Daniel Day-Lewis Fires Back at Brian Cox Over "Method Acting" Criticism

VaThe renowned three-time Oscar winner Daniel Day-Lewis has finally responded to remarks made by fellow actor Brian Cox in the midst of an expanding public discussion over "method acting." Cox had sparked debate about the limits and effects of method acting on set by implying that actors like Jeremy Strong were affected by Day Lewis' immersive acting technique. 

In an exclusive interview, Day‑Lewis dismissed these claims, calling them a misrepresentation and describing the situation as a "handbags‑at‑dawn conflict," insisting that he has never sought to mentor or dictate another actor's approach.

An Unexpected Public Disagreement

Image Courtesy: Entertainment Weekly

Daniel Day Lewis recently spoke about his increasing public spat with fellow actor Brian Cox, which was sparked by Cox's previous remarks regarding "method acting," in an interview with The Big Issue. Day-Lewis claimed he got caught up in a "handbags-at-dawn conflict" with Cox when they first collaborated on the 1997 movie 'The Boxer,' saying: "Brian is a very fine actor…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."

Cox had previously claimed that Jeremy Strong has "learned all that stuff from Dan" and had also tied Strong's method acting style, who is well-known for his immersive work on 'Succession,' to Day-Lewis. Day‑Lewis, however, rejected the suggestion of mentorship or influence, stating he does "not feel responsible in any way for that."

Image Courtesy: Vanity Fair

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The Debate Over "Method Acting" and Misrepresentation

The dispute concerning "method acting" itself, including its worth, perception, and effects on the workplace, is at the center of the discussion. Method acting has been publicly criticized by Cox, who calls it "f‑‑‑ irritating," and implies that it fosters "hostility" on set, especially when it comes to actors staying in character outside of filming.

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In defending the approach, Day Lewis has said that the problem lies in how method acting is portrayed rather than the technique itself: "I just don't like it being misrepresented to the extent it has been…They focus on, Oh, he lived in a jail cell for six months. Those are the least important details."

The method is "almost as if it's some specious science… or a cult," when in reality it's "just a way of freeing yourself so that the spontaneity…you are free to respond in any way you'll move to in that moment," Day-Lewis argued further. 

New Project and Legacy Under the Microscope

In the midst of this public controversy, Day-Lewis is busy in promoting his long-awaited comeback to acting in the film 'Anemone,' which was directed by his own son Ronan Day-Lewis. At a time when Cox's criticism of “method acting” is becoming more popular, his reappearance has brought his renowned position and distinctive immersion approach back into the public eye.

Image Courtesy: Cinemablend

Day-Lewis highlighted his conviction that teamwork and camaraderie on set should always take precedence over technique, stating, "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‑‑‑ that came from."

Given that both performers are well-known in their respective industries, this dispute raises larger questions about performance culture, including how acting methods are evaluated, how influence is assigned, and how public commentary can become its own performance.

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