Daniel Day-Lewis Criticizes Brian Cox for Method Acting Dispute

Daniel Day-Lewis has voiced his concerns over Brian Cox involving him in a dispute regarding method acting. In a recent conversation with the U.K.’s Big Issue, Day-Lewis expressed his discomfort over being pulled into the controversy between Cox and Jeremy Strong.

Context of the Dispute

The tension arose during the production of the acclaimed series Succession. Cox criticized Strong’s immersive acting style for his portrayal of Kendall Roy. He claimed that Strong’s approach damaged ensemble dynamics and created conflict with fellow cast members. Cox also mentioned that Day-Lewis had influenced Strong’s method during their collaborations on The Ballad of Jack and Rose (2005) and Lincoln (2012).

Day-Lewis Responds to Cox

Reflecting on their past collaboration in the 1997 film The Boxer, Day-Lewis stated, “I worked with Brian Cox once and got somehow drawn into this handbags-at-dawn conflict inadvertently.” He acknowledged Cox’s talent but challenged the validity of the criticisms aimed at him. Day-Lewis remarked, “Any time he wants to talk about it, I’m easy to find.”

Praise for Jeremy Strong

Day-Lewis also took the opportunity to commend Strong, stating, “I don’t feel responsible in any way for that.” He recognized Strong as a “very fine actor” and defended the practice of method acting that Strong embodies.

Method Acting Explained

Throughout his illustrious career, Day-Lewis has immersed himself in roles, a technique often met with criticism in Hollywood. However, he firmly believes in the value of method acting. At the 69th BFI London Film Festival, he described this approach as a means to achieve spontaneity when collaborating with fellow actors.

• “It’s about freeing yourself to respond in the moment,” Day-Lewis stated.
• Day-Lewis challenged misconceptions surrounding method acting, emphasizing that it’s often misrepresented.
• He noted that exaggerated claims about extreme methods distract from the true intentions behind the craft.

Conclusion

In his conversation, Day-Lewis passionately defended the misunderstood nature of method acting. He voiced frustration over the stigma attached to it, asserting that it shouldn’t be linked to negative stereotypes or insanity. As such, he prefers a more involved approach, noting, “I choose to stay and splash around rather than jump in and out.”