We pledge our allegiance to Hari Nef, the actor who’s starring in everything worth seeing, from Greta Gerwig’s upcoming Barbie to The Weeknd and Sam Levinson’s HBO sleaze fest, The Idol. And when it comes to the land of the free, she’s a clear-eyed optimist. In Nef’s America, Marlboro 27s, David Lynch, and big, big hair are what’s it. Put her on the Supreme Court, babe.
———
INTERVIEW: American Dream?
HARI NEF: Ecstasy without hierarchy! How do you get ahead? I say “no,” and then I say “yes!”
INTERVIEW: Who are you indebted to? Money or God?
NEF: God, how I see it.
INTERVIEW: What’s the most expensive thing you own?
NEF: A painting by Nash Glynn.
INTERVIEW: When do you feel the most clean?
NEF: In the Atlantic Ocean, coming down.
INTERVIEW: Who’s the ultimate American pinup?
NEF: Candy Darling!
INTERVIEW: Who makes the best burger?
NEF: Julius’ on West 10th Street!
INTERVIEW: What’s so great about America?
NEF: Charm is a national value, and family comes first!
INTERVIEW: Is greed good?
NEF: No, babe!!
INTERVIEW: What’s the most American movie?
NEF: Paris Is Burning (1990), directed by Jennie Livingston.
INTERVIEW: Are Americans stupid?
NEF: No, we’re just a little caught up.
INTERVIEW: If you could live in the greatest country in the world, where would that be?
NEF: America, but at the end.
INTERVIEW: What is your scam?
NEF: My wicked little tongue!
INTERVIEW: Gatsby or Jay-Z?
NEF: Don’t be fucking weird, babe.
INTERVIEW: Best American pie?
NEF: I prefer the chaos of a galette.
INTERVIEW: American Spirit Blue or Marlboro Red?
NEF: Marlboro 27 or nothing.
INTERVIEW: Why can’t it just be magic all the time?
NEF: Because attention must be paid.
INTERVIEW: Do you think Americans have good taste?
NEF: Not necessarily, but we know what works!
INTERVIEW: What is America’s best import/export?
NEF: Pessimism/optimism.
INTERVIEW: What’s the most American thing about you?
NEF: I’m really nice!
INTERVIEW: What’s the most American thing about America?
NEF: Florida.
INTERVIEW: Best American look?
NEF: Big, big hair!
KATZ: Is everything going to be okay?
NEF: It will, but first it won’t.
KATZ: Coke bottle or coke bag?
NEF: Both are headaches if you ask me.
KATZ: Real American hero?
NEF: David Lynch, no further questions!
–––
Hair: Iggy Rosales using Bondiboost at Forward Artists
Makeup: Samuel Paul using Armani Beauty at Forward Artists
Fashion Assistant: Charlie Burke
Production Assistant: Niamh Hannigan