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The film will feature actors including Sean Bean, Samantha Morton, Samuel Bottomley and Safia Oakley-Green, and is currently shooting in Manchester.
Daniel Day-Lewis
Daniel Day-Lewis: an extraordinary career of acting artistry – is it really all over?
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Father and son wrote the screenplay, which “explores the intricate relationships between fathers, sons and brothers, and the dynamics of familial bonds”, Focus Features said.
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Born on April 29, 1957, in London, England, Day-Lewis grew up in an artistic family, with his father being a poet and his mother a prominent actress. This artistic environment fostered his early interest in acting, leading him to study at the prestigious Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. He made his professional debut in the early 1980s, quickly establishing himself with compelling performances on stage and screen.
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Day-Lewis first gained widespread recognition for his role as “Johnny” in the film 'My Beautiful Laundrette' (1985), a groundbreaking story that tackled themes of race and sexuality in 1980s London. His nuanced portrayal set the stage for a career marked by powerful, multifaceted characters. He followed this success with the critically acclaimed 'A Room with a View' (1985), where he played “Cecil Vyse,” further showcasing his ability to bring complex emotions to life.
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However, it was his performance in 'The Last of the Mohicans' (1992) as “Hawkeye” that solidified his status as a leading man. Day-Lewis's physical transformation and emotional depth in the role captivated audiences and critics alike, demonstrating his commitment to authenticity in every performance.
His collaboration with director Martin Scorsese yielded two iconic roles: “Bill the Butcher” in 'Gangs of New York' (2002) and “Daniel Plainview” in 'There Will Be Blood' (2007). In 'Gangs of New York', Day-Lewis’s portrayal of the ruthless villain was both chilling and magnetic, earning him an Academy Award nomination. However, it was in 'There Will Be Blood' that he truly reached new heights, delivering a masterclass in acting that garnered him his second Oscar for Best Actor. His haunting line, "I drink your milkshake!" became instantly quotable, a testament to the film’s impact.
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Day-Lewis’s commitment to his roles is legendary; he is known for fully immersing himself in his characters, often staying in character off-screen. This approach was evident in his portrayal of “Lincoln” in 'Lincoln' (2012), directed by Steven Spielberg. His embodiment of the iconic president was so profound that it earned him a third Academy Award for Best Actor, making him the first male actor to achieve this feat.
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Throughout his career, Day-Lewis also tackled diverse genres, showcasing his versatility in films like 'The Age of Innocence' (1993), where he played the conflicted “Newland Archer,” and 'Phantom Thread' (2017), where he portrayed the intricate fashion designer “Reynolds Woodcock.” Each performance revealed layers of complexity, allowing audiences to glimpse the humanity behind even the most flawed characters.
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After announcing his retirement from acting in 2017 following 'Phantom Thread', Day-Lewis left fans and fellow artists reflecting on the incredible body of work he created. His performances not only entertained but also provoked thought, challenging viewers to engage with deeper narratives.
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"Daniel Day-Lewis will no longer be working as an actor,” the statement, issued by his representative, read. “He is immensely grateful to all of his collaborators and audiences over the many years. This is a private decision and neither he nor his representatives will make any further comment on this subject.”
He had previously taken extended breaks from the industry, including a stint working as an apprentice shoemaker in Florence in the 1990s.
“My life as it is away from the movie set is a life where I follow my curiosity just as avidly as when I am working,” he told the Observer in 2008. “It is with a very positive sense that I keep away from the work for a while. It has always seemed natural to me that that, in turn, should help me in the work that I do.”
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But now, the news tells us that he will once again grace the screen. It will be quite a momentous comeback for one of Hollywood's most prolific actors of all time. We can't wait. After all, such a career can't just end like that. Audiences always need more from top talents.
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Daniel Day-Lewis’s legacy is one of unparalleled excellence, marked by a series of unforgettable performances that have shaped modern cinema. He is celebrated not just for his accolades, including three Academy Awards and numerous other honors, but for the passion and depth he brought to every character he embodied. As we look back on his career, we are reminded that great acting is an art form, one that Day-Lewis has mastered in ways few can rival. His impact will resonate through generations of actors and audiences, ensuring that his contributions to the world of film will never be forgotten.
Three-time Oscar winner Daniel Day-Lewis is ending his retirement from acting to star in his son’s directorial debut. The 67-year-old British actor quit acting after starring in Paul Thomas Anderson’s 2017 film 'Phantom Thread', and has largely stayed out of public life since.
But he is now set to star in a film titled Anemone, directed by his son Ronan Day-Lewis, US independent production company Focus Features confirmed on Tuesday.