Daniel Day-Lewis Criticizes Method Acting's Lunatic Reputation Amid Industry Backlash

Daniel Day-Lewis, the acclaimed actor known for his immersive Method acting, has expressed frustration with how the technique is currently perceived. He criticizes the trend of equating Method acting with extreme, erratic behavior, describing this association as a misinterpretation that damages the craft's reputation. Day-Lewis emphasizes that true Method acting should focus on internal emotional work rather than external displays of discomfort or mental instability. His concerns come amid a broader industry debate, as some contemporary actors have been criticized for misusing Method acting to justify unprofessional conduct. Despite retiring in 2017, Day-Lewis has returned to acting with the film Anemone, using this platform to advocate for a return to the art’s core principles. His comments highlight a call within the acting community to respect the discipline and seriousness inherent in Method acting, rather than focusing on sensationalized anecdotes of behavior.