Daniel Day-Lewis - A Tribute

Daniel Day-Lewis is my favorite actor working today, maybe of all time. Here's a list and comment on his notable films (in chronological order) and why he's my favorite:

My Left Foot (1989): DDL's portrayal of Christie Brown, the Irishman that overcame Cerebal Palsy to be a successful writer, is nothing short of a revelation. The brooding performance captures the essence of his condition and the complexities of emotion and rage he feels. This marks the first of 3 collaborations with director Jim Sheridan.

Last of the Mohicans (1992). In this one, DDL plays the virile and passionate Hawkeye (the adopted caucasian raised as a Mohican). His intensity and understanding of the love story and sadness underscoring the film combined with Michael Mann's direction (not to mention one of the best scores of all time) get my blood flowing.

In the Name of the Father (1993). Returning to his Irish roots with director Jim Sheridan, DDL plays Gerry Conlon, in the true story of Irish kids wrongfully convicted in 60's bombings in London. Here he goes from cocky youth to worn out and boldened young man, along the way learning to respect the quiet dignity of his father (Pete Postlewaithe). His march out of the courthouse in the last scene gives me chills.

The Crucible (1996). In an otherwise forgettable movie, his portrayal of the principled and flawed John Proctor is (again) intense and moving. He knows when to be quiet and when his flashes of anger need to come. Favorite scene is the one wherein he refuses to (falsely) admit his sin. In order to get into character, he helped build the sets with the crew prior to filming.

The Boxer (1997). Ireland is to DDL as New York is to Robert DeNiro. In The Boxer he plays a boxer that has his career robbed by IRA injustice. Once released from prison he quarrels passionately with the old IRA hoods and fights to protect other innocents from his same fate. Again...his restraint and rage are perfect pitch and he imbues the story with authenticity. Directed again by Jim Sheridan.

Gangs of New York (2002). After a 5 year hiatus, DDL tackled the role of Bill the Butcher, a ruthless survivor of the 19th century New York streets. The accent, walk, and attitude all come together to provide a picture of a ruthless and jaded soul. Every scene he is in is tense, and the final stage scene when he burns Leo is genius. This marks his second collaboration with Martin Scorsese (Age of Innocence).

There Will Be Blood (2007). Not out yet. But his presence in the trailer and his collaboration with Paul Thomas Anderson point to another classic performance.