Transformation is part of Pierre Niney‘s acting repertoire. With many bows to his string — from acting and screenwriting to comedy and directing — it’s clear when chatting with Niney for his Schön! 47 cover story he continuously approaches every role with deftness and dedication. Donning all Lacoste as he speaks with Schön!, he dives into his latest project where he stepped into the legendary role of the Count of Monte Cristo in the film adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ 1844 novel, delivering a mesmerising portrayal of Edmond Dantès and his relentless pursuit of vengeance.
“I read it when I was 15,” Niney explains. “It’s the first book I genuinely loved, since all the ones I was reading back then were essentially homework. So, for once, it was something with a real journey as a reader. I felt for the first time that my whole room was really travelling.” As a true Renaissance man of French cinema, he’s tackled every role with finesse — so much so that he became the youngest actor to win a César for best actor for his portrayal of Yves Saint Laurent. Although playing the titular role of The Count of Monte Cristopresented its own challenges, what thrilled him the most was the storytelling aspect of the film. “Mine would be telling stories: the best story possible all the time,” he admits when asked about what qualities he shares with his character. “I’m obsessed with movies and art [in general].”
More stories are waiting to be told — and Niney wants to be even more involved with telling them. Recently, for the first time ever, he added the label “producer” for a new series titled Fiasco for Netflix. Now, he’s producing his first feature film and about to shoot the thriller Gourou in a few months alongside director Yann Gozlan, the third time the pair have worked together. What is really enticing Niney, though, is the chance to act in English. “I love this language; I think it’s so playful,” he says. “We have this culture of American artists and movies, so of course I’m thinking [to work with] Kate Winslet, Christopher Nolan, and there’s also this director that I love, Derek Cianfrance. I’m currently in talks for some projects in English. I’m really aiming for an interesting part because I’m so spoiled here in France with such amazing propositions, that I’m trying to find something with consistency in England or the US.”
For someone as passionate about his craft and art as he is, pursuing whatever he desires is inevitable for him.
jacket. Lacoste
all clothing. Lacoste
jewellery throughout. Pierre’s own
