Daniel Day-Lewis Responds to Brian Cox's Criticism of Method Acting
Daniel Day-Lewis addressed Brian Cox's strong criticism of method acting after being "inadvertently" involved in the discussion. The three-time Oscar winner spoke to Big Issue about Cox's outspoken opinion and expressed surprise at his comments.
Day-Lewis said,
“Listen, I worked with Brian Cox once and got somehow drawn into this handbags-at-dawn conflict inadvertently. Brian is a very fine actor who’s done extraordinary work. As a result, he’s been given a soapbox… which he shows no sign of climbing down from. Any time he wants to talk about it, I’m easy to find.”
He added,
“If I thought during our work together I’d interfered with his working process, I’d be appalled. But I don’t think it was like that. So I don’t know where the f–k that came from. Jeremy Strong is a very fine actor, I don’t know how he goes about things, but I don’t feel responsible in any way for that.”
Brian Cox's Criticism of Method Acting
In 2021, Brian Cox openly criticized method acting while discussing his co-star Jeremy Strong’s portrayal of Kendall Roy in the HBO series Succession. Cox attributed Strong’s performance to the influence of Day-Lewis’ method acting, which he described as a distinctly “American disease.”
He reaffirmed his stance in 2023, stating,
“He’s a very good actor. And the rest of the ensemble is all OK with this.”
Context and Background
- Daniel Day-Lewis is recognized for his intense method acting.
- Brian Cox criticized method acting as a problematic approach, linking it to Strong’s performance style.
- Day-Lewis denies responsibility for Strong’s method and defends his own working relationship with Cox.
Summary: Daniel Day-Lewis firmly rejects Brian Cox’s critique of method acting, emphasizing respect for Cox while distancing himself from the criticism aimed at Jeremy Strong.