Myles Clohessy talks about starring in the western ‘Frontier Crucible’

Myles Clohessy in the western film ‘Frontier Crucible.’ Photo courtesy of Well Go USA

Actor and filmmaker Myles Clohessy chatted about starring in the new western film “Frontier Crucible.”

The synopsis is: A desperately needed wagon full of medical supplies falls victim to an Apache attack.

The only man who can guide it through to its destination is Merrick Beckford, but in order to get there, he’ll need to enlist the help of a trio of dangerous outlaws hell-bent on survival.

When they accidentally kill an Apache scout, all bets are off, and survival is the name of the game in director Travis Mills’s western thriller.

‘Frontier Crucible’ experience

On being a part of the drama “Frontier Crucible,” he said, “It was amazing. It was so much fun. We had all these big actors in it, but the best thing about it is that we were just sitting around a campfire every day, and we were just having a good time. That’s what makes westerns so special.”

Working with the cast and crew

On working with the cast and crew, he stated, “It was amazing! We have Armie Hammer, Thomas Jame, and William H. Macy in it, all of which are really big, established actors.”

“What made this really special is that we were just out in the wilderness sitting around a campfire every morning with our coffees waiting to shoot our scenes. It felt like we were just a summer camp even though it was freezing, so it was more like winter camp,” he explained.

Playing his character

On playing his character, he said, “What made him so unique was that he sticks to a moral code. He is unflappable, no matter what temptations come at him, no matter what threats come at him, he sticks to this moral code. That’s really rare to find in a human being.”

“I had to pull that out of myself, too,” he said. “So, I think that’s kind of what made him such a cool character to play. It’s kind of rare to find those characters.”

Lessons learned from this screenplay

On the lessons learned from this screenplay, he reflected, “It taught me I could be a better human being. I could be better. I bend to other people’s will, to threats, to temptations. We’re all human, but we could be better.”

“I think Merrick Bedford is an idealized, better version of most human beings,” he noted.

Stage of his life

On the title of the current chapter of his life, Clohessy revealed, “Becoming Myself.”

“You know, in your 20s, you have no idea who you are. In your 30s, I just turned 32, and you really start to discover and let yourself be okay with what you really want in life,” he explained.

Future plans

On his future plans, he shared, “I want to become the next Taylor Sheridan. I love writing, directing and executive producing Americana, western-based TV shows and films.”

“As far as acting goes, all this is just a passion for me. I don’t even consider it a job. So whatever comes my way comes my way. My dream is to have a big ranch in Wyoming someday where I can write, direct and act in these Americana stories,” he elaborated.

Superpower of choice

If he were to have any superpower, it would be to “read people’s minds,” especially his partner’s mind.

“I can’t read her mind for the life of me,” he said with a sweet laugh. “I have no idea what she’s thinking at any point.”

Success

On his definition of the word success, Clohessy said, “I think success just means being able to choose what I want to do and when I want to do it and not being at the behest of other people.”

“I don’t like being at the behest of other people,” he noted. “That’s why I like directing. Maybe I’m a control freak, but I like to be in control. You know, as an actor, you’re always at the behest of other people and their opinions.”

“I think just being able to have control over what I want to do and when I want to do it is the ultimate definition of success,” he added.

Message for his fans

For his fans and supporters, he expressed, “I just appreciate their support. I do have a lot of people reach out to me by e-mail and social media, and I appreciate them. I just love that people love art.”

“You make movies so that people can enjoy them. You don’t make them just for your own vanity sake, at least I don’t. So I just appreciate that people still love going to see good art,” he elaborated.

“I think ‘Frontier Crucible’ is a great piece of art. It’s not just a B-level action movie. It has got some real art to it,” he added.

Closing thoughts on ‘Frontier Crucible’

Clohessy remarked, “Ever since I was a little boy, I wanted to be like Clint Eastwood and John Wayne, and I got that out of this film. You know, I stood on John Ford Point in Monument Valley looking out where all those famous westerns were shot, where John Wayne stood and I got to do that.”

“So, that was a dream come true,” he admitted. “That was awesome!”

To learn more about Myles Clohessy, follow him on Instagram.