Daniel Day-Lewis has an unconventional approach to his roles. On and off set during his filming period, he immerses himself in his character and essentially becomes the person he is playing. It seems to have paid off. Daniel is the only man to win the Best Actor Oscar three times, beating off fellow legend Jack Nicholson.
Yes, the approach is unconventional, but hasn’t it been worth it? Here are five films where Day-Lewis became his character.
1. Christy Brown – My Left Foot
One of his Oscar-winning performances, Daniel spent most of the shoot in a wheelchair. Kirsten Sheridan later commented: “He’d call you by your film name, and you’d call him Christy. It was madness. You’d be feeding him, wheeling him around.” Jim Sheridan was even afraid to approach him to tell him that people couldn’t understand some of what he was saying.That’s commitment…
2. Hawkeye – The Last of the Mohicans
During his preparation for the film, Day-Lewis insisted on carrying a gun everywhere and even learned how to build canoes.
3. Gerry Conlon – In the Name of the Father
Considered by many to be a defining Irish film, Day-Lewis lost a considerable amount of weight and had himself locked up to experience what Gerry went through.
4. Bill the Butcher – Gangs of New York
DiCaprio reportedly spent most of his time actively avoiding a terrifying, knife-wielding Day-Lewis, both on and off the set. Apparently, DiCaprio broke his nose in a fight scene.
5. Abraham Lincoln – Lincoln
Saving the best for last, good old Day-Lewis insisted on being addressed as Mr. President and sent text messages to Sally Field signing off as Abe.
And that Time cover that has claimed the inevitable. You are looking at the best actor of this generation, perhaps of all time.
