Regarded as one of the greatest actors of his generation, Daniel Day-Lewis provides a fascinating case study for any student of acting. The British actor, known for his intense method acting and dedication to his roles, has a select but impressive body of work that demonstrates the depth of his talent and his commitment to the craft of acting.
Daniel Day-Lewis
Early Life and Background
Born in London in 1957, Daniel Day-Lewis grew up in a creative family; his father was a poet laureate, and his mother was an actress. Despite this, his journey into acting was not immediate. He was initially more interested in woodworking and craftsmanship—a passion that would later influence his approach to acting.
Day-Lewis began acting in school productions, and he enrolled in the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, where he honed his craft in the theatre before transitioning into film and television roles.
Rise to Prominence
His breakout role came in 1985 when he starred in “My Beautiful Laundrette” and “A Room with a View,” displaying his range by portraying vastly different characters in both films. But it was in the 1989 film “My Left Foot”—where Day-Lewis played Christy Brown, an Irishman born with cerebral palsy who becomes a painter and writer—that the actor truly captured international attention. Day-Lewis’s intense method acting approach saw him remaining in a wheelchair throughout filming, even off-set. The role won him his first Academy Award for Best Actor.
Method Acting and Dedication to Craft
Day-Lewis is renowned for his deep immersion into his characters, often spending months or even years preparing for a role. This approach falls under the umbrella of ‘Method Acting,’ a technique that encourages performers to draw on their own emotions and experiences to portray characters as authentically as possible.
For instance, while preparing for “The Last of the Mohicans” (1992), Day-Lewis underwent rigorous physical training and learned to live off the land and skin animals, just like his character. For “In the Name of the Father” (1993), he spent nights in prison to experience his character’s reality authentically. Similarly, for “Lincoln” (2012), Day-Lewis spent a year studying Abraham Lincoln’s writings and speeches and maintained the American president’s Kentucky accent off-camera.
Unforgettable Performances and Accolades
Day-Lewis’s dedication to his craft has resulted in performances that resonate powerfully with audiences and critics alike. His portrayal of ruthless oilman Daniel Plainview in “There Will Be Blood” (2007) won him a second Academy Award and is widely regarded as one of the finest performances of the 21st century.
In 2012, Day-Lewis’s transformative performance in “Lincoln,” directed by Steven Spielberg, won him his third Best Actor Oscar, making him the only male actor to have won three Best Actor awards at the Oscars. His portrayal of Lincoln was praised for its depth, humanity, and authenticity.
Uncompromising Perfectionism
A hallmark of Day-Lewis’s approach to acting is his uncompromising perfectionism. Once he commits to a role, he dedicates himself fully to mastering every aspect of the character. This commitment often extends to learning new skills, adopting new lifestyles, and even risking his physical health.
In the film “The Boxer” (1997), for example, Day-Lewis played a former boxer and Irish Republican Army member. To prepare for the role, he undertook an intense training regime with former world champion Barry McGuigan for over a year. His dedication paid off in a performance that was praised for its physicality and realism.
This uncompromising approach extends to every aspect of his performances, including his handling of props, costuming, and even on-set behavior. His insistence on using a real Bowie knife for “The Last of the Mohicans,” despite the risk of injury, is a testament to his commitment to authenticity.
Artistry Over Fame
Day-Lewis’s career is also notable for his apparent indifference to fame and celebrity. Unlike many actors, he has consistently shied away from the spotlight, opting to live a quiet life in rural Ireland when not working on films. He rarely gives interviews and has been selective about his roles, often taking breaks for several years between projects.
This preference for privacy and artistry over fame has allowed Day-Lewis to focus on his craft without the distractions that often come with celebrity. It has also contributed to the aura of mystery that surrounds him, which has only enhanced his reputation as a dedicated artist.
Retirement and Reflection
In 2017, Day-Lewis announced his retirement from acting following his performance in “Phantom Thread.” This decision seemed to reflect his approach to acting as a craft demanding total commitment, with Day-Lewis saying he wanted to explore other aspects of life beyond the world of acting.
Though he has retired from acting, Day-Lewis’s impact on the industry is undeniable. His commitment to method acting, his ability to immerse himself fully in his roles, and his focus on artistry over fame have set a high standard for other actors. His body of work serves as a reminder of the power of cinema and the transformative potential of acting.
Lessons for Actors
There are many lessons actors can take from the career of Daniel Day-Lewis. His method acting approach demonstrates the importance of understanding a character deeply and fully committing to a performance. His willingness to learn new skills and push his physical limits for a role illustrates the lengths to which an actor may need to go to bring a character to life authentically.
Moreover, Day-Lewis’s selectiveness in choosing roles and his avoidance of the celebrity lifestyle highlight the importance of focusing on craft over fame. By carefully choosing roles that challenged and interested him, Day-Lewis was able to deliver consistently impressive performances that resonated with audiences and critics alike.
Lastly, his decision to retire at the height of his career serves as a reminder that acting, while a rewarding and fulfilling profession, is just one aspect of life. It underscores the importance of balance and the ability to step away from the spotlight to explore other interests and passions.
In conclusion, Daniel Day-Lewis’s remarkable career serves as an inspiration and a case study in dedication, commitment, and artistry. His performances have left an indelible mark on the world of cinema, and the lessons from his career continue to inform and inspire actors today and likely will for many generations to come.
Daniel Day-Lewis’s career provides several key takeaways for actors. Firstly, his method acting approach underscores the importance of deep character study in creating believable, nuanced performances. By spending time researching his characters and living as they would, Day-Lewis was able to bring a high level of authenticity to his roles.
Secondly, his selectiveness about his roles speaks to the importance of choosing projects that resonate personally. Day-Lewis chose roles that challenged him and allowed him to dive deep into the character, leading to memorable and impactful performances.
Lastly, Day-Lewis’s career shows that acting is not just about talent—it’s also about commitment. His intense dedication to his craft, even when it meant physical discomfort or long periods away from acting, is a testament to his love for acting and his desire to bring his characters to life as fully as possible.
In conclusion, Daniel Day-Lewis’s career offers a unique and inspiring case study for actors. His dedication to his craft, his commitment to the method acting technique, and his selectiveness in choosing roles have resulted in a body of work that is both impressive and deeply impactful. Though he has retired from acting, the lessons from his career continue to inspire actors and will undoubtedly continue to do so for years to come.