This actor is one of the most famous figures in American cinema, and he is still on the screen

In Nicky, director Céline Salette tells the ten-year life of artist Nicky de Saint Phalle with Charlotte Le Bon in the dazzling title role. Alongside her, viewers find American actor John Robinson in the guise of Harry Matthews, the husband of a visual artist. If his face means nothing to you, you no doubt recognize him from the movie that introduced him 21 years ago.

In 2002, John Robinson was noticed by Gus Van Sant and became John McFarland, the central student of the film “Elephant, Palme d’Or” at the 56th Cannes Film Festival. He’s the one with the yellow T-shirt, the platinum blonde hair, who roams the high school halls until tragedy strikes. These long shots of the student quickly became iconic images of American independent cinema.

John Robinson in “The Elephant” by Gus Van Sant.

Later, the young actor appeared in Lords of Dogtown, but also in Michael Bay’s blockbuster Transformers. For several years, John Robinson appeared in French projects such as the series Les Papillons Noirs and the films La Maison and Au fil des vins.

“I had access to it thanks to my casting director, Elodie Demay, who suggested it to meCeline Saletti explains to AlloCiné. He was on the list of American actors who speak English well.”

“He didn’t look much like Harry physically, but when I opened his demo tape, he had the most incredible demo tape in the history of demo tapes.he continues. The guy had a bigger career than me and I was just hallucinating. And in addition to being a great actor, he is a person of great kindness.“

Inspired by the Columbine shootings that took place in the United States on April 20, 1999, Elephant made a strong impression with its depiction of raw violence, but also with a look at a young man facing his own demons. In addition to the Palme d’Or, the film won the director’s prize.

Discover our meeting with Celine Salet and Charlotte Le Bon for Nick:

Commentaries collected by Thomas Desroches, Paris, October 7, 2024.

You can see Celine Saletti’s Nick in the cinema.