THE RIDDLE OF STEEL

The secret of steel has always carried with it a mystery. You must learn its riddle, Conan. You must learn its discipline. For no one, no one in this world can you trust. Not men, not women, not beasts. This you can trust. – Conan’s Father

Certain films from my formative years have left an indelible mark on me, prompting me to revisit and reassess them at different stages of my life. “The Empire Strikes Back,” “Blade Runner,” “Mad Max 2,” and “Conan the Barbarian” are four such films released in the first half of the 1980s. These movies are cultural artifacts embodying what anthropologist and mythologist Joseph Campbell termed the monomyth, or Hero’s Journey.

John Milius, a self-confessed history fanatic who had recently written the screenplay for the war movie “Apocalypse Now”—a dark adaptation of Joseph Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness”—brought his unique vision to Robert E. Howard’s “Conan the Barbarian.” While the film itself is not based on any specific Conan stories written by Howard, it perfectly captures the tone and feel of the pulp tales better than any other adaptation or game.

“Conan the Barbarian,” directed by John Milius and released in 1982, is an epic sword and sorcery film that brings Robert E. Howard’s iconic character to life. With a screenplay co-written by Milius and Oliver Stone, the film stars Arnold Schwarzenegger in his breakout role as Conan and James Earl Jones as the formidable Thulsa Doom. This film is a gritty, visceral tale of revenge and adventure that has become a cornerstone of fantasy cinema.

The film follows Conan, a young Cimmerian boy who witnesses the brutal murder of his parents by Thulsa Doom and his snake cult. Enslaved and forced to push the Wheel of Pain, Conan grows into a formidable gladiator, eventually gaining his freedom. He embarks on a quest for vengeance against Doom, encountering allies like the thief Subotai (Gerry Lopez) and the warrior Valeria (Sandahl Bergman). Together, they face off against Doom’s cult in a series of epic battles.

John Milius’s direction is bold and unflinching, capturing the brutal world of Conan with a keen eye for detail. The screenplay, co-written by Milius and Oliver Stone, effectively translates Howard’s creation to the screen. The dialogue is sparse but impactful, and the film’s themes of vengeance, survival, and destiny are well-developed. Milius’s decision to eschew optical effects in favor of practical stunts and mechanical constructs adds a tangible realism to the film.

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s portrayal of Conan is iconic. His physical presence and charisma perfectly embody the character’s strength and determination. James Earl Jones delivers a memorable performance as Thulsa Doom, exuding a menacing calmness that is both unsettling and compelling. Sandahl Bergman’s Valeria is a strong female lead, matching Conan’s prowess in battle and adding depth to his journey.

The production design by Ron Cobb, inspired by Dark Age cultures and Frank Frazetta’s paintings, brings the world of Hyboria to life. The cinematography captures the rugged beauty of the Spanish landscapes, and the practical effects and stunts add a visceral realism to the action scenes. The sets, from the Wheel of Pain to the temples of Thulsa Doom, are meticulously crafted and visually stunning.

This fantasy film strips down most supernatural elements, focusing on evoking an early period in human history when civilization was just beginning to emerge with the first cities. It depicts a world dominated by violence and superstition, where humans are transitioning from an era of magic to one of religion. Milius was evidently influenced by the films of Sergio Leone and Akira Kurosawa, favoring large panoramic shots of landscapes intercut with extreme close-ups.

Basil Poledouris’s score is one of the film’s standout features. The powerful, evocative music perfectly complements the epic scale of the story, enhancing the emotional impact of key scenes. Themes like “Anvil of Crom” and “Riddle of Steel” have become synonymous with the character and the film.

“Conan the Barbarian” explores themes of vengeance, power, and the search for identity. Conan’s journey from slave to warrior is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and determination. The film also delves into the corrupting influence of power, as seen in Thulsa Doom’s cult-like control over his followers. The central theme, the Riddle of Steel, emphasizes the idea that human will and determination are stronger than physical might.

A recurring theme in Howard’s stories, which Milius adeptly conveys, is the corrupting nature of civilization on the human soul and morality. Conan is a hero with a strong moral compass: he is respectful of women, despises bullies, and loathes the wealthy and powerful who abuse their authority. The story is a straightforward tale of revenge, as Conan dedicates his life to pursuing the man who destroyed his village and murdered his parents.

Unlike “The Lord of the Rings,” where heroes battle monsters and supernatural beings, the magic and monsters in “Conan the Barbarian” are low-key and sparingly used. This restraint is one reason the film has aged so well, with most of the effects being minimal and practical, such as Thulsa Doom’s snake transformation in the third act.

The film explores how one’s experiences and environment shape their identity. Conan is very much a product of the period he lives in and the circumstances he finds himself in. He is a character who has grown up to confront and overcome adversity in whatever form it presents itself. This has always been the appeal of characters like Conan for me: his basic instinct to survive, his sense of right and wrong, and his lust and appreciation for life and all its pleasures—whether it be the company of the opposite sex, fine wine, food, or the luxuries acquired through riches and treasure. He is not a stoic character or one who plans for retirement.

One aspect I found strange about the “Conan Exiles” game is the concept of building a home, settlements, or even cities—core mechanics that seem at odds with a character traditionally depicted as a wandering loner. In the film adaptation, I believe the filmmakers and Arnold Schwarzenegger, in his portrayal of Conan, understood this about the character, making this depiction the truest to the books.

The early 80s was a golden age for fantasy films, with “Excalibur” paving the way, followed by “Conan the Barbarian,” “Legend,” “Krull,” and the underrated sequel “Conan the Destroyer.” Each of these films, in its own way, contributes to the rich tapestry of epic storytelling that continues to captivate audiences to this day.

What are your thoughts on “Conan the Barbarian”? Did it shape your love for fantasy films? Share your opinions in the comments below!