The actors life: Daniel Day-Lewis

In the world of films that have depth to them, or films in general, Daniel Day-Lewis is hands down one of 

the finest and most versatile actors of our day. Some have even called him the Laurence Olivier of our day. 

Why he doesn't win an Oscar for every film he is ever in is beyond me. The work, the imagination and the 

creativity he puts into every role is so beautiful that it takes my breath away and thats for sure. Let's explore 

the actor and the methods of Daniel Day-Lewis.

Daniel was born to British actress Jill Balcon and Anglo-irish poet Cicil Day-Lewis in London in 

1957.Living in middle-class Greenwich, Day-Lewis found himself among tough South London kids, and, 

being part Jewish and posh, he was often bullied. He mastered the local accent and mannerisms and credits 

that with being his first convincing performances. Later in life, he was known to speak of himself as very 

much a disorderly character in his younger years, often in trouble for shoplifting and other petty crimes.

In 1968, Day-Lewis's parents, finding his behaviour to be too wild, sent him to the independent Sevenoaks School in Kent, as a boarder.  He was later transferred to another independent school, Bedales in Petersfield, which his sister attended, and which had a more relaxed and creative ethos. This transfer led to his film debut at the age of 14 in Sunday Bloody Sunday.

Leaving Bedales in 1975, his unruly attitude had faded and he needed to make a career choice. Although he had excelled onstage at the National Youth Theatre, he decided to become a cabinet-maker, applying for a five-year apprenticeship. However, because of a lack of experience, he was not accepted. He then applied (and was accepted) at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, which he attended for three years, eventually performing at the Bristol Old Vic itself

As he grew his work ethic was well publicized over the years. He would go into intense training in order to become closer to his character. For Last of the Mohicans he learned to skin animals and live off the land. For In the Name of the Father he stayed long stretches of time in a prison cell and insisted that the crew throw cold water on him and verbally abuse him. While creating the role of Bill the Butcher for Gangs of New York he wore 1870's clothing around New York City in both cold and warm weather. 

Daniel has, overall, not been in many films. Nineteen is the actual number he has been in to date. Compared to most big name actors that is rather a small sum. When you research into this method actors preparations for roles you will begin to understand why he chooses so few. Honestly I respect him for not just choosing roles because they are there, but because there is something he wants to say or express through each job he takes. Many actors don't seem to care what they get as long as they get a nice paycheck *cough, cough, Nicholas Cage, cough* 

I truly believe that he is an inspiration for any actor. He shows in every one of his films that intensity and hard work can really pay off. 

If one day I could become half the actor that Daniel Day-Lewis is then I, for one, would be very happy.

Upcoming Role: Abraham Lincoln in Stephen Spielbergs Biographical film Lincoln.