Daniel Day-Lewis

Day-Lewis is one of the most celebrated actors of the last 25 years and arguably the best actor of our generation. Although, much of his success can be attributed to outstanding work in a number of performances such asMy Left FootandLincoln.Day-Lewis is considered amethod actor, known for his constant devotion to and research of his rolesDisplaying a “mercurial intensity“, he would often remain completely in character throughout the shooting schedules of his films, even to the point of adversely affecting his health.He is one of the most selective actors in the film industry, having starred in only six films since 1998, with as many as five years between roles.Protective of his private life, he rarely gives interviews, and makes very few public appearances.In June 2014, he received aknighthood for services to drama. He doesn't jump onto projects for financial gain and notoriously turns down roles that most of us would give our left foot to do. However, when he finally acquiesces, he dives into his work deeper than most are willing to go.ForThe Boxer,Day-Lewis "crudely tattooed his hands and trained as a real fighter, twice a day, seven days a week, for nearly three years," in order to prepare for the role of Danny Flynn.He truly became a proficient brawler, and every callous he endured crystallized into the skin of a boxer. The three years it took to grasp the every day life of a prizefighter, guaranteed that his five senses were synched with his character. So that when the director called "action!",Daniel Day-Lewis did not have to act, he could just be.

Reportedly, he prepared for five years for the filmGangs of New York,three years forThere Will Be Bloodand ten years forLincoln. The latter two films he won the Oscar for Best Actor.For his role inMy Left Foot, he would refuse to get out of the set’s wheelchair even after filming ended so that he could fully experience life from a debilitating injury. His slumped posture resulted in two broken ribs by the end of filming.

To prepare forThe Last of the Mohicans, Day-Lewis actually lived in the wild for 6 months, surviving on nothing but the barest necessities.As a writer, his method acting taught me about Research- actors don’t just wake up knowing everything about their part — they do extensive research (sometimes for years). If you’re not already an expert on the subject you’re writing about, you’ll need to become one; otherwise, you’re just spouting nonsense. Also, Authenticity, Day-Lewis grew his own beard forLincoln,because he considers makeup too inauthentic. Take this to heart when you write—make your content naturally sound like it came from an expert in the industry.Lastly, Experience, There’s nothing wrong with going out there and experiencing the subject you’re writing about. The 60 year old,three time Oscar Winnerhad thrown in the towel and the acting world wonders why? The answer remains a mystery; perfectly befitting for an actor who shrouds himself in the very thing. While you might conclude he’s slightly crazy for going to such pains to play a character, you have to admit that his method works. Day-Lewis is considered one of the best actors of his time because he can convince anyone that it’s not him under the clothes and makeup — he makes his characters come alive.