Daniel Day-Lewis checked into the Plaza Hotel as "N. Archer" and lived there for 2 weeks wearing clothes suitable to his film character as research for Newland Archer😄
Yeah, I don't get why he feels the need to submerge himself this way to come up with a performance. Bette Davis never did that sort of thing. And neither did Shelly D. or Sissy S.. To me, he's just allright. To be honest, I've never really considered him much, either way. I guess he was good in "My Left Foot".
shareI never found him sexually appealing either. Kinda asexual. My Left Foot was good and inspiring, but this was before he was that well known. If what was quoted was true, it sounds absurd. I can understand preparing for a role; but it appears a tad "unrealistic", even psychotic to go to the extreme of pretending to be someone else for 2 weeks just by wearing a period suit. How many other actors\actresses in period films do this? If you have learned your part, just put on your costume, take the direction and act the part in the moment.
Exorcist: Christ's power compels you. Cast out, unclean spirit.
Destinata:💩
In The Name Of The Father-93:
In preparation for his role, Daniel Day-Lewis lost 30 pounds and spent nights in the jail cell on the set as crew members threw water and verbal abuse at him.I wonder if he felt this would make his performance more realistic and wild angry at the injustice and degradation his character endures. Losing weight for the role is fine; but wanting to be physically punished, as though that would make him appear more believable, means to me he mustn't have that much of an imagination to begin with in the first place. Why not make this work in the moment and let his frustration and anger be spontaneous? I think he gets acclaimed praise for all the wrong reasons as an actor.
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I have seen about 10 of his films where he has starring roles, which is around half of his major films. He tends to steer clear of easy going main stream product; but has worked with plenty of interesting and prolific directors. I suppose he does what he feels is interesting and challenging.
I like period films and enjoy The Age Of Innocence; but not because of him. I may have liked it even better if someone else was cast in his role. Pfeiffer, Ryder and the stunning production design and costumes are the selling point for me. I find Day-Lewis quite mannered and dreary to watch. You are not missing out on much. My favorite film of his he stars in is A Room With A View-86'; but that is more of an ensemble. I also like The Crucible-96', which he starred with Ryder again. It is a depressing but engrossing story.
Exorcist: Christ's power compels you. Cast out, unclean spirit.
Destinata:💩
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I would say avoid most of his films then. You may like Stars and Bars or A Room With A View.
Exorcist: Christ's power compels you. Cast out, unclean spirit.
Destinata:💩
'Stars and Bars' is forgettable. I bought it on video years ago because it starred DDL. I still have the video, and probably should watch it again. But it's a bad sign that I remember very little of his performance and not much of the plot has stayed with me.
shareOh dear, I think I know the film you're referring to. I believe I saw it years ago on HBO or something. Is that the one with Dan Ackroyd? IIRC, DDL's naked scrawny derriere is seen as he shinnies along a ledge of a building, and it was NOT a pleasant sight.
shareYes, his methods may seem extreme, even insane, but the fact is that they get results.
Of course I'd be happy for him if he could get the same results with less weirdness, because then he'd be happier and work more and I'd get to enjoy more of his performances. But that doesn't seem to be the case, it's like he can only get to where he needs to be by torturing himself, and that makes him want to quit acting. Temporarily, or maybe now permanently.
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