What's happened
Daniel Day-Lewis, returning from a seven-year hiatus, defends method acting at the London Film Festival, emphasizing its role in spontaneity. His new film 'Anemone' received mixed reviews, scoring 55% on Rotten Tomatoes and one star from The Post. He admits to second thoughts about his retirement announcement.
What's behind the headline?
Day-Lewis's defense of method acting highlights its core as a tool for spontaneity rather than a cult-like practice. His comments challenge recent criticisms that dismiss the technique as unscientific or obsessive. The mixed reception of 'Anemone' underscores the risks of high immersion, especially when the film itself struggles critically. The actor's admission of second thoughts about retirement reveals ongoing internal conflict about his career choices. This story exposes the tension between artistic integrity and commercial success, illustrating how even revered actors grapple with industry pressures. The renewed debate around method acting's value will likely influence future performances and perceptions of immersive techniques in acting.
What the papers say
The NY Post quotes Day-Lewis defending method acting, emphasizing its role in spontaneity and joy, despite recent criticism and the film's poor reviews. The Independent provides context on his career, noting his long hiatus and the challenges of 'Anemone,' which scored poorly critically. Both sources highlight Day-Lewis's reflections on his career and the ongoing debate about acting methods, with The Post focusing on his defense and The Independent on his career trajectory and the film's reception.
How we got here
Day-Lewis, known for immersive roles, returned to acting after a hiatus to star in 'Anemone,' a film about his son Ronan. Despite praise for his performance, the film underperformed critically and commercially. The actor previously announced retirement in 2017 but clarified he never intended to fully retire, only to shift focus.
Go deeper
- What are the main criticisms of method acting today?
- How does Day-Lewis's approach differ from other actors?
- Will 'Anemone' impact his future projects?
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