Daniel Day-Lewis recently found himself in an unexpected dispute over method acting with fellow actor Brian Cox. Day-Lewis described it as a “handbags at dawn conflict.” In a chat with the Big Issue, he expressed his commitment to method acting, as opposed to Cox’s skepticism. Cox has been vocal about his views on method acting, calling out Jeremy Strong’s behavior on set as “irritating.”
Day-Lewis remarked, “I once worked with Brian, and I didn’t mean to get dragged into this. He’s a great actor, but he seems stuck on his views.” He added, “If I thought I affected his work, I’d feel terrible. I don’t think that’s the case, so I’m not sure where the criticism comes from. Jeremy Strong is talented; I can’t speak to his process.”
Day-Lewis has been clear about his feelings on how method acting is perceived. Speaking at BFI Southbank last month, he said many criticisms come from people who lack understanding of the technique. “It’s as if people think it’s some cult or nonsense,” he noted. He emphasized the importance of being fully present for his colleagues on set.
For Day-Lewis, method acting means more than just extreme choices like living in a jail cell for six months, as he did for his role in In the Name of the Father. He believes the goal is to create a genuine human experience on screen, allowing actors to connect meaningfully with one another.
In his view, there’s too much focus on sensational stories about method acting rather than its purpose. “It frustrates me that people attach it to some kind of craziness,” he said.
He contrasted his style with actors who play pranks and joke around between takes. “I like to stay in the moment and focus,” he mentioned.
The conversation around method acting continues to evolve, with actors and critics frequently weighing in. Recent surveys indicate that while traditional acting methods remain popular, the acceptance of varied approaches is slowly increasing in the industry.
Day-Lewis’s latest project, Anemone, marks the directorial debut of his son, Ronan Day-Lewis. It opens in the UK on November 7. The film is expected to offer fresh insights into their creative partnership, highlighting a new perspective through the lens of method acting.
For more on the impacts of method acting in cinema, you can check out this article from The Guardian.
