Acclaimed actor Daniel Day-Lewis recently addressed misconceptions surrounding Method acting during an engaging discussion at the BFI London Film Festival. He emphasized that much of the criticism arises from a lack of understanding about the immersive process involved.
Day-Lewis on Method Acting Criticism
During the event, Day-Lewis explained that negative comments about Method acting often come from individuals who are not familiar with its true nature. He stated, “All the recent commentary in the last few years about Method acting is invariably from people who have little or no understanding of what it actually involves.” He further described the process as freeing rather than cult-like, noting that it allows for spontaneity and genuine responses on set.
His Acting Process
Day-Lewis highlighted that embracing Method acting does not mean isolating oneself from real life. Instead, he views it as a way to create a self-contained experience. “If you’ve done your work, you should be free to accept whatever passes through you,” he added.
Return to Acting with “Anemone”
Last month, Day-Lewis made his return to acting after an eight-year hiatus with the psychological drama “Anemone,” directed by his son, Ronan Day-Lewis. This project marks his first role since his Oscar-nominated performance in “Phantom Thread” in 2017.
Reflections on “My Left Foot”
During the discussion, he also reflected on his breakthrough role in Jim Sheridan’s “My Left Foot.” This film was a pivotal moment in his career, where he portrayed Christy Brown, an Irish writer and painter with cerebral palsy. Day-Lewis acknowledged the changing perspectives on portraying disabilities have made such roles more complex today.
- Day-Lewis expressed that he would no longer take on the role of a disabled character.
- He acknowledged criticisms from the disabled community regarding his performance.
Despite the criticisms, he credited “My Left Foot” and the extensive preparation time with shaping his distinctive acting style. He recounted how immersing himself in the character’s world transformed his approach: “I started to work with these wonderful people, and I thought: I’m never not going to work like this again.”
Understanding the Human Experience
Day-Lewis concluded by stressing the importance of thorough research for his roles. “You have an obligation to try to understand as far as you’re humanly able to what it feels like to be inside of that experience,” he stated. His dedication to authenticity in acting remains a hallmark of his acclaimed career.
