Indeed, Daniel Day-Lewis is a consummate method actor. Just as is Robert DeNiro. Though sometimes I have to chuckle at this process, remembering something Sir Laurence Olivier once commented on regarding another prominent method actor- Dustin Hoffman.
While they were filming the film "Marathon Man", Olivier's character was a sadistic dentist who was interrogating/torturing Hoffman's character while Hofmann was strapped in a chair.
Hoffmann being the method actor he is decided to enhance the degree of stress he was going through in this scene, having concocted a plan to remain awake for more than 24 hours straight prior to actually filming this particular scene. Unfortunately when it came time for it, Hoffmann messed up take after take. Forcing the production to delay the scene until Hoffmann was alert and awake enough to pull it off.
At the time, Sir Laurence being regarded as one of the world's greatest actors turned to Hoffman in exasperation and reminded him that he's an actor. Saying, "My boy....when you have to act, just ACT!"
Needless to say, Sir Laurence was not a method actor. But hey...whatever works for ya. Personally I wouldn't dream of criticizing any of these great actors.
Warning: Grim and torturous scene, but only acting happening.
In tribute to Daniel Day-Lewis: "Bill the Butcher" in "Gangs of New York"
Daniel Day-Lewis as Gerry Conlon forced into a false confession by British police:
"In The Name of the Father"
