To succeed in the world of acting, patience is undoubtedly one of the key attributes to accept and move past the invariable rejection that lies ahead of you. Some breakthrough roles come early into a thespian’s career (sometimes too early), but some come later into their industry tenure, perhaps when they are better equipped to deal with the pressure of a seminal role, and to excel like never before.
A success story of the latter category, Cara Jade Myers had her breakout moment in her 30s when she was given a key role in the jaw-dropping spectacle that is Killers of the Flower Moon, released in October of this year. She plays the role of Anna – sister to (the superb) Lily Gladstone’s Mollie – with a sometimes ravenous, sometimes vulnerable edge. Unpredictable, striking and utterly watchable, Myers performance illustrates exactly why Scorsese plucked her out of relative obscurity for the Oscar-tipped DiCaprio and De Niro-starring cinematic marathon that plays out simultaneously as a refined critique of the US’ treatment of Indigenous people and a savvy crime noir.
With a role like Anna under her belt, it feels like Myers has a pad to emphatically launch her career upon. We connect with the rising star, talking early experiences and its impact of her decisions, finding her stride in company of greats, and the importance of the masterwork’s deeper meaning.
Watch the trailer for Flowers of a Killer Moon…
Read the full interview…
How did you first develop an interest in acting?
It started when I was young. I lived in an abusive and addicted household, and I used stories to escape my real life. As an actor you get to live a different life every time you take on a role. But because I never saw myself represented on screen, I didn’t think I could be an actor. It wasn’t until my husband told me to take an acting class where I finally thought; maybe I can do this.
Who has inspired you down the years?
Tantoo Cardinal. She is a legend who has been in the industry for over 50 years. She has dealt with so much racism, sexism, and stereotyping over the decades, yet here she is, still being an absolute badass, bulldozing the way for not only my generation, but every single generation following. Her strength is the reason I’m able to be here today along with all of our Native elders who have toughed out this business and are still here – Wes Studi, Gary Farmer, Gill Birmingham, Irene Bedard, and so many more.
How have your experiences helped you on your journey towards success in film?
I think having the childhood that I had has impacted my decisions. I knew what I didn’t want my life or my future family’s life to be so I decided that I would do whatever it takes to build the life I want. It has not been easy, and I’m still working towards my goals, but its going in a positive direction so, I keep working. I love what I do, and I’m enjoying the journey! I have so much more to learn and I look forward to passing along what I’ve learned to the next generation.
Your breakout role came with Killers of the Flower Moon, and what a film to be a part of! How did you first become involved?
I auditioned for it many times! When I first heard that Mr. Scorsese was making this movie, I immediately read the book. It infuriated me. Especially because this was never taught in history classes. Although this is a unique story, it’s also not a singular story in Native country, or the world for that matter. Talk to any tribe and we have our own stories of genocide, MMIW/Relatives, and erasure.
The more auditions I did, the more nervous I got! I loved Anna so much and understood that her alcoholism was numbing the immense pain she was hiding. I wanted to make sure that her love for her family was front and centre, and losing her family is what caused her to spiral.
What drew you to the project?
I was drawn to the project because legends were spearheading the project and Natives would finally be seen on a level they deserve to be. For so long our stories were told in service to the script as a story function when the script should have been in service to our stories. Plus, this story needs to be told! It’s been hidden for too long.
Your character is troubled and layered. How did you get yourself into the right state of mind to play such a role?
I have family that has been caught in the cycle of alcoholism and drug abuse, so I know that addiction is never simple. I truly wanted Anna’s love for her family to be the core of who she is. And the more she lost – her family, friends, people, culture – the more pain she tried to numb. She relied on alcohol, and a questionable crowd to hide in. That’s why in every scene, I tried to show a different side of her. When she’s sober and with her family, she’s a happy love bug. But once we add alcohol, she becomes unpredictable, and is driven by her emotions. I knew her story ended tragically, so I made her as vibrant and full of life as I could.
The subject matter of the film is as pinnacle as ever in the current social and political climate. How important do you think it is to shine a light on issues such as this?
It’s incredibly important simply for the fact that if we don’t learn from history, and see the damage we’ve done, we’re destined to repeat it. Plus, there’s a lot that has been hidden in our “history” and we need to talk about it; it needs a light to be shined on it so the truth can be taught.
To you, what is the overarching message of the film?
When we see someone as less than human, there’s no end to the inhumanity we will inflict, the harm we will stand by and be silent about, and the incredibly destructive power of greed. There is no happy ending in this movie. Mollie still died from the damage done to her body from the poison. The resilient Osage are still here, but they’ve been irrevocably damaged and changed by this Reign of Terror, that never should have happened. Racism is never okay, and the damage done by racism never goes away.
You worked with one of the all time greats in Scorsese. Talk us through your experience work with the director, and what you learnt from it?
I learned so much! Partly because I knew I needed to step up, but also because Marty is so incredibly talented, patient, and collaborative. You can talk to him about anything, and he will help you figure it out. I learned so much just from watching the way Marty, Bob & Leo talked. I know this is a once in a lifetime experience, and I’m so incredibly grateful that I got to be a small part it!
Similarly, working with the likes of De Niro and DiCaprio must have been incredible, how were they to act alongside, and what did they teach you?
They were absolutely incredible to work with! I loved not only listening to them talk about the scene, but seeing how they work, and how they treated those around them. There’s a reason they’re legends. Acting across from them was surreal. They are extremely kind, collaborative, and quite hilarious!
What projects are in the works at the moment?
I’m working on a few scripts. I’m developing one, writing another, I’m finishing up editing a third, and I have 2 that are about to go out in the new year. I’m also producing a documentary, a travel show, and a short film. Acting wise, we will see what the new year brings!
What are your career goals?
Telling more stories with a Native perspective. Whether that’s by acting, writing, producing, or teaching. I’m excited to be a part of bringing more Natives into the industry in whatever capacity that interests them: in front of or behind the camera. We have so many incredibly talented people that have been overlooked or just can’t get the experience. It’s my goal to get them that experience and put them in front of people so there’s no excuse.