Die-hard Conan fans take heart, Jason Momoa can deliver a stellar performance!
Ok, I admit the first thing that resonated with me about this actor was his appearance. I was mesmerized...as many other women (and men) have been. But I believe there really is more to this actor than the eye-candy he is.
After following my lust through numerous photos and episodes of 'Baywatch' and 'North Shore', I settled in to what I'd read most about in regards to this actor's work: Stargate Atlantis (SGA)-from what I understand he was with that franchise for seasons 2-5. What struck me was how I saw his character, Ronon Dex, evolve and begin to acquire some emotional depth. I realize there is only so much creative license actors have when under the direction of others, but after seeing the Season 5 Episode, "Broken Ties," I was convinced this actor had been and was going to give his craft as much as he could in this setting.
Now officially hooked, I decided to embrace my "stalker-tude" by reading and watching published interviews with the 31-year old Hawaiian-born yummer. Well, needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised, and what has turned me into a fan of the actor and the person is what I see as the on-going evolution of his craft and his sincereity in interviews.
On-going evolution? Yep, that's what I said. Watch his SGA performances, preferably in order, as a whole or just parts, but be sure you catch "Broken Ties" I referenced earlier from Season 5. It will help too if you catch a few episodes (or clips) from Baywatch and North Shore. Get yourself a good idea of his early work.
In this evolution of his work from his early days to what we will be introduced to in August, you have to see his portrayal of the character Khal Drogo in HBO's Game of Thrones, Season 1. His performance in this series bridges the gap between his earlier work and the emergence of the depth-seeking actor we now see coming on to the Hollywood scene. Though short in duration, his performance in this series was phenomenal given the fact that his character spoke another language (developed specifically for this series) and conveyed most of his emotion through his eyes and facial expressions (or lack thereof). I would be remiss if I fail to mention that, according to interviews I have read, it was his audition for this HBO role that landed him his Conan role as well. My understanding is that in filming this series, Jason was permitted to interject some creativity of his own: using the war-like dark eye make up to set Khal Drogo apart as king and to add to his intimidating presence; choosing to have him convey his power and strength by not weilding swords but instead choosing small blades because the mighty warrior needed nothing more; he also favored the use of the fantasy language over broken English to add to the realism of his character and his environment. This required Jason to learn this fantasy language and be able to use it effectively. To me, this sounds like a serious actor, wouldn't you say?
Finally, you simply must check out the trailer-teaser & trailer for his most recent self-made short movie 'Road to Paloma'. These can be found on Vimeo at: http://vimeo.com/20645971
There is also information about other short films Jason has co-written and directed at: http://www.brownbagdiaries.com/
I was able to google my brains out and find his short film "Notes from the Wall" and really enjoyed it. I think these two resources will give skeptics and fans alike an idea of the depth and range of emotion Jason does embrace as a growing actor. It's nothing if not impressive.
I also find Jason Momoa sincere and affable in his interaction with interviewers. Something about him is infectious. He has said he loves life and seems to genuinely appreciate his craft, his family, and fans. Maybe it's that charismatic "it" factor; maybe it's his joie de vivre; whatever it is I think this guy may be just a nice person to call a friend. Not pretentious, not venomously competitive (as some in the industry appear to be), and seemingly possessing a kind of naïveté that charms, I believe big things lie ahead for this actor.
Conan fans should be encouraged about what actor Jason Momoa will bring to the big screen in August. I really like the fact that he's not seen the original Conan film from 1982 with Arnold Arnold Schwarzenegger. What this tells me is that he's serious about bringing a real, fresh, and deep perspective to the all-but-new role. In several interviews I've perused, Jason mentions going to the source materials-the text by Robert E. Howard, Dark Horse Comics, and artwork (specifically Frank Frazetta). He wants to do more than perfect the hack-and-slash side of the Cimmerian warrior: He wants to make him a person. He didn't take on the role to compete with or 'best' Arnold. He saw an opportunity related to material he knew and enjoyed and has sought to produce a product that is entertaining and noteworthy-what actor wouldn't.
Still skeptical? Check out the links and material I referenced above. Go in to the new Conan movie with an open mind like its lead has. Don't compare or think of it as competing with the former but as something fresh and new.
As it appears to be with Jason, I believe an affable disposition from Conan fans will do a lot for the integrity of the story and the public's enjoyment of this new movie. As Robert E. Howard once said, "Civilized men are more discourteous than savages because they know they can be impolite without having their skulls split, as a general thing." I certainly hope the same will not be true of Conan fans.
Live, love, and be content!