Daniel Day-Lewis Responds to Brian Cox's Criticism of Method Acting
Daniel Day-Lewis addressed Brian Cox's vocal criticism of method acting, expressing surprise at being unintentionally drawn into the dispute. The three-time Oscar winner spoke about Cox's comments in an interview with Big Issue.
Day-Lewis Comments on the Conflict
Reflecting on their past collaboration, Day-Lewis said:
“Listen, I worked with Brian Cox once and got somehow drawn into this handbags-at-dawn conflict inadvertently. 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.”
He added that he would be shocked if he had disrupted Cox’s working process but sees no basis for the criticism:
“If I thought during our work together I’d interfered with his working process, I’d be appalled. But I don’t think it was like that. So I don’t know where the f–k that came from. Jeremy Strong is a very fine actor, I don’t know how he goes about things, but I don’t feel responsible in any way for that.”
Cox’s Criticism of Method Acting
Brian Cox initially criticized method acting in 2021, targeting his co-star Jeremy Strong’s approach to portraying Kendall Roy on HBO’s "Succession." Cox described method acting as a distinctively “American disease.”
He reiterated his stance in 2023, acknowledging Strong’s talent but maintaining his reservations:
“He’s a very good actor. And the rest of the ensemble is all OK with this.”
Summary
Daniel Day-Lewis firmly distances himself from Cox’s critique of method acting while recognizing Cox’s accomplishments and expressing openness to dialogue.
Author’s Note
This exchange highlights contrasting views on method acting from two respected actors, with Day-Lewis clarifying misunderstandings and defending artistic choices.