The movie Daniel Day-Lewis put himself in solitary confinement for
The topic of method acting has been widely debated over the years, with some actors believing it to be the only true way to embody their characters – to understand the inner workings of their minds. Others think it can be dangerous and over the top, reflecting the sign of an artist who cannot simply use their imagination to conjure up an impressive performance.
Many actors have criticised this approach to acting, such as one of the greatest icons of the 20th century, Laurence Olivier. After hearing about Dustin Hoffman’s extreme decision to stay up for days to play his character, the veteran told The Guardian, “My dear boy, why don’t you just try acting?”
However, some of the most highly celebrated actors in modern cinema believe that method acting can elevate their craft to the next level. Stars such as Robert De Niro and Daniel Day-Lewis, both of whom have won Oscars, swear by method acting, with the latter becoming particularly notorious for taking it to extreme levels.
In an interview with GQ, Mads Mikkelsen explained his thoughts on method-acting, calling the craft “bullshit”. He said, “What if it’s a shit film – what do you think you achieved? Am I impressed that you didn’t drop character? You should have dropped it from the beginning!” Then he made a comment that alluded to Day-Lewis’ penchant for going method: “‘I’m having a cigarette? This is from 2020. It’s not from 1870 – can you live with it?’ It’s just pretentious.”
Over the years, Day-Lewis has made headlines for going too far while trying to get into character. For example, in My Left Foot, released in 1989, the actor played a man with cerebral palsy, which left him with limited mobility. Of course, Day-Lewis’ ability to move was just fine, but to get into character he asked crew members to carry him or push him in a wheelchair. It has even been reported that he asked several people to spoon-feed him like his character. He ended up winning an Oscar for the role, encouraging him to continue his method-acting ways.
A few years later, he starred in Jim Sheridan’s In The Name of the Father alongside Pete Postlethwaite and Emma Thompson. The movie bagged him another Oscar nomination and was widely praised by critics. Based on the Guildford Four, Day-Lewis played one of the men falsely accused of letting off a bomb, eventually admitting to the crime after being threatened by the police. Reluctantly singing papers so that the police wouldn’t shoot his father, Day-Lewis gives a highly emotional and devastating performance.
Yet again, Day-Lewis took extensive measures to master the role, spending three days in solitary confinement, all while other prisoners would bang on his door. The chaotic environment was heightened by real groups of Special Branch officers, whom he allowed to interrogate him for hours.
But he didn’t stop there. He even lost weight for the role – one of the more common ways of method acting. However, the already-slim Day-Lewis shed 50 pounds for the role; clearly, he was incredibly dedicated to the part.
