From: (No Email available)

Date: 2001-09-14 21:12:57

Comment:

Interesting that you find Arnold wooden and untrue to the spirit of  Conan.  I have been a devotee of the Conan saga for over 3 decades now, and clearly remember the elation we all felt with the way that Arnold nailed Conan's barbarian spirit and honorable character.  Granted, he may not have been the most emotive actor of his day, but can you seriously believe that a man from a kill or be killed upbringing would be slap-happy in alternation with deeply philosophical.  He fights, he wenches, he is sincerely devoted to his friends and his pursuit of personal justice, and he defends those who cannot defend themselves.  That is the essence of Conan, brother, and I found the original film vastly satisfying.  I won't even discuss the second film, for it was and remains a raging disappointment due to it's incredibly campy special effects and cartoonish portrayal of its characters.  As to Arnold in the role of the aging and burdened king, read your chronicles again.  He did age into his crown--he is at the right age and in the proper physical condition to believeably portray the part.  I only hope that Milius can push his version through successfully, for I have no doubt that any lesser version will send us screaming out the door in frustration.