Unwavering Dedication: How Daniel Day-Lewis Stayed in Character Throughout 'My Left Foot'
Helped by crew as he refused to leave character on set.
My Left Foot is a critically acclaimed film that showcases Daniel Day-Lewis’s extraordinary dedication to his role. During filming, Day-Lewis sustained two broken ribs, which he incurred while repeatedly assuming the hunched-over position required for his character, a man with cerebral palsy who uses a wheelchair. The actor’s commitment to authenticity was so intense that he maintained this physically demanding posture for weeks on end, often refusing to break character even off-camera. His immersion in the role was total, and he would go to great lengths to embody his character convincingly.
Day-Lewis’s dedication extended beyond physical endurance; he was known for his method acting approach, which meant staying in character at all times. On set visits to the canteen, other crew members and cast had to assist him with basic needs like eating because he refused to leave his role or break the physical and emotional state he had adopted. This level of commitment contributed significantly to the film’s realism and emotional depth, earning him widespread praise and an Academy Award for Best Actor.
His intense preparation and unwavering focus on authenticity made My Left Foot a landmark performance in cinema history. The film not only highlighted the struggles of its real-life subject but also demonstrated how far an actor might go to deliver a transformative performance.
