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One of the most celebrated actors and three-time Oscar winner Daniel Day-Lewis is widely regarded as one of the finest performers in Hollywood. Known for his intense method of acting and captivating transformations, Day-Lewis has consistently delivered strong performances.
And, though he announced his retirement from acting in 2017, just before the release ofPhantom Thread, the news of his upcoming return inAnemonehas sparked quite the excitement and anticipation.
As fans eagerly await his much-anticipated comeback, it’s the perfect time to reflect on his exceptional career. From his breakout roles in films likeMy Beautiful Laundrette, A Room With a View,andThe Unbearable Lightnessof Beingto his unforgettable turns inThere Will Be BloodandLincoln, here are some of the finest works from this legendary actor’s filmography.
My Beautiful Laundrette(1985)
Directed by Stephen Frears,My Beautiful Laundretteis one of the defining films of Daniel Day-Lewis’ career for a number of reasons. Following a romance between Johnny (Daniel Day-Lewis) and his childhood friend, Omar (Gordon Warnecke), the film marked Day-Lewis’ breakthrough performance, showcasing his ability to take on complex and challenging roles early in his career.
The actor effortlessly balanced vulnerability, intensity, and charm in the film, which did an excellent job of addressing several social issues of race, class, and LGBTQ+ identity in the 1980s, a time when such stories were not common in mainstream cinema.
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With his bold step in taking on the role of Johnny, a character that critiques societal norms,My Beautiful Laundrettehelped establish Day-Lewis as an actor willing to take creative risks and paved the way for future landmark performances in his career.
My Beautiful Laundretteis available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video.
The Boxer(1997)
Directed by Jim Sheridan,The Boxerfollows Daniel Day-Lewis as Danny Flynn, a man attempting to rebuild his life after serving a 14-year prison sentence. Day-Lewisimmersed himself in the roledelivering a profound and nuanced performance, showcasing the inner conflict and fatigue of a warrior who no longer wants to engage in violence.
His commitment to his role further added to the character’s authenticity, as the actor underwent intense boxing training for the film. And his on-screen chemistry with co-star Emily Watson enriched the emotional depth of the story. His ability to transform and switch emotions ranging from determination to vulnerability makesThe Boxera standout in Day-Lewis’ illustrious career.
The Boxeris available to watch on Peacock.
The Age of Innocence(1993)
An exceptional film inMartin Scorsese’sfilmography,The Age of Innocencestars Daniel Day-Lewis alongside Michelle Pfeiffer and Winona Ryder. The romantic drama follows a lawyer Newland Archer, who grapples with a choice between societal expectations and his desires when he falls for his fiancée’s cousin, Ellen Olenska.
Day-Lewis delivers an astonishingly nuanced performance, capturing the inner turmoil of a man torn between duty and desire in 1870s New York society. His ability to convey deep emotion with subtlety and restraint sets him apart from his more aggressive roles, revealing a tenderness that resonates with audiences.
While a departure from his signature crime narratives, Scorsese manages to highlight themes of emotional conflict and societal hypocrisy, often prevalent in his work. The film’s rich visuals and intricate character dynamics elevate it beyond a typical period drama, making it a standout in both Day-Lewis’s and Scorsese’s filmographies.
The Age of Innocenceis available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.
Gangs of New York(2002)
In his second collaboration with Martin Scorses, Daniel Day-Lewis brought to life one of the most popular characters of his career, Bill “the Butcher” Cutting. Set in 1860s Manhattan,Gangs of New Yorkexplores the violent conflicts between immigrant factions and the established order.
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Day-Lewis delivers a chilling performance in the role of Bill the Butcher, a ruthless gang leader who embodies the brutal realities of 19th-century New York. Starring alongsideLeonardo DiCaprio, the menacing and charming performance earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor.
Gangs of New Yorkis available to watch on Max.
The Last of the Mohicans(1992)
Directed byMichael Mann,The Last of the Mohicansfollows Nathaniel “Hawkeye” Poe, as he gets caught in the crossfire during the French and Indian War. The film not only showcases Day-Lewis’s remarkable ability to embody complex characters but also allows Day-Lewis to display both his physical prowess and emotional range.
