Daniel Day-Lewis Addresses Brian Cox's Comments on Method Acting
Daniel Day-Lewis expressed that Brian Cox involved him in an unintended debate about Method acting. Speaking to the U.K.'s Big Issue, Day-Lewis, 68, explained that he was "inadvertently" drawn into discussions about this popular acting technique.
Origin of the Conflict
The situation began when Brian Cox, 79, commented in a 2023 Variety interview that his Succession co-star Jeremy Strong started to explore Method acting after spending time with Day-Lewis.
“Listen, I worked with Brian Cox once and got somehow drawn into this handbags-at-dawn conflict inadvertently,” Day-Lewis told Big Issue, while promoting his new movie Anemone. “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.”
Connection to Previous Work
Day-Lewis and Cox previously collaborated on the 1997 film The Boxer. Cox suggested that Day-Lewis' immersive acting approach contributed to the actor’s prolonged hiatus from acting, and also influenced Jeremy Strong’s method, as Strong worked as Day-Lewis’ assistant.
“Of course, Jeremy was Dan Day-Lewis’ assistant. So he’s learned all that stuff from Dan," Cox said.
Summary
Daniel Day-Lewis clarifies that Brian Cox has involved him in a public dispute about Method acting without his intention, emphasizing his openness to discuss it but distancing himself from the conflict.
Author's summary: Daniel Day-Lewis distances himself from Brian Cox’s comments on Method acting, describing the situation as an unintended public debate sparked by Cox’s remarks on Jeremy Strong’s acting approach.