Sir Daniel Day-Lewis doesn’t suffer fools, and he certainly doesn’t tolerate mischaracterizations of his artistic process. The celebrated actor, known for his intensely immersive performances, recently voiced his frustration with the way “method acting” is often portrayed – and it clearly strikes a nerve.
He described the constant association of his techniques with “lunacy” as deeply irritating. Day-Lewis’s dedication to his craft is legendary, involving extreme physical and psychological transformations for roles. He’s famously lived in isolation, endured self-deprivation, and pushed his body to its limits, all in pursuit of authentic portrayal.
Consider his preparation forThere Will Be Blood, where he reportedly lived in a tent on a desolate Texan oil field, fully embodying the ruthless ambition of Daniel Plainview. Or the grueling experience forIn The Name Of The Father, where he spent days in a prison cell, deprived of food and water, to understand the plight of Gerry Conlon.
But Day-Lewis insists these details, often sensationalized, are the least important aspect of his work. He emphasizes that method acting isn’t about suffering for the sake of suffering; it’s about unlocking a deeper connection to the character and offering a truly “living, breathing human being” to his fellow actors.
The core intention, he explains, is liberation – freeing oneself to create a genuine interaction on set. He bristles at the label “full method,” dismissing it as a reductive and often inaccurate descriptor. It’s a deliberate choice to fully inhabit a role, not a performance of eccentricity.
The actor recently addressed comments made by Brian Cox, who suggested Jeremy Strong learned his approach from Day-Lewis. Day-Lewis expressed concern that he might have inadvertently influenced Strong’s process, stating he would be “appalled” if he had. He maintains he has no knowledge of how Strong works and doesn’t feel responsible for his methods.
Day-Lewis’s commitment extends to extraordinary lengths. He once requested to be sprayed with real tear gas for a scene inThe Trial of the Chicago 7, demonstrating a willingness to experience the character’s reality firsthand. This dedication, however, is often lost in the simplified narratives surrounding method acting.
He’s not alone in embracing such intense preparation. Christian Bale famously lost nearly 70 pounds and battled insomnia forThe Machinist, while Heath Ledger isolated himself for a month to fully embody the Joker. More recently, Austin Butler remained in character as Elvis Presley for three years, even adopting the singer’s voice and mannerisms off-camera.
Throughout a career punctuated by critical acclaim, Day-Lewis has earned three Academy Awards for Best Actor: forMy Left Foot(1990),There Will Be Blood(2008), andLincoln(2013). These roles showcase his unparalleled ability to transform and inhabit characters with breathtaking authenticity.
He recently returned to the screen inAnemone, a psychological drama directed by his son, Ronan Day-Lewis. This marked a welcome return after a period where a statement from his representative suggested he had retired from acting – a declaration he now calls “ill-advised.”
Day-Lewis’s approach isn’t about seeking attention; it’s about a profound respect for the craft and a relentless pursuit of truth. He chooses immersion, a deep dive into the heart of a character, rather than superficial theatrics.
