Leonardo DiCaprio reveals what he learned from Daniel Day-Lewis

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Published 2023-12-29
Leonardo DiCaprio played a crucial role in bringing Daniel Day-Lewis out of retirement for the film "Gangs of New York" (2002). This Martin Scorsese-directed epic required a powerful actor to play the role of Bill the Butcher, and Day-Lewis, known for his intense method acting and selective filmography, was the first choice. However, at the time, Day-Lewis had stepped away from acting and was living in Italy, working as a cobbler's apprentice.

DiCaprio, who was already attached to the project and deeply admired Day-Lewis's work, joined Scorsese in the mission to persuade him to return to acting. The task was not easy, as Day-Lewis was known for his firm decisions regarding his career. However, DiCaprio and Scorsese believed that Day-Lewis was the perfect fit for the complex character of Bill the Butcher, who was a key figure in the film's portrayal of 19th-century New York City and its violent, gang-driven underworld.

The combination of Scorsese's persuasive direction and DiCaprio's enthusiasm for the project eventually convinced Day-Lewis to come out of retirement. His decision to accept the role is widely regarded as a testament to Scorsese's influence and DiCaprio's commitment to the film. Day-Lewis's performance in "Gangs of New York" was critically acclaimed, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

This collaboration was a significant moment in film history, showcasing not only the drawing power of Scorsese as a director but also DiCaprio's growing influence in the industry. It also marked the beginning of a series of successful collaborations between DiCaprio and Scorsese. "Gangs of New York" itself became a critically acclaimed film, noted for its rich storytelling, powerful performances, and detailed depiction of historical New York City.


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#acting #actor #actress #gangsofnewyork #leonardodicaprio #danieldaylewis

All Comments (21)
  • @rainflowers1099
    Daniel Day-Lewis is scarily good as Bill the Butcher, one of the best performances ever.
  • @normmurray9810
    Great job by the interviewer to not "interview" while he told the story. Not interrupting Leo drew me in to what he was talking about.
  • @daveallen9958
    Daniel in my opinion is the greatest actor of all time. Leo is up there as well.
  • @mattwhite399
    Daniel IS this movie. Anyone good actor could have played any other character in the movie, but only Daniel could be Bill the Butcher.
  • @gerrs19
    Lmao that Tobey hit him with the core principle of Spider-Man
  • @PapaEli-pz8ff
    I think it's great that he picks his roles so carefully. Another sign of commitment. No shame there
  • @benhulme7401
    When DDL plays a role it’s impossible to think how any other actor could’ve possibly played it.
  • Daniel Day Lewis was nothing short of phenomenal in Gangs of NY but his performance in In the Name of the Father is what won me over. That movie. If it doesn't pull at your heart I don't if anything can.
  • @JS-bu5vc
    I think that it might be pretty clear to anyone that has the opportunity to work with Daniel, that it’s exactly that. An opportunity. Leo 100% gets it.
  • @Kosmothestarkid
    Tobey really hit him with "With great power comes great responsibility" 😂
  • @anthonybrett
    Daniel is a spectacular actor. But as the father of an intellectually disabled child, I've never seen anybody act as well as Leo in What's Eating Gilbert Grape. I'd never heard of him before that film and I was sure they had cast an intellectually disabled person for the part. He's the only actor that has ever fooled me.
  • @owenhershey13
    If you've seen Gangs Of New York, and There Will Be Blood ...and then you've seen Lincoln, and My Left Foot ...then you've seen all you need to in order to know what an absolutely astounding actor Daniel Day-Lewis is. Just the most amazing range, such totally different characters, all utterly convincing and compelling.
  • I think Leo just basically nailed the reason DDL is now retired again. His process literally takes over his entire being and probably takes a toll depending on the role. Like can you imagine ACTUALLY being Daniel Plainview for 10 months? That sounds hellish even though the product was heavenly.
  • @MrPaulb1982
    That crowd would laugh if Leo was reading a phone book
  • @neoscylax
    Recently re-watched Gangs of New York. Absolutely phenomenal movie!
  • @BeyondPostal
    The real Daniel Day-Lewis is a soft spoken man. The way he played Bill was INSANE, he transformed into the butcher. DDL is the finest actor I have ever seen. He is at the top!
  • @qcrew2938
    Can you imagine your jogging in Central Park and you get passed by Leonardo DiCaprio and Daniel Day-Lewis walking together in silence
  • @Tmaxar
    The thing that makes Daniel such an amazing actor is that in every character he plays, his own personality disappears.
  • @j.martin4476
    DDL in this and in There Will be Blood is just otherworldly. I know it's subjective but he very well may be the greatest actor Ever.
  • @Taniwha123
    I have never seen better casting for extras in a movie