Daniel Day-Lewis, renowned for his method acting and dedication to his roles, has built a legendary career marked by unparalleled performances, but also by its brevity. He has appeared in just 21 feature films across his career, a testament to his meticulous selection process and deep commitment to each project. This selectivity has cemented his status as one of the greatest actors of all time, proving that quality far outweighs quantity.
A Career Defined by Excellence, Not Volume
Day-Lewis’s filmography isn’t just a list of titles; it’s a curated collection of cinematic masterpieces. Each role represents a profound immersion into the character, often involving years of preparation and unwavering dedication. This intense approach, while demanding, has yielded performances that are universally lauded and deeply impactful. Unlike actors who churn out multiple projects per year, Day-Lewis prioritized artistic integrity over commercial demands, resulting in a limited but exceptionally powerful body of work.
Understanding the Context: Why So Few Films?
The relatively small number of films in Day-Lewis’s career stems from several factors. First and foremost is his method acting approach, which requires him to fully inhabit the character, often living and breathing the role for months or even years. This process is incredibly draining, both physically and emotionally. Second, Day-Lewis is known for his rigorous script selection. He reportedly receives numerous offers but accepts only those that resonate deeply with him, representing a unique challenge and opportunity for artistic exploration. Finally, his extended breaks between films allow him to decompress, disconnect from the intensity of his previous role, and recharge for his next endeavor.
Daniel Day-Lewis Filmography: A Complete List
Here is a complete list of Daniel Day-Lewis’s 21 feature films, in chronological order:
- Sunday Bloody Sunday (1971) – Uncredited Child Vandal
- Gandhi (1982) – Colin
- The Bounty (1984) – John Fryer
- My Beautiful Laundrette (1985) – Johnny Burfoot
- A Room with a View (1985) – Cecil Vyse
- Nanou (1986) – Uncredited Guitar Player
- The Unbearable Lightness of Being (1988) – Tomas
- Stars and Bars (1988) – Henderson Dores
- My Left Foot (1989) – Christy Brown
- Eversmile, New Jersey (1989) – Dr. Fergus O’Connell
- The Last of the Mohicans (1992) – Hawkeye (Nathaniel Poe)
- The Age of Innocence (1993) – Newland Archer
- In the Name of the Father (1993) – Gerry Conlon
- The Crucible (1996) – John Proctor
- The Boxer (1997) – Danny Flynn
- Gangs of New York (2002) – William “Bill the Butcher” Cutting
- The Ballad of Jack and Rose (2005) – Jack Slavin
- There Will Be Blood (2007) – Daniel Plainview
- Nine (2009) – Guido Contini
- Lincoln (2012) – Abraham Lincoln
- Phantom Thread (2017) – Reynolds Woodcock
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Day-Lewis’s Career
Here are some frequently asked questions about Daniel Day-Lewis’s film career, providing further insights into his choices, his acting methods, and his lasting impact on cinema:
What was Daniel Day-Lewis’s first film role?
His first credited role was in Gandhi (1982), where he played Colin. However, he had an uncredited role as a child vandal in Sunday Bloody Sunday (1971*. This early experience foreshadowed his future dedication to the craft.
How many Oscars has Daniel Day-Lewis won?
Daniel Day-Lewis has won three Academy Awards for Best Actor, making him the only actor to have achieved this feat in that category. He won for My Left Foot (1989), There Will Be Blood (2007), and Lincoln (2012). This accomplishment solidifies his position as one of the most decorated actors in Academy history.
Which role is considered Daniel Day-Lewis’s most transformative?
While all his roles involve significant transformation, many consider his portrayal of Christy Brown in My Left Foot to be the most transformative. To prepare, he lived in a wheelchair for months, learning to type with his toes and immersing himself in the world of a man with cerebral palsy. The physical and emotional demands of the role were immense, and his performance was universally acclaimed.
What is “method acting,” and how does Daniel Day-Lewis utilize it?
Method acting is a technique where actors immerse themselves in their character’s world, often staying in character even off-screen. Day-Lewis is known for his extreme dedication to this approach. For The Last of the Mohicans, he lived in the wilderness and learned to survive off the land. For Gangs of New York, he learned to butcher meat and refused to break character, even off-set.
Why did Daniel Day-Lewis retire from acting?
Daniel Day-Lewis announced his retirement in 2017, shortly before the release of Phantom Thread. While he has never explicitly stated the reasons for his decision, speculation abounds. Some believe it was due to the intense demands of method acting taking a toll. Others suggest he simply felt he had achieved all he wanted to in the profession and was ready to pursue other interests. The specific reason remains a mystery.
Are there any Daniel Day-Lewis films that are considered flops?
While critical opinions vary, Eversmile, New Jersey (1989) is often cited as the least successful film in his career. It received largely negative reviews and failed to make a significant impact at the box office. However, even in this less acclaimed film, Day-Lewis’s commitment to his role was evident.
What kind of director does Daniel Day-Lewis prefer working with?
Day-Lewis is known to favor working with directors who have a strong vision and are willing to collaborate closely with him. He has worked with Martin Scorsese on Gangs of New York, Paul Thomas Anderson on There Will Be Blood and Phantom Thread, and Jim Sheridan on My Left Foot and In the Name of the Father. These collaborations are a testament to his desire for artistic challenges and meaningful storytelling.
Did Daniel Day-Lewis ever consider acting on stage?
While primarily a film actor, Day-Lewis did have a notable stage career early on. He performed with the National Youth Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company. His experiences on stage helped hone his acting skills and provided a foundation for his later success in film. He hasn’t acted on stage in many years, but his early theatrical work is a significant part of his artistic development.
What other activities is Daniel Day-Lewis interested in besides acting?
Beyond acting, Day-Lewis is known for his interest in craftsmanship, particularly woodworking and shoemaking. He has reportedly spent significant time learning these skills, reflecting his appreciation for tangible creation and the dedication required to master a craft. These pursuits highlight his deep respect for skill and artistry in all its forms.
What is Daniel Day-Lewis’s most commercially successful film?
Gangs of New York (2002) is arguably his most commercially successful film, grossing over $193 million worldwide. His portrayal of Bill “The Butcher” Cutting was critically acclaimed and helped the film achieve significant box office success.
Will Daniel Day-Lewis ever act again?
Despite announcing his retirement, the possibility of Day-Lewis returning to acting remains a subject of speculation. Many fans and industry insiders hold out hope that he may one day be tempted back to the screen by a compelling role. However, as of today, he has shown no signs of reversing his decision. The possibility, however slim, remains.
How has Daniel Day-Lewis’s selectivity impacted his legacy?
Daniel Day-Lewis’s strict selectivity has significantly shaped his legacy. By choosing roles carefully and dedicating himself fully to each performance, he has cultivated an image of unparalleled artistic integrity and commitment. This has cemented his status as a legendary actor whose work is defined by its depth, nuance, and lasting impact. His deliberate approach serves as an example of prioritizing quality over quantity in a profession often driven by commercial pressures.