Daniel Day-Lewis Shines at London Film Festival with ‘Anemone’

Daniel Day-Lewis made a striking return to the limelight on October 11, 2023, at the BFI London Film Festival. His appearance marked his first public engagement in several years, and he was greeted with enthusiastic applause after signing autographs for fans. Day-Lewis, a three-time Oscar winner, discussed his new film, Anemone, directed by his son, Ronan Day-Lewis, and shared insights into his unique approach to acting.

In Anemone, which explores themes of brotherhood and reconciliation between estranged siblings, Day-Lewis plays a pivotal role alongside Sean Bean and Samantha Morton. The narrative follows a middle-aged man’s journey into the woods to reconnect with his hermit brother, portrayed by Day-Lewis. He explained that his decision to return to acting stemmed from a desire to collaborate with his son, stating, “It began with a pure wish really to work with Ronan.”

Ronan emphasized the intimacy of filming, noting that much of it took place in a shed, creating a “claustrophobic” yet close atmosphere. He remarked that collaborating with his father allowed for a unique dynamic, as they wrote the script together. “It takes the edge off because you know they will give you the benefit of the doubt,” he said.

During the discussion, Day-Lewis reflected on his career, specifically his method acting techniques. He countered recent criticisms by describing method acting as a way to foster spontaneity. “It’s almost like some special science that we’re involved in, or a cult,” he said, arguing that such views often come from those who lack an understanding of the practice. For Day-Lewis, immersing himself in roles is a source of joy, as he described acting as “playing games for a living.”

He shared anecdotes from his early career, recalling how he approached iconic roles, such as in My Left Foot. “I was clueless,” he admitted, eliciting laughter from the audience. He expressed frustration over the perception of theater as the elite form of performance while film was considered less respectable.

The actor also reminisced about his long-standing collaboration with director Jim Sheridan, saying, “I met Jim, and I basically had a crush on him within 10 minutes.” He acknowledged the influence of legendary actors like Marlon Brando and shared his admiration for filmmaker Ken Loach, mentioning how Loach’s work had a significant impact on his artistic journey.

As the conversation turned to lighter topics, Day-Lewis humorously reflected on some of the film’s scenes, particularly one involving a “hilarious” moment with a priest. His candidness resonated with the audience, showcasing the depth of his personality beyond the screen.

Looking back on his career, Day-Lewis expressed regret over announcing his retirement in 2017 after Paul Thomas Anderson‘s Phantom Thread. “I would have done well to just keep my mouth shut,” he said, indicating that he never intended to retire from acting altogether.

Before concluding the event, Day-Lewis offered advice to aspiring actors. He emphasized the importance of staying true to oneself: “It takes a certain steadiness in yourself to say, ‘No, I need to just do this the only way I know how.’”

As he left the stage, the audience responded with a standing ovation, celebrating not just his return but also the collaborative spirit of Anemone, a film that promises to resonate with viewers long after its premiere.