Daniel Day-Lewis recently shared his thoughts on the perception of method acting in today’s film industry. He spoke about the misconceptions surrounding the technique, his approach to performance, and his return to acting after retirement. The three-time Oscar winner discussed these views while promoting his new film Anemone.
Daniel Day-Lewis is ‘a little cross these days’ about criticism against method acting
Daniel Day-Lewis told The New York Times he is “a little cross these days” about people using “gone full Method” to suggest “a person’s behaving like a lunatic in an extreme fashion.” He added, “There are techniques you can learn, and I know that the Method has become an easy target these days.”
Day-Lewis clarified that he never liked describing acting strictly as a “craft.” He said, “In the life of an actor, it has to principally be about the internal work.” The actor explained that critics often exaggerate stories of discomfort or instability on set. “Everyone tends to focus on the less important details,” he noted, adding, “And those details always seem to involve some sort of self-flagellation or an experience that imposes upon oneself a severe discomfort or mental instability.”
Although people often describe Day-Lewis as a method actor, he previously distanced himself from the idea that he directly follows Konstantin Stanislavski. He earlier said Stanislavski’s tradition shaped his training, but called it “misleading” to believe the approach requires an “inordinate amount of calculation.” He added, “All you’re trying to do is lay the groundwork, which might allow the imagination to free itself.”
Throughout his four-decade career, Day-Lewis became known for his complete immersion in roles such as My Left Foot, Lincoln, and There Will Be Blood. His return in Anemone, directed by his son Ronan Day-Lewis, follows his portrayal of a reclusive ex-soldier alongside Sean Bean.
He said working with his son “has meant everything,” marking a deeply personal comeback after eight years away from the screen.
Originally reported by Anubhav Chaudhry on ComingSoon.
