Alain Delon Reveals the Actor Who Changed Hollywood Forever

Alain Delon, known for his discerning taste and rare praise, once spotlighted a Hollywood legend whose influence is often overlooked. Delon, a central figure in the French film revolution of the late 20th century, worked with a roster of iconic directors—Agnès Varda, Louis Malle, Michelangelo Antonioni, Jean-Luc Godard, Jean-Pierre Melville, and Luchino Visconti. His roles in films like Le Samouraï and Purple Noon helped define the neo- noir movement, leaving a lasting mark on filmmakers around the world.

Delon's admiration extended to an American actor who helped shape the early days of film noir. The genre, rooted in gritty detective novels, found its cinematic voice in stories of conflicted heroes and tangled mysteries. One of its earliest milestones was Body and Soul, a gripping tale of a boxer ensnared by corruption. While the film's legacy may have faded, John Garfield's performance earned him an Academy Award nomination and set a new standard for authenticity on screen.

Method Acting Before Its Time

Garfield had already been recognized for his work in the 1938 musical Four Daughters, but it was his commitment to method acting that set him apart. He immersed himself so deeply in his roles that his performances felt raw and immediate. At a time when the craft of acting wasn't widely discussed in the press, Garfield's approach quietly influenced a new generation of stars, including James Dean and Marlon Brando.

Delon once told The Los Angeles Times,

"[Garfield was] 20 years ahead of his time."

He also praised Montgomery Clift and Robert Walker, but said,

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

Delon's comments weren't just about Garfield's innovative style—they also hinted at the tragedy that cut his career short.

Blacklisted and Forgotten

At the height of his fame, Garfield was summoned before the House Un-American Activities Committee, accused of communist ties. He denied any involvement and refused to implicate others, which led to his blacklisting. The timing couldn't have been worse; his performance in The Postman Always Rings Twice had just been hailed as a masterpiece, inspiring a later remake with Jack Nicholson.

The pressure of public scrutiny and the collapse of his career took a heavy toll. Garfield died of a heart attack at just 39, a loss many believe was brought on by the stress he endured. Despite Hollywood's attempts to erase his legacy, Delon and others continue to honor Garfield's groundbreaking contributions to the art of acting.