Daniel Day-Lewis Discusses Method Acting and Unveils Why ‘My Left Foot’ Wouldn’t Happen in 2025 at LFF Q&A with Paul Thomas Anderson

Daniel Day-Lewis recently engaged in a career Q&A at the BFI Southbank, coinciding with the London Film Festival where he presented his latest project, Anemone. The session, hosted by British film critic Mark Kermode, featured insights from Day-Lewis on his acting methods and experiences.

Method Acting and Inspirations

During the event, Kermode revealed he reached out to Paul Thomas Anderson, a frequent collaborator with Day-Lewis, for questions. Anderson praised Day-Lewis’s writing abilities and insights into character preparation, particularly highlighting his inspiration from novels by Kent Haruf, specifically Plainsong and Eventide.

• Book Titles:
  • Plainsong
  • Eventide
• Inspiration: Characters in the novels who live with tacit understanding.

Day-Lewis drew from his interactions with young disabled individuals at a Dublin clinic while preparing for his acclaimed role in the film My Left Foot. He expressed that today, he would not pursue such a role, citing it as “questionable” then and acknowledging the complexity involved in portraying a character with cerebral palsy.

Reflections on Past Roles

Reflecting on My Left Foot, Day-Lewis stated, “I certainly would not be able to make that film today.” He noted the mixed reactions from those he consulted during the preparation, revealing that he understood their concerns but believed in the importance of the story.

He further elaborated on his method acting approach, explaining, “It just makes sense to me.” He emphasized the psychological responsibility of embodying the experiences of significant figures like Christy Brown, a renowned personality in Irish culture.

Advise to Upcoming Filmmakers

As Ronan Day-Lewis embarks on his directorial debut with Anemone, his father offered a poignant piece of advice: “Take it easy.” He shared that early in his career, he was pressured to produce a high volume of work but discovered that his most compelling performances stemmed from a unique process that required time and reflection.

Film Overview

Anemone is set in Northern England and tells the story of a man on a quest to reconnect with his estranged brother, exploring the complexities of their past shaped by significant events. The film is directed by Ronan Day-Lewis, who co-wrote the script with his father. It is produced by Brad Pitt’s Plan B and features actors Samuel Bottomley, Safia Oakley-Green, and Samantha Morton.

The London Film Festival continues until October 19, showcasing an array of films and talents.