Seven years ago, I said an emotional farewell to Daniel Day-Lewis, who at the age of 60 announced he was retiring from acting after completing Phantom Thread with Paul Thomas Anderson. At the time, I hoped he might reconsider, and now it appears he has returned from retirement to film a new movie titled Anemone, featuring Sean Bean and Samantha Morton. While this is exciting news for fans, there is a peculiar undertone involving Jaden Smith, son of Will Smith, leaving many to wonder about its implications.
Anemone will be directed by Day-Lewis’s son, Ronan Day-Lewis, who has previously directed a music video and a short film. The father-son duo has co-written the script, which reportedly explores the complex relationship between fathers and sons.
Collaborating on projects is one thing, but being directed by one’s own child poses unique challenges. In Hollywood, there are examples of successful collaborations, such as Will and Jaden Smith in The Pursuit of Happyness, and Kurt Russell with his son Wyatt. However, the dynamic of a seasoned actor being directed by an inexperienced director could lead to tensions, especially within the context of a father-son relationship.
Day-Lewis has previously worked with family; he starred in The Ballad of Jack and Rose, which was written and directed by his wife, Rebecca Miller. The film, while intriguing, examined familial relationships in a way that echoed Day-Lewis’s own complexities.
Throughout his career, Day-Lewis has consistently surprised and delighted audiences, and despite potential challenges, it’s hard to bet against his ability to pull it off once more. John Huston successfully directed his father in The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, creating a timeless classic. With this legacy in mind, I am eagerly anticipating what Ronan Day-Lewis will bring to the screen in Anemone.