Daniel Day-Lewis Makes Triumphant Return at the BFI London Film Festival
For the first time in years, acclaimed actor Daniel Day-Lewis graced the London stage on Wednesday, captivating audiences at a packed Screen Talk event during the 69th BFI London Film Festival (LFF). The three-time Oscar winner received a warm ovation from fans who eagerly gathered for autographs prior to the event.
In a heartfelt discussion about his comeback to acting after an eight-year hiatus, Day-Lewis shed light on his role in the family drama Anemone, directed by his son, Ronan Day-Lewis. He expressed a deep desire to work with his son, stating, “It began with a pure wish really to work with Ronan,” as he reflected on the “sadness” of potentially missing the chance to collaborate in film. He described Anemone as a poignant exploration of brotherhood and the rekindling of estranged siblings.
The film follows a middle-aged man, portrayed by Sean Bean, as he journeys into the woods to reconnect with his estranged brother, played by Day-Lewis. Samantha Morton also stars in the film. Despite initially having reservations about re-entering the public eye, Day-Lewis was motivated by his son’s insistence that the project wouldn’t proceed without his involvement. The film had its world premiere at the New York Film Festival and marks the feature directorial debut of Ronan Day-Lewis, who co-wrote the script with his father.
During the engaging discussion, Day-Lewis shared insights into his method acting approach, recalling how he immersed himself in his roles, such as in My Left Foot. He described his preparation as taking “very gentle steps” and viewing the wheelchair as a “cage” that helped him connect with his character. He emphasized the importance of immersion in acting, stating, “It makes sense to me,” while acknowledging that other actors achieve great performances through different methods.
Addressing recent criticisms of method acting, Day-Lewis remarked that such critiques often come from those lacking a true understanding of the craft. He likened the process to a form of “science” that fosters spontaneity while working with colleagues in front of the camera. Reflecting on his early days as an actor, he humorously admitted, “I was clueless,” and expressed his disdain for the elitist attitudes toward theater and film during his acting school days.
The conversation took a nostalgic turn as Day-Lewis fondly recalled his admiration for legendary actors like Marlon Brando and shared how the film Kes profoundly impacted his life. He also discussed his creative collaborations with his wife, writer-director Rebecca Miller, and his son, highlighting the seamless blend of family and work.
Ronan Day-Lewis joined the discussion for the last 20 minutes, sharing that filming Anemone, much of which took place in a shed, was both “claustrophobic” and “incredibly intimate.” The father-son duo emphasized the benefits of their collaboration, with Ronan noting that working with family allows for a level of understanding that eases creative tension.
As the event wrapped up, Daniel Day-Lewis reflected on his unexpected retirement announcement following his role in Phantom Thread. He expressed regret over the grandiosity of his statement, clarifying, “I never intended to retire; I just stopped doing that particular type of work.”
Before receiving a heartfelt standing ovation, Day-Lewis shared valuable advice for aspiring actors: “It takes a certain steadiness in yourself to say, ‘No, I need to just do this the only way I know how.’” His return to the spotlight not only marks a new chapter in his illustrious career but also reaffirms his enduring passion for the craft of acting.
