Daniel Day-Lewis, acclaimed for his remarkable ability to immerse himself in roles, has largely stepped back from acting since his last project, “Phantom Thread,” which he described as having an “overwhelming sense of sadness” associated with it. Since announcing his retirement from acting in 2017, following this film, Day-Lewis has opted to lead a quieter life far from the Hollywood spotlight that once shone brightly on him.
In a candid conversation shortly after his decision, he reflected on the profound impact “Phantom Thread” had on him. He shared that during filming, both he and director Paul Thomas Anderson experienced diminishing moments of joy, noting, “we laughed a lot… and then we stopped laughing.” This shift contributed to his decision to retire, as he felt a sense of vacancy and a loss of belief in the value of his work.
Day-Lewis’ approach to acting has always been characterized by his intense and often grueling preparation methods, garnering him three Academy Awards for performances in films like “My Left Foot” and “Lincoln.” However, he admitted that while these methods served him well in the past, they became burdensome during the making of “Phantom Thread,” where the immersive experience turned into a challenge, leaving him feeling trapped in his character.
Despite stepping away from the industry, there is a glimmer of hope as Day-Lewis has recently signed on for a new project titled “Anemone,” directed by his son. This development marks a significant event as it signals his return to the screen, albeit in a supporting role, which reflects a return to his roots rather than a grand revival.
This potential comeback provides a hopeful narrative for fans, showing that even after a period of intense introspection and personal struggle, there might still be room for creative expression and connection to the craft that Day-Lewis once loved so profoundly.