In the summer of 2017, Daniel Day-Lewis, the Oscar-winning actor, surprised Hollywood, London, and the entire entertainment world when he announced his retirement from acting. His performance in Paul Thomas Anderson‘s “Phantom Thread” marked his final cinematic endeavor, earning him a sixth Oscar nomination. Despite his retirement, Day-Lewis left behind a legacy of unforgettable performances that many believe will be difficult for any actor to replicate. He is the only actor to win three Oscars for Best Actor, a testament to his unparalleled talent and dedication to his craft.
Day-Lewis’s victories were for roles in “My Left Foot” (1989), “There Will Be Blood” (2007), and “Lincoln” (2012). He joins Walter Brennan and Jack Nicholson as one of only three actors to have won acting Oscars three times. Recognized not only by the Academy but also by the Screen Actors Guild and the Golden Globes, Day-Lewis’s contributions to cinema are monumental. If retirement truly beckons, his exceptional body of work will continue to inspire generations of actors and audiences alike. Here, we revisit 12 of Daniel Day-Lewis’s greatest films, guiding readers through a journey of remarkable characters and unforgettable performances.
An Unexpected Collaboration with Scorsese
“The Age of Innocence,” a collaboration between Martin Scorsese and Day-Lewis, is a film that stands apart in both the director’s and actor’s filmographies. Day-Lewis plays Newland Archer, a man caught in the rigid social expectations of 1870s New York. As he becomes entangled in a love triangle with May Welland and Countess Ellen Olenska, Day-Lewis brilliantly portrays Archer’s internal conflict between passion and duty. This role allowed him to exhibit a nuanced performance that captures the intricacies of societal pressure and personal desire.
Fighting Inner and Outer Demons
In “The Boxer,” Day-Lewis plays Danny Flynn, an ex-boxer and IRA member who returns home to Belfast with hopes of escaping his violent past. Late, he opens a boxing club, striving for redemption amid political turmoil. Day-Lewis’s portrayal of Flynn speaks to a world-weariness, showcasing an internal struggle that the actor deftly communicates. This performance earned Day-Lewis his second Golden Globe nomination, illustrating his ability to embody complex and multifaceted characters.
Brutality and Power in New York’s History
In Scorsese’s epic “Gangs of New York,” Day-Lewis plays Bill “The Butcher” Cutting, a character as ruthless as he is influential in 1860s New York. With political power and brutality against the growing immigrant population, Bill faces opposition from Amsterdam Vallon, played by Leonardo DiCaprio. The film explores themes of vengeance and power, and Day-Lewis’s performance stands out for its intensity and depth. His role as Bill The Butcher earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.
Romance and Political Unrest
“The Unbearable Lightness of Being” features Day-Lewis as Tomas, a Czech brain surgeon drawn into a romance with Juliette Binoche‘s character amidst a politically charged backdrop. The role required Day-Lewis to navigate a complex narrative of romance and activism. He delivers a compelling performance, portraying Tomas’s dual nature with remarkable skill, balancing romantic escapades with intellectual depth against the backdrop of Soviet invasions.
An Early Display of Versatility
In “A Room with a View,” Day-Lewis plays the snobbish yet endearing Cecil Vyse, a role that showcased his early versatility as an actor. Portraying a character whose misunderstanding of romance borders on humor, Day-Lewis brings Cecil to life with dry wit and impeccable timing. This role, though a supporting one, contributed significantly to the film’s success, adding to Day-Lewis’s growing acclaim as a performer capable of capturing a wide range of characters.
Physical and Emotional Challenges in Historical Drama
“The Last of the Mohicans” set against the backdrop of the French and Indian War, features Day-Lewis as Hawkeye, a character that demanded both physical and emotional vigor. The role required the actor to undergo grueling physical challenges, met with his usual commitment to authenticity. Day-Lewis portrayed Hawkeye with sensitivity, balancing the rugged demands of a frontier warrior with the depth of a character driven by loyalty and connection to his family.
A Cult Classic with Complex Relationships
Stephen Frears‘ “My Beautiful Laundrette” placed Day-Lewis in the role of Johnny, a punk-turned-business partner in a run-down London laundrette. The film explores themes of race, class, and sexuality, with Day-Lewis and his co-star developing a complex friendship. This film, part of the 1985 renaissance of Day-Lewis, displayed his capacity to evoke empathy in roles that defy simplistic interpretations, and marked his burgeoning prominence in the film industry.
Drama of Injustice and Family Bonds
In “In the Name of the Father,” Daniel Day-Lewis portrays Gerry Conlon, caught in a legal and personal drama of wrongful accusation for a 1974 pub bombing. The intense journey of fighting for justice and familial bonds resonated with audiences, and Day-Lewis’s partnership with director Jim Sheridan was powerful and stirring. Their collaboration earned the film several Oscar nominations, and Day-Lewis’s performance remained a career-defining moment of sensitivity and strength.
An Elegant Goodbye to Cinematic Mastery
“Phantom Thread,” Day-Lewis’s final film role, features him as Reynolds Woodcock, an iconic fashion designer whose meticulous lifestyle is disrupted by his muse, Alma. This performance showcases Day-Lewis’s ability to portray precision and emotional complexity. With a controlled yet explosive approach, Day-Lewis left audiences riveted by his swan song role, leaving a lasting impression and providing an exquisite farewell to a remarkable career.
Overcoming Physical Challenges to Win the First Oscar
Day-Lewis’s first Oscar-winning role came with “My Left Foot,” where he played Christy Brown, an artist with cerebral palsy who communicates through his left foot. The intensely physical role demonstrated Day-Lewis’s unmatched dedication to character embodiment, allowing him to express an array of emotions through sheer physicality. This performance remains a hallmark of his career, embodying resilience and brilliance in portraying a true-life icon.
A Ruthless Pursuit of Power
“There Will Be Blood,” directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, brought Daniel Day-Lewis’s second Oscar win as Daniel Plainview, an oil prospector consumed by ambition. The role required Day-Lewis to delve into darker aspects of greed, power, and human nature. He offered a nuanced performance that revealed layers of complexity, with Plainview’s duality of villainy and vulnerability captivating audiences and critics alike, earning him additional acclaim.
Embodiment of a Historical Icon
In Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln,” Day-Lewis portrayed President Abraham Lincoln, offering a fresh and compelling interpretation of the historical figure. The film, under Spielberg’s direction, revealed Lincoln not as a mythical hero, but as a thoughtful leader dedicated to unity and change. Day-Lewis’s depiction went beyond imitation, bringing an emotional depth that emphasized Lincoln’s humanity and strategic vision. This role earned him his third Oscar, solidifying his status as one of cinema’s greatest actors.
As we reflect on Daniel Day-Lewis’s illustrious career, it’s clear that his thoughtful choices and dedicated portrayals brought to life some of the most memorable characters in film history. Though retired from the spotlight, his contributions continue to inspire both audiences and aspiring actors, ensuring his cinematic legacy endures.
