John is the husband of Claire and brother-in-law of Justine. He seems to be filthy rich (how Claire puts it) und interested in science. Therefore he is a rational man, a caring husband and a devoted father, who wants to show his son Leo the misteries of the world. On the other hand he is unable to deal with the depression of Justine and is alienated to her. About the planet Melancholia he is absolutely sure, that he will pass the Earth. When he learns, that Melancholia in fact will collide with the Earth, he cannot put himself to admit it.