It has been quite some time since anyone has seen or heard from Daniel Day-Lewis. In 2017, just before the release of his acclaimed film The Phantom Thread, he announced, “Daniel Day-Lewis will no longer be working as an actor.” Since then, he has maintained a low profile, allowing his legend to grow in his absence. Day-Lewis is renowned for his unique approach to acting, preferring to fully immerse himself in his characters. For instance, while portraying Abraham Lincoln in Lincoln, he requested that director Steven Spielberg refer to him as “Mr. President” throughout the filming process.
In the years following his hiatus, the public's fascination with Day-Lewis’s method acting techniques has only intensified. Questions have arisen regarding his dedication to his roles: Did he really text Sally Field while embodying Lincoln? Did he strictly consume only the animals he hunted and skinned himself for The Last of the Mohicans? Did he require being spoon-fed for his role in My Left Foot? These anecdotes have contributed to a growing obsession with the extremes to which he has gone for his craft.
Now, Daniel Day-Lewis is stepping back into the limelight, albeit reluctantly, with his new film Anemone. This film provides him with an opportunity to address misconceptions surrounding method acting. In a recent interview with the New York Times, he expressed frustration over the way method acting is often perceived. “I’m a little cross these days to hear all kinds of people gobbling off and saying things like ‘gone full method’, which I think is meant to imply that a person’s behaving like a lunatic in an extreme fashion,” he stated. Day-Lewis emphasized that the focus should be on the internal work of an actor rather than sensationalized accounts of their process.
Day-Lewis’s comments suggest that he is taken aback by the way the acting community has evolved in his absence. His rigorous preparation and immersive techniques have led to a generation of actors attempting to emulate his methods. This has resulted in a landscape filled with aspiring performers who often focus on showcasing their extreme dedication rather than the art itself. For example, Lady Gaga famously claimed she became “functionally Italian” to prepare for her role in House of Gucci, while Jared Leto took his portrayal of the Joker in Suicide Squad to bizarre extremes by sending unsettling gifts to his castmates.
Other actors have also adopted extreme methods in their performances. Jim Carrey’s transformation into Andy Kaufman for Man on the Moon was so immersive that it resulted in a feature-length documentary showcasing the chaos he created for those around him. Currently, the spotlight seems to shine on Jeremy Strong, who once served as Day-Lewis’s assistant. His intense preparation for Succession led to a New Yorker profile that highlighted concerns from colleagues about the toll it took on him and frustration from co-stars over his behavior.
Furthermore, examples of extreme method acting continue to emerge: Andrew Garfield practiced celibacy for six months for his role in Silence, and Leonardo DiCaprio famously slept in an animal carcass for The Revenant. There are even rumors that Austin Butler still adopts Elvis Presley’s mannerisms three years after portraying him in Elvis. These actions, to some extent, underscore the seriousness with which Day-Lewis approaches his work.
While Day-Lewis’s critique of the modern interpretation of method acting may be justified, it remains to be seen whether a brief promotional cycle for Anemone will alter public perceptions or the behaviors of aspiring actors. If he truly wishes to redefine method acting and demonstrate its potential, a more impactful approach may be to return to filmmaking more regularly. A new project from this cinematic giant could reignite appreciation for the art of acting and inspire future generations.
In conclusion, Daniel Day-Lewis’s return to the screen is not just a personal comeback but a timely reminder of the depth and complexity of method acting. As he navigates this new chapter, audiences and actors alike may find themselves reflecting on the true essence of performance and the artistry behind it.
