Alain Delon’s Unsung Idol: The Actor Who Changed Cinema

Alain Delon, a figure not known for casual flattery, once singled out a lesser-celebrated star from Hollywood’s classic period for exceptional praise. Delon, whose own reputation for effortless style and coolness is well established, played a pivotal role in the transformation of French cinema during the latter half of the twentieth century. His collaborations read like a roll call of European film’s most influential names, including Agnès Varda, Louis Malle, Michelangelo Antonioni, Jean-Luc Godard, Jean-Pierre Melville, and Luchino Visconti. Through these partnerships, Delon became a central figure in the evolution of the neo-noir genre, with works such as Le Samouraï and Purple Noon leaving a lasting mark on international filmmaking.

Given Delon’s own impact on the screen, it is telling that he admired an actor who had similarly shaped the early days of noir, albeit on the other side of the Atlantic. The genre itself emerged from the pages of inexpensive novels, filled with enigmatic detectives and reluctant protagonists ensnared in webs of intrigue. Among the first films to define this style was Body and Soul, a gripping tale of a boxer surrounded by moral corruption. While the film’s legacy may have faded somewhat, its lead, John Garfield, received an Academy Award nomination for his performance.

Method and Influence

Garfield had already been recognised by the Academy for his role in Four Daughters in 1938, but it was his commitment to a form of method acting—immersing himself entirely in his roles—that set him apart. At a time when the craft of acting was less scrutinised by the press, Garfield’s approach quietly influenced a generation of performers, paving the way for the likes of James Dean and Marlon Brando.

Delon once remarked to The Los Angeles Times,

“20 years ahead of his time.”

He also expressed respect for Montgomery Clift and Robert Walker, but noted,

“with Garfield, you could feel something coming from his guts.”

Delon’s observation was not only a nod to Garfield’s innovative technique, but also a reflection on the actor’s untimely fate.

Blacklisting and Tragedy

At the height of his career, Garfield, along with several other prominent figures, was summoned before the House Un-American Activities Committee to answer questions about alleged communist ties. Garfield denied any involvement, yet refused to implicate others, resulting in his blacklisting. This occurred just as his performance in The Postman Always Rings Twice was being widely celebrated, a role that would later inspire a remake featuring Jack Nicholson.

The pressure of public scrutiny and the abrupt end to his career took a heavy toll. Garfield died at just 39, the likely result of stress-induced heart failure. Despite efforts to sideline his contributions, Delon and others have continued to acknowledge Garfield’s lasting influence on the art of performance.