Renowned for his staunch commitment to his craft and penchant for method acting, Daