Daniel Day-Lewis Defends Method Acting,Calls Criticism “Lunacy” Amid Brian Cox Dispute
The reclusive and highly acclaimed actor Daniel Day-Lewis has publicly addressed a growing debate surrounding method acting,responding too pointed criticism from fellow actor Brian cox and defending the technique as a path to authentic performance. The controversy, sparked by comments regarding actors like Jeremy Strong, has prompted Day-Lewis to speak out during the press tour for his new film, Anemone.
Day-Lewis, known for his immersive approach to roles – including famously living in a jail cell for six months to prepare for In the Name of the Father – expressed frustration with what he perceives as a fundamental misunderstanding of the practice. He engaged with the topic in a recent interview with The Big Issue, reflecting on being “somehow drawn into this handbags at dawn conflict inadvertently” with Cox.
“brian is a very fine actor who’s done remarkable work,” Day-Lewis stated. “As a result, he’s been given a soapbox… which he shows no sign of climbing down from. Any time he wants to talk about it, I’m easy to find.”
The dispute stems from Cox’s disparaging remarks about the intensity of method acting, notably as demonstrated by Succession star Jeremy Strong, whom Cox reportedly found “irritating” on set. Day-Lewis, though, distanced himself from responsibility for Strong’s process, asserting, “Jeremy Strong is a very fine actor, I don’t know how he goes about things, but I don’t feel responsible in any way for that.”
Day-Lewis’s core argument centers on the intention behind method acting, which he describes not as a pursuit of eccentricity, but as a means of liberation. “In all the performing arts, people find their methods as a means to an end,” he explained. “It’s with the intention of freeing yourself so you present your colleagues with a living, breathing human being they can interact with. It’s very simple.”
He vehemently rejected the characterization of the technique as “lunacy,” stating, “So it pisses me off this whole, ‘oh, he went full method,’ thing… As it’s invariably attached to the idea of some kind of lunacy.” he further criticized the lack of informed commentary on the subject, stating he “can’t think of a single commentator who’s gobbed off about the method that has any understanding of how it works and the intention behind it.”
The actor contrasted his own dedication to focused preparation with what he described as unprofessional behavior on some sets. “I choose to stay and splash around,” Day-Lewis said, “rather than jump in and out or play practical jokes with whoopee cushions between takes or whatever people think is how you should behave as an actor.”
Day-Lewis’s defense of acting techniques comes as he promotes Anemone, the directorial debut of his son, Ronan Day-Lewis, which he also co-wrote. The film is scheduled to open in the UK on November 7th. The ongoing discussion highlights a long-standing tension within the acting community regarding the bounda
