one blow... or was it a camel???
It was definitely a camel!
Loved the movie. Still can't get into the books. I will admit my attitude towards reading Conan was colored by my love of the movie, and my love for more cerebral protagonists.
Zelazny's protagonists are all pretty much polymaths. Their extended lifespans allow them to master multiple professions, such as Corwin of Amber, who was a doctor, poet, sailing captain, mercenary soldier and swordsman. Jack of Shadows taught physics in a university. Sam, was a hydroponics specialist on the Star of India, as well as rebel, philosopher, warrior, and pilot of the jets of Heaven.
Some really, really good swords and sorcery, that I actually enjoyed, may be found in books by Brian Daley. The Doomfarers of Cormonde two book series, as about as perfect as you can find for the genre. I've always preferred the Grey Mouser, over Fafred. And let's not forget the last Sorcerer King of Melnibone, Elric.
No barbarians, please. They never wash their loincloths. 🤢🤮😵
Amber is one of my favorite series of all time!
@@GrammaticusBooks Yes, but how do you feel about the Merlin books? 👍
Bridging the gap between GarbAugust and Cimmerian September. I'm looking forward to hearing your rules for Conan pastiche.
It’s on the list Seth!
Love Conan the barbarian the movie, first saw it advertised on a massive coming soon banner in Universal studios loit back in summer of 1981(along with the Thing). The best Conan movie by far and the best sword and sandal movie. The writers and director did everything right with Conan and it was done in line with Robert E Howard's style. and as for the novel its also good. a very good pastiche, expands on the movie, heck the movie is probably one of teh best Conan pastiches.
It is a great sword and sorcery movie!
The movie "The Whole Wide World" is about Robert Howard's actual life. It's a well made movie and Vincent D'Onofrio does a great job.
@@DavidSmith-pg1ob That's an excellent movie David. I watched it a looong time ago. Probably due for a rewatch.
@@DavidSmith-pg1ob yah watched that one as a rental back in 97 excellent movie
Your thou-shalt-nots are spot on man. Conan is an outsider and adding Cimmeria, Cimmerians or family breaks that very integral bit of the character. You are also spot on about the film not really being a Conan film. Schwarzenegger will never be my Conan. I was watching a lot of samurai movies and kung fu movies when I saw Conan, and I thought the fight scenes in it were lethargic and ponderous and not very convincing and Arnold is just so bad. I am just not a fan. The music in the film was the best part about it and that didn't make it into the novelization. 🤠 The novelization, just my 2 pennies here, is worse than the movie - so you are pretty much right on the money again, Gramatticus. Want to read a good movie novelization from that period, check out Escape from New York by Mike McQuay. That one rocks. Cheers, man.
PS the comic was a rush job which is why JB inked himself and the work devolved from page to page as the deadline loomed. Stuff like that has a short turn around between getting the material from the studio and producing the comic. Of the many movie adaptations Marvel did, the Bladerunner and Dragonslayer comics are the best. Not a high bar though.
Whoa...the Novelization of Escape from New York! Good call Deeebeee! I will look for that one. I loved the movie.
@@GrammaticusBooks Awesome. I'm looking forward to the video you do after reading it.
I saw the movie as a child and thought it was the greatets movie EVER ! But have never seen it since. Wise of Schwarzenegger to ask to be directed like that. I dont mind that Milius broke the 3 thou shalt nots. I think it's time Netflix (or whoever) did a Conan series.
Amazon was going to do a Conan series but then decided not to. Which is when HBO swooped in and hired Amazon's entire Conan creative team and put them onto House of the Dragon. We were so close to a decent Conan series!
Conan came out when I was 11 and played nowhere near me. I had to make do with the novelization and comic adaptation.
John Buscema is one of the greatest artists of all time and I find his Conan work from 1975 on to be either rushed or uninspired.
My Dad took me to my first convention in March of 82 where they had presentations for ST2WOK, Conan, Cat People and Bladerunner. My mind was blown and to this day I’m still OBSESSED with Arnold in that tiger stripe camouflage. I read all the REH Del Reys 2 years ago on a tear and now see why so many fans were upset with the film. It is NOT Conan.
However, I’ll posit 2 things- 1) I think REH would have approved and even greatly liked Milius. Both are into all the same things. And 2) after watching Conan on the big screen on its re-release 2 years ago (finally!), I feel after Conan is crucified and saved by Subatai, brought back from the dead by Valeria- he BECOMES REH’s Conan starting with the orgy scene and for the rest of the movie. Unstoppable, master planner and tactician and no hang ups.
That scene where Arnold tips the cannibal bowl and then shoves the woman out the way is bad ass.
It also has one of my all time favorite scenes and line reads in movies. Arnold tips bowl and flexes with sword. Rexor with one of the heaviest line reads I’ve ever heard. “…You…”
Great video!!! Looking forward to the next!!
Rexor was fantastic as a villain in Milius' Conan. And I agree George, REH would have approved ... of the second half of the movie, lol.
@@GrammaticusBooks 2nd half of the film definitely. I think he would have approved of Milius as a person. Both are EXTREMELY talented writers with a love of history, boxing and other manly-man stuff. Getting ready to check out your Shadow Realm video next
Very nice retrospective, Grammaticus. I wasn't a fan of the movie or the book for all the reasons that you mentioned. I did love the comic adaptation, though, mostly for the Buscema artwork. I think bad Buscema is still better than half the sh!t out there. Nice job!
Thanks Jim! I agree Buscema on an off day is still better than 90% of what's produced today. And I loved the interviews and screen shots in that Super Special.
It is a good book! Those old Marvel Savage Swords and Super Specials always gave you full value for your money.
I'm guessing Buscema didn't like the movie. But of course you are right they over worked him
I think they eventually burned him out too Sleepy. Unfortunate. One of the greats.
Great review as always. I somewhat snobishly never read novelizations. Alan Dean Foster would be homeless if it was up to me. Joke. For the Conan movie. I was so excited when it came out. After seeing it, wasnt sure to laugh cry or vomit. Much later I learned the best way to watch it. Turn off the sound. Put on your favorite hard rock or metal music. Enjoy your favorite substance. Sit back and enjoy. Works for all the Conan movies. Im joking, But not really. :)
Here's another way to watch Conan the Barbarian, reserve the Director's Cut from your local library with commentary by Arnold and John Milius. They lampoon everyone and everything. No one is safe and if they filmed that today, Milius would probably be in jail. It's very entertaining.