Daniel Day-Lewis Returns to Acting in Family Drama ‘Anemone’

Daniel Day-Lewis made a highly anticipated return to the spotlight on October 4, 2023, at the BFI London Film Festival, where he participated in a packed Screen Talk event. This marks his first public appearance in years, and the three-time Oscar winner received a warm ovation from fans after signing autographs before the discussion. Day-Lewis spoke about his new film, Anemone, directed by his son, Ronan Day-Lewis, which explores themes of brotherhood and reconciliation among estranged siblings.

In his first acting role in eight years, Day-Lewis portrayed a middle-aged man on a journey into the woods to reconnect with his hermit brother, played by Day-Lewis himself. The film also stars Samantha Morton and had its world premiere at the New York Film Festival. Reflecting on his motivation to return to acting, Day-Lewis stated, “It began with a pure wish really to work with Ronan.” He emphasized the emotional weight of the project, acknowledging a “sadness” at the thought of not collaborating with his son in film.

Exploring Method Acting and Creative Relationships

During the discussion, Day-Lewis addressed his approach to acting, particularly his immersion into roles. He recalled his experience preparing for My Left Foot, describing how he eased into the physicality of the character. “I thought of the wheelchair as a cage,” he explained, highlighting his methodical approach to understanding his characters. He underscored that while he finds this process joyful, he respects that other actors can achieve great results without such immersion.

The actor also defended method acting against recent criticisms, which he suggested often come from those who do not fully understand the craft. “It’s almost like some special science that we’re involved in, or a cult,” he remarked, noting that it is simply a way to allow spontaneity during performances. He admitted that when he first entered the industry, he felt “clueless,” emphasizing how perceptions of theater and film have evolved over the years.

Day-Lewis shared anecdotes about his creative partnerships, particularly with director Jim Sheridan, stating, “I met Jim, and I basically had a crush on him within 10 minutes.” He also reminisced about his admiration for actors like Marlon Brando and his childhood crush on Julie Andrews as Mary Poppins. He credited viewing the film Kes as a pivotal moment in his life, calling it “one of the greatest performances.”

Family Dynamics in Filmmaking

Ronan Day-Lewis joined his father on stage for the final portion of the discussion, offering insights into their collaborative process while making Anemone. He described parts of the shoot as “claustrophobic” yet “incredibly intimate.” The duo co-wrote the script, with Day-Lewis senior humorously noting his inability to type. Ronan added that working with his father alleviated some pressures, stating, “It takes the edge off because you know they will give you the benefit of the doubt.”

The younger Day-Lewis also spoke about the influence of filmmaker David Lynch on his work, particularly regarding the exploration of darker themes. In a light-hearted moment, his father found humor in a particular scene involving an unusual phrase about “shitting on a priest.”

Reflecting on his past, Daniel Day-Lewis expressed regret for announcing his retirement in 2017 after starring in Paul Thomas Anderson’s film Phantom Thread. He explained, “Looking back on it now — I would have done well to just keep my mouth shut.” He clarified that he never intended to retire but needed time to pursue different kinds of work.

As the event concluded, Day-Lewis offered advice to young actors, stressing the importance of staying true to oneself amidst industry pressures. “It takes a certain steadiness in yourself to say, ‘No, I need to just do this the only way I know how,’” he said, garnering a final standing ovation from the audience.