In an exclusive interview, Flickering Myth sat down with Chantal Casutt to talk about acting, inspirations and her role in Brave Old World…
How have your family reacted to your career choice and your successes in the entertainment industry? Was it always your dream to be an actor?
Not at all! I only decided I wanted to be an actor in my early twenties. Where I grew up being an actor never seemed like a possible profession. I always knew I wanted to be a storyteller and decided to study marketing as a result. It was only when I moved to London and started taking acting classes that this world opened up to me. My family consists mostly of doctors and lawyers so they were definitely taken aback by my decision and can’t fully understand the urge to be an artist but I’m incredibly fortunate to have their full support regardless. I think one of the most gratifying things on this journey has been to be able to share my successes with them.
I understand you were born in Zurich, Switzerland. What was it like growing up there?
I don’t know if there is a better place to grow up. I’m so lucky to have gotten such a safe and secure childhood as well as an amazing education. My country has deeply shaped the person I am today. However, as much as I love Zurich, I think it always felt too small and like a bit of a bubble I wanted to get out of. That’s why I moved to the UK for college and when I made the decision to be an actor, I knew I couldn’t go back to Switzerland because we don’t have a real movie industry there. I love my country and it will always be home, but I love the opportunities and the life I have in Los Angeles.
What and who inspired you to become an actress?
It’s so hard to pinpoint for me. I remember the first time I watched Pirates of the Caribbean and saw Johnny Depp’s performance something changed in me. I thought to myself that there was no way that the character was written that way and when I did my research, I found out that it was the actor who came up with Jack Sparrow’s distinctive personality and mannerisms. I was enamored. It was the first time I had been made aware of the artistic nature of acting, it’s not just people saying lines other people wrote, it’s creative and collaborative.
I understand you have trained at the prestigious New York Film Academy, and also with some notable acting instructors. How important is training for you as an actor?
Training is incredibly important to me. I want to pursue this career for life, and you have to keep growing and improving, there is never a final destination. I think acting is the sort of craft that looks really easy to outsiders and so people often assume that you can go into it with no training, just talent. While talent may be an important element, you would never suggest professional athletes can succeed on talent alone. Acting is a craft that needs to be worked on and exercised and I plan to be in class for the rest of my career. Also, I find acting class is one of the best places to build community and find like-minded individuals. I have made so many wonderful friends along the way.
You are one of the lead actors in ‘Brave Old World’. Can you tell us about the role you played?
I play a character called Adelaide who is an ex-cult member and has started a grief group to support other ex-members. Adelaide at once provides a space where members can feel less lonely as well as share their grievances both with the world outside and inside of the cult. Though innocent and kind, Adelaide herself also displays a lot of complexity. While preaching about the abuse she experienced when in the cult, she also frequently meanders into nostalgia and reminiscing. In Adelaide we see clearly displayed the inner turmoil that cult members go through.
How did you prepare yourself as an actor?
This was probably the project I have done the most preparation for so far in my career. I spent weeks researching, reading everything about cults and the psychological forces that make people get into them that I could find. I watched documentaries and narrative films. I worked a lot with music and did some body work as well. The director and me also worked together closely to realize his vision. I feel so lucky to have gotten to be a part of such a wonderful and important film.
Do you have a particular genre of film you prefer? If so, can you explain.
I watch pretty much every genre and have favorites from all of them. But if I’d have to go with one it would probably be coming-of-age stories, whether drama or comedy. There is just something about those stories in particular that make me feel viscerally connected to the characters. Watching people simply figuring out their lives, making mistakes and being human is so interesting to me. I also wrote a coming-of-age feature script so I like seeing what’s already out there.
Are there any actors or directors you would love to work with in the future? Any actor you’d like to play alongside?
I have a never-ending list to be honest, there are so many talented and inspirational creatives out there I would love to work with. For director-writers my top choices would be Greta Gerwig and Scott Frank. Both craft such complex stories and create characters that feel real and tangible. For actors I would love to play alongside I would say Meryl Streep, Viola Davis, Michelle Yeoh, Kate Winslet, Anthony Hopkins, Benedict Cumberbatch, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Florence Pugh amongst many others.
Do you get to go to the cinema much? Any films you have enjoyed lately?
Yes! I try to go as often as I can. One of my most recent watches was The Northman which I loved. It is so atmospheric, the cinematography is beautiful, and I loved Robert Eggers’ approach to a Viking story and how he interwove it with Norse mythology. The performances were also stellar, I would watch Alexander Skarsgard and Anya Taylor-Joy in anything.
Finally, any advice you would give any actor who is trying to break into the entertainment industry?
Go into it with the right expectations. It’s a difficult journey but can also be so rewarding. There is so much out of our control so focus on what you can control which is your work ethic, your professionalism, and your attitude towards people. Be kind, humble, and patient. And make sure you surround yourself with the right people who support you no matter what and keep you going when things are hard.
How can people find and follow your journey?
Thank you so much. People can follow me on Instagram | Facebook | IMDb
Many thanks to Chantal for taking the time for this interview.
