The French actor Pierre Niney delves into the complexities of charisma and control in his latest role as a manipulative life coach.
After captivating audiences as the masked avenger in the César-winning hit “The Count of Monte Cristo,” Pierre Niney takes on a darker role in “Guru,” a psychological thriller directed by Yann Gozlan. Set to be introduced to buyers at the Cannes market, the film explores the seductive and perilous world of a superstar life coach.
Niney reunites with Gozlan for their third collaboration, following the successes of “An Ideal Man” and “Black Box.” In “Guru,” Niney portrays a charismatic coach whose influence over his followers blurs the lines between inspiration and manipulation. The film also stars Marion Barbeau, Anthony Bajon, and Holt McCallany.
Ahead of the Cannes Film Festival, Niney shared insights into the film’s conception, his preparation for the role, and his views on contemporary French cinema.
Q&A with Pierre Niney
Where did the idea of making a thriller about a famous coach come from?
“This project has been on my mind for a long time. I was intrigued by how certain individuals can electrify crowds with words, leading people into a trance-like state and, intentionally or not, take control. Characters like Tom Cruise’s in ‘Magnolia’ and Jake Gyllenhaal’s in ‘Nightcrawler’ inspired us. Despite the prevalence of coaches today, especially on social media, there hasn’t been a film like this in the U.S., which makes our subject unique.”
What made Yann Gozlan the perfect filmmaker for this project?
“Yann is one of the most compelling directors today, especially when it comes to thrillers and character studies with a touch of paranoia. I brought him the initial idea and character outline, and he fully developed the film. He’s meticulous, has a vast knowledge of cinema, and is a huge Hitchcock fan, which aligns with my interests.”
How did you prepare mentally and physically for the role?
“I drew inspiration from films like ‘Magnolia,’ ‘The Wolf of Wall Street,’ and ‘There Will Be Blood.’ These characters use words to awaken something dangerous in others. I also studied real-life coaches, many of whom are accessible through social media and podcasts. Their seminars are performances where they make significant money and lead attendees into a cathartic, trance-like state.”
Do you find a thin line between cult leaders and coaches?
“Absolutely. It’s challenging for authorities to determine when sectarian behavior begins. The term ‘sect’ is broad, and even religions could fall under its definition. In our film, we explore how dangerous the character Matthieu Vasseur is, a name we’ve used in previous films like ‘An Ideal Man’ and ‘Black Box,’ adding a mythical layer to the character.”
Have you had bad experiences with coaches?
“I’ve worked with coaches for film preparations, like sports or diet coaches, but it never went beyond that. However, there are stories of people getting entirely caught up in movements, sometimes through official channels like companies bringing in coaches who end up taking over the business. These stories helped shape Matthieu Vasseur’s character.”
How would you describe Matthieu Vasseur? Is he a sociopath?
“What’s fascinating about Matthieu is that he genuinely believes in what he’s doing. He’s not a cynic; he’s moved by the stories of those who come to see him. We aimed to bring nuance and ambiguity to his character.”
Is the film about toxic masculinity or toxic positivity?
“The film delves into power, validation, and the descent into hell that can result from concentrating so much desire and power, coupled with paranoia—a recurring theme in Yann Gozlan’s films.”
Do you think France is making bigger and bolder films today?
“We have a rich history of making significant films, and we’re returning to that. With the rise of streaming platforms, we need to offer audiences compelling reasons to visit cinemas. Films must be truly original, whether big or small. ‘Guru’ had the budget we needed to tell our story, but it’s different from something like ‘The Count of Monte Cristo.’”
What can you tell us about your upcoming project with Asghar Farhadi?
“Working with Asghar Farhadi is incredible. The script is excellent, and the cast includes Virginie Efira, Isabelle Huppert, Vincent Cassel, and Catherine Deneuve. It’s rare for everything to align so perfectly in an actor’s career.”
Do you see yourself working in the United States?
“I love France and feel fortunate to be part of its film industry. While I’m open to projects in the U.S., I’m proud of our unique cinema culture, which has attracted American artists for years. French cinema has always been exceptional, and I believe we’re at a pivotal moment to continue that legacy.”
“Guru” is set to be released in France on January 28, with Studiocanal handling international sales.