Daniel Day-Lewis Accuses Brian Cox of Creating a "Conflict" About Method Acting
Daniel Day-Lewis has shared his thoughts on being pulled into an ongoing debate about Method acting, sparked by actor Brian Cox. In a recent conversation with the U.K.'s Big Issue, the 68-year-old actor noted that he had been "inadvertently drawn" into public discussions around this immersive acting style.
Brian Cox’s Comments and Their Context
The exchange began after Cox, 79, suggested in a 2023 interview with Variety that his Succession co-star Jeremy Strong began experimenting with Method acting following time spent with Day-Lewis.
“Of course, Jeremy was Dan Day-Lewis’ assistant. So he’s learned all that stuff from Dan,” Cox said.
Day-Lewis Responds to the Controversy
While promoting his new film Anemone, Day-Lewis remarked that Cox had unintentionally drawn him into a trivial conflict. Reflecting on their previous collaboration in the 1997 film The Boxer, he maintained his respect for Cox’s talent but hinted at wishing to avoid the dispute.
“Listen, I worked with Brian Cox once and got somehow drawn into this handbags-at-dawn conflict inadvertently,” Day-Lewis told Big Issue. “Brian is a very fine actor who’s done extraordinary work. As a result, he’s been given a soapbox… which he shows no sign of climbing down from. Any time he wants to talk about it, I’m easy to find.”
Background and Reactions
Cox has previously linked Day-Lewis’ intense approach to acting with both the inspiration for Strong's techniques and the Oscar winner’s extended break from the screen. The debate reflects a wider, ongoing conversation in the acting world about the value and toll of Method acting.
Author’s Summary: The exchange highlights how Brian Cox’s remarks reignited discussion around Method acting, inadvertently pulling Daniel Day-Lewis into the debate while he sought to steer clear of renewed controversy.