Conan the Destroyer: A Detailed Description
Introduction
Conan the Destroyer is a 1984 action-fantasy film directed by Richard Fleischer, known for his work on classics like The Narrow Margin, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, and The Vikings. The movie is a sequel to the 1982 film Conan the Barbarian, which was directed by John Milius and scripted by Oliver Stone. The story is based on the writings of Robert E. Howard, the creator of the Conan character.
Plot Summary
The plot revolves around Conan, played by Arnold Schwarzenegger, who is hired by Queen Taramis (Sarah Douglas) to assist her niece, Princess Jehnna (Olivia d’Abo), on a quest to obtain the fabled jeweled horn of the dreaming god Dagoth. This horn is crucial for restoring balance to the world, as its absence has led to chaos and darkness. To achieve this, they must first retrieve the magic gem Heart of Ahriman, which is secured in the fortress of a powerful wizard.
Conan is joined by a diverse group of adventurers, including Malak (Tracey Walter), a wisecracking thief; Bombaata (Wilt Chamberlain), the captain of Taramis’s guard with secret orders to kill Conan; Zula (Grace Jones), a powerful bandit warrior; and Akiro (Mako), a wizard who must be rescued from a tribe of cannibals.
Their journey takes them through various trials and tribulations, including battles with wizards, monsters, and treacherous landscapes. Along the way, they encounter Thoth-Amon (Pat Roach), a shape-shifting sorcerer who kidnaps Princess Jehnna, leading to a climactic confrontation.
Cast and Crew
Arnold Schwarzenegger as Conan the Destroyer
Olivia d’Abo as Princess Jehnna
Sarah Douglas as Queen Taramis
Tracey Walter as Malak
Wilt Chamberlain as Bombaata
Mako as Akiro
Grace Jones as Zula
Pat Roach as Thoth-Amon
Jeff Corey as Grand Vizier
Sven-Ole Thorsen as Togra
André the Giant as the Dagoth monster (uncredited)
Movie Poster and Artwork
The movie poster for Conan the Destroyer features a dramatic image of Arnold Schwarzenegger as Conan, wielding his sword and standing in front of a backdrop of ancient ruins. The poster is a classic example of 1980s fantasy film art, with bold colors and detailed illustrations. It was likely designed by a prominent artist of the time, possibly someone associated with the film’s production team or a well-known poster artist of the era.
For fans looking to own a piece of this cinematic history, the movie poster can be framed as a print or canvas, making it a unique addition to any movie memorabilia collection. The framed print or canvas poster would feature the iconic image of Conan, capturing the essence of the film’s action-packed adventure and fantasy elements.
Reception and Criticism
Conan the Destroyer received mixed reviews upon its release. Some critics praised the film’s action sequences, the performances of the cast, particularly Grace Jones and Wilt Chamberlain, and the imaginative villains and monsters. However, others criticized the film for its juvenile and cartoonish tone, as well as its lack of coherence compared to the original Conan the Barbarian.
Common Sense Media notes that the film is hilariously bad but still has entertainment value, with plenty of fantasy violence and over-the-top action sequences. The website also highlights the film’s diverse cast and its exploration of themes such as adventure and heroism.
On Reddit, fans have shared their love for the film, praising its fun action sequences and memorable characters. However, some critics have noted that the film’s story is loose and lacks depth, making it feel more like a series of set pieces strung together.
Conclusion
Conan the Destroyer is a classic example of an 1980s action-fantasy film, known for its campy humor, imaginative monsters, and memorable performances. The film’s diverse cast, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Grace Jones, and Wilt Chamberlain, adds to its charm. While it may not be as well-regarded as its predecessor, Conan the Barbarian, it remains a beloved sequel among fans of the genre.
For those interested in owning a piece of this cinematic history, the movie poster is a must-have. Whether framed as a print or canvas, it captures the essence of the film’s adventure and fantasy elements, making it a unique addition to any movie memorabilia collection.
Keywords: Action-fantasy film Arnold Schwarzenegger Robert E. Howard Richard Fleischer Fantasy violence Movie poster Framed print Canvas print Conan the Destroyer Princess Jehnna Queen Taramis Malak Bombaata Zula Akiro Thoth-Amon Dagoth monster André the Giant Common Sense Media Reddit Movie memorabilia
