Daniel Day-Lewis returned to the public eye on October 11, 2023, at the BFI London Film Festival, marking his first major appearance in years. The acclaimed actor received a warm welcome from fans, who cheered as he signed autographs before participating in a Screen Talk event. Day-Lewis discussed his latest film, Anemone, directed by his son Ronan Day-Lewis, and reflected on his eight-year hiatus from acting.
Exploring Brotherhood in ‘Anemone’
In Anemone, Day-Lewis portrays a middle-aged man on a journey to reconnect with his estranged brother, played by Sean Bean. The film, which features Samantha Morton and marks Ronan Day-Lewis’s feature directorial debut, premiered at the New York Film Festival. Day-Lewis described the film as an exploration of brotherhood and the complexities of familial relationships. He noted, “It began with a pure wish really to work with Ronan,” emphasizing the importance of this collaboration given the “sadness” of potentially missing the opportunity.
Throughout the discussion, Day-Lewis highlighted his interest in the emotional depth of his character, stating, “The lack of need for words” drew him to the project. He explained that understanding his character’s background was crucial to portraying the dynamic between the brothers.
Method Acting and Its Misconceptions
During the event, Day-Lewis also addressed the criticisms of method acting, which have increased in recent years. He expressed that such critiques often come from those who lack an understanding of the technique. “It’s almost like some special science that we’re involved in, or a cult, but it’s just a way of freeing yourself,” he explained. This approach allows actors to respond spontaneously during performances, fostering genuine connections with their colleagues.
Reflecting on his career, Day-Lewis revealed that he approached his transformative role in My Left Foot with “very gentle steps.” He emphasized that while immersion in a character is vital for him, he respects that other actors may have different methods that yield successful performances.
Day-Lewis candidly recalled his early acting experiences, revealing, “I was clueless,” when he started in film. He lamented the perception that theater was the “elite cultural form,” while film was regarded as “dodgy.” He remarked on the challenges of maintaining authenticity, sharing anecdotes of his meticulous approach to roles that often frustrated directors.
He also spoke fondly of his long-standing creative partnership with director Jim Sheridan, and his admiration for actors like Marlon Brando and Julie Andrews. Day-Lewis shared that his pivotal moment in film came from watching Dai Bradley in Kes, which he considers “one of the greatest performances.”
Ronan Day-Lewis joined his father on stage for the final segment of the discussion. He described the filming process of Anemone as “claustrophobic” yet “incredibly intimate,” highlighting the benefits of collaborating closely with family. The two co-wrote the script, with Ronan noting that working with his father brought a unique understanding to the project.
As the conversation wrapped up, Day-Lewis reflected on his previous retirement announcement in 2017, expressing regret over his words. “Looking back on it now — I would have done well to just keep my mouth shut,” he remarked. He clarified that he never intended to retire but sought different creative avenues.
In his closing remarks, Day-Lewis offered advice to aspiring actors, emphasizing the importance of staying true to oneself. “It takes a certain steadiness in yourself to say, ‘No, I need to just do this the only way I know how,’” he concluded. The audience responded with a heartfelt standing ovation, celebrating the return of one of cinema’s most revered talents.
