How football hooliganism inspired one of Daniel Day-Lewis’ most iconic roles
When we discuss the pioneers associated with method acting, one of the first names to pop into anyone’s mind would be Daniel Day-Lewis. Having delivered unparalleled performances while collaborating with auteurs like Paul Thomas Anderson and Martin Scorsese, Day-Lewis inspired multiple generations of actors worldwide to revise their preconceived definitions and approach their craft in a new way.
From attempting to “become” Czech in The Unbearable Lightness of Being to staying confined in a wheelchair for My Left Foot, Day-Lewis’ career has all kinds of crazy method acting stories attached to it. While there are too many to choose from, one particularly interesting backstory is his preparation for his performance in Scorsese’s 2002 historical drama Gangs of New York, where he starred in the complex role of ‘Bill the Butcher’.
Inspired by Scorsese’s formative years in New York City’s Little Italy neighbourhood, Gangs of New York explores the country’s extensive history of conflict and immigration. Day-Lewis was cast to portray a fictionalised version of the historical figure of William Poole, a very influential gang leader of that period. In addition to undergoing intense physical training for the part, the actor also tapped into his own experiences of football hooliganism and street fighting.
During an interview, Day-Lewis revealed how important it was for him to get into the character’s unique headspace by channelling his own experiences: “Of course, I had to prepare, so I just went mad and remembered the halcyon days of fighting on the terraces at the Den, memories that stood me in good stead as Bill the Butcher. He was a bit of a punk and a marvellous character and a joy to be ‒ although not so good for my physical or mental health.”
While talking about his formative years, he added: “I was fascinated by the streets that were close by – Lewisham, New Cross, Deptford – and I roamed the streets of South London and supported Millwall with great gusto, and was on the terraces every Saturday with the rest of the lads. That part of my life means a lot to me – that time before I went to boarding school, when I was roaming the streets of Deptford. It was heaven, just discovering that world.”
Although not as unanimously loved as some of Scorsese’s other epics, Gangs of New York is still appreciated by fans because it is a very personal project for the filmmaker. Despite its obvious flaws, one of the unimpeachable strengths of the movie was Day-Lewis’ incredible performance for which he picked up yet another ‘Best Actor’ nomination at the Oscars.
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