His commitment to the role is evident from the extensive preparation that he undertook, from learning survival skills and using period-accurate weaponry. It is further enhanced by excellent cinematography with strong action sequences. Despite some criticism of the portrayal of Native American culture, Day-Lewis’ performance remains a highlight, showing his talent for capturing the intricacies of his characters.
The Last of the Mohicansis available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video.
In the Name of the Father(1993)
Embodying the role of Gerry Conlon, an innocent man wrongly imprisoned for the 1974 IRA bombings, Daniel Day-Lewis demonstrated his unique ability to fully immerse himself in a complex, emotionally charged role in the 1993 biographical crime dramaIn the Name of the Father.
The film explores political and social issues, and his dynamic relationship with his on-screen father (played by Pete Postlethwaite) adds another layer of emotional depth. His portrayal captures the intensity of Conlon’s suffering and resilience in the face of institutional corruption and injustice, creating a deeply sympathetic and powerful performance.
The film’s gripping narrative, based on a true story, is further elevated by Day-Lewis’ performance, as it once again demonstrates his unwavering dedication and commitment to the role, with his physical and emotional transformation evident.
In the Name of the Fatheris available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video.
My Left Foot(1989)
The 1989 biographical drama,My Left Foot, once again showcases Daniel Day-Lewis’ unparalleled dedication to his on-screen characters, as the actor remained in a wheelchair throughout the production of the film which features him in the role of Christy Brown, an Irishman with cerebral palsy.
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Day-Lewis convincingly embodied a man who could only control his left foot. And worthy of his incredible performance, the movie earned him his first Academy Award for Best Actor, solidifying his reputation as one of the most exceptional actors in film history.
My Left Footis available to watch onPrime Video.
Phantom Thread(2017)
What has been considered to be his last film, so far,Phantom Threadstands as one of the finest films of Daniel Day-Lewis’ career. It follows Reynolds Woodcock, a meticulous and controlling 1950s dressmaker, whose world is upended by a young waitress, Alma, portrayed byVicky Krieps.
Its exploration of power dynamics, creative passion, and the twisted layers of love, is beautifully complemented by Day-Lewis’ intricate performance underPaul Thomas Anderson’sdirection. The actor skillfully captures Woodcook’s obsessive attention to detail, resulting in a mesmerizing performance that makes Reynolds both intimidating and vulnerable, bringing out the complexities of an artist.
Phantom Threadis available to watch on Netflix.
Lincoln(2012)
Daniel Day-Lewis portrays one of the most iconic figures in American history in the 2012 biographical historical dramaLincoln. Under the direction of the acclaimed filmmakerSteven Spielberg, Day-Lewis conveys Lincoln’s internal conflicts, his dedication to preserving the Union, and his moral resolve to end slavery.
Supported by a stellar cast, Day-Lewis’ performance serves as the emotional center of the film, which earned him a record-breaking third Academy Award for Best Actor. His character in the film is both a towering personality and a believable, complex human being, making this his career-defining role.
Lincolnis available to watch on Hulu.
There Will Be Blood(2007)
Ask any Daniel Day-Lewis enthusiast and one film that will surely spring to mind is his unforgettable portrayal of ruthless oil tycoon Daniel Plainview in the 2007 period dramaThere Will Be Blood.
Showcasing his ability to embody complex and deeply flawed characters with frightening intensity, the actor brought Plainview’s greed, ambition, and brutality to life with a terrifying magnetism that earned him hissecond Best Actor Oscar.
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The ambitious scope of the film, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, serves as the perfect canvas for Day-Lewis to explore the darkest depths of human nature. With every scene, from his brutal rise to power to the now-iconic“I’ll drink your milkshake”moment, Day-Lewis’ performance remains compelling, unsettling, and masterful.
There Will Be Bloodis available to watch on Paramount+.
Laxmi Rajput
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3448
Laxmi Rajput is a Senior Writer at FandomWire, with over 3,300 articles published covering film, TV, and pop culture. With a degree in Broadcast Journalism and over three years of experience in content writing, she pivoted to entertainment journalism because let’s be honest, superheroes, sitcoms, and Netflix binges are way more fun. Laxmi frequently covers Marvel, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and popular TV shows, offering both fan-first enthusiasm and thoughtful analysis. Her work often dives into Marvel theories, revisits the genius of The Big Bang Theory, or unpacks the Netflix phenomenon of Stranger Things.
