Method acting has sparked debate in the artistic community, renowned for producing both compelling performances and mixed reactions over the years.
Daniel Day-Lewis, celebrated for his immersive approach, has garnered multiple Oscar nominations (including three wins) throughout his illustrious career, marking him as one of the foremost actors of his time. However, his intense dedication to method acting has occasionally raised eyebrows, with many questioning the appropriateness of his techniques.
When it involves refusing to interact outside of character or demanding assistance with lunch, it begs the question: is this really acceptable? While Day-Lewis secured an Oscar for portraying Christy Brown, a cerebral palsy sufferer, in My Left Foot, he insisted on staying in character to fully embody the role, necessitating physical assistance during filming.
Despite his inspiring performances, one co-star was unwilling to endure Day-Lewis’ extreme methods. Vicky Krieps, who played opposite him in Paul Thomas Anderson’s Phantom Thread—Day-Lewis’ final role before announcing his retirement—approached the situation differently. Unfamiliar with his reputation, she was adamant about treating him as an equal rather than a superstar.
In an interview with The Telegraph, Krieps shared, “I never watch the films of the people I’m going to work with; I don’t Google them. So I didn’t know much about [Day-Lewis’] method acting. I believe we are all equal. I could see it as a circus and didn’t feel intimidated.”
Aware that a female actor would be scrutinized if she attempted the same methods Day-Lewis used, Krieps decided to push back against his behavior. This dynamic reflected the characters’ tumultuous relationship in the film: Reynolds, the meticulous dressmaker, and Alma, his increasingly defiant muse.
“But after a while, I was really worn out. Like: okay, I get it. It’s a game, but can we just talk normally now?” she expressed, emphasizing that the line where Alma criticizes “you and your people and your walls and your rules…” was her genuine plea to Day-Lewis to drop the act.
Krieps maintained her stance, and her resistance contributed to an authentic onscreen dynamic, merging their confrontations into a cinematic dance: “I decided I wouldn’t treat him any differently just because he’s Daniel Day-Lewis. His reactions to how I was feeling added depth to our performance, making it something special.”
Phantom Thread was met with critical acclaim and is often reflected upon as Anderson’s crowning achievement, capturing a unique atmosphere that blends warmth and nostalgia with the inherent coldness of Reynolds and Alma’s complex relationship.
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