Daniel Day-Lewis: The Biography

by Laura Jackson

Daniel Day-Lewis is regarded by many as the finest actor of his generation. His portrayal of Christie Brown in My Left Foot won him an Oscar, and his roles in The Age of Innocence, The Last of the Mohicans, and In the Name of the Father further established his reputation and grossed millions at the box office. More recently, his riveting performance in The Gangs of New York earned him more accolades as well as an Oscar nomination and a BAFTA award. Yet despite, or perhaps because of, his success, wealth, and fame, Daniel Day-Lewis is a man prone to bouts of melancholy and extreme self-doubt. In this new biography, Laura Jackson, who has talked with many of his colleagues and friends, provides us with fascinating insights. In addition to his artistic accomplishments, she also looks at Day-Lewis’ personal life, including his tempestuous, highly publicized relationship with French actress Isabelle Adjani and the happiness he’s found with Arthur Miller’s daughter, Rebecca.

Genres: Nonfiction

273 pages, Hardcover

First published September 28, 1995

Reviews

[Nichola O'hara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really disliked the biographer's narrative in this book. I felt like it was written by a 15 year old girl. I hope to find a better biography regarding Daniel's life. Her heart throb descriptions get very tiresome. If this lady is a biographer, I sure as hell should do it as a lark.

[David Tucker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Started out brilliantly and faded to a rushed lazy written ending. No depth to his latter films and felt extremely hurried.

[Aaron Lim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good introduction to Daniel's early life and career.
Shame the book rushed through the process of making "There Will Be Blood" and "Lincoln".
Hopeful that there will be a more in depth study of Daniel now that he's announced his retirement from acting.

[Billy Ford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read and good insight into a great actor and the lengths he goes to when preparing for a role. The only disappointment was that the book felt rushed at the end.

[Andrew Scibelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fine biography, but a mess of weird spelling and grammar errors. Hoping for something with more access to the actor himself someday.

[Karen Roth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This biography is only of his work and not of Daniel the man so if you are interested in more of who he is rather than his education and stage and film work this is not the book for you.
Because of this is lacks any personality about the man and there aren't even tie bits of behind the scenes except for how Daniel sets himself up as the character he will portray.
When playing a prisoner he actually ate scraps, slept in a run down bed and hired men to kick at his door at all hours. He even had them pour icy water on him as the real man had happen to him so that he would understand the true emotion of how living like that in prison felt.
Good book, but not thoroughly all about the man himself, just the actor.

[Henrik Akselsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Straightforward bio, but his life story turned out to not be as interesting as his film story. Do not expect a page turner or unexpected stories.