Daniel Day-Lewis Reflects on Acting Craft After Retirement

Three years after his retirement from acting, Daniel Day-Lewis is breaking his silence on the craft. In a recent interview, the three-time Oscar winner expressed his distaste for the way acting is often discussed in terms of "craft," saying he "doesn't like thinking of acting in terms of craft at all."

Day-Lewis went on to criticize the tendency for performers to get caught up in "the less important details of the work," such as "some sort of self-flagellation or an experience that imposes upon oneself a severe discomfort or mental instability." He argued that the "internal work" should be the primary focus for actors.

Despite his retirement, Day-Lewis has recently returned to the spotlight, starring in an indie drama called "Anemone" directed by his son Ronan. The actor described the collaboration as a "natural progression" of their lifelong creative partnership, saying they've "worked on a lot of different things together" since Ronan was very young.

As one of the most acclaimed actors of his generation, Day-Lewis' candid reflections on the acting process offer a unique perspective on the industry. His comments challenge the common perception of acting as a craft defined by extreme method techniques, instead emphasizing the importance of the "internal work" for performers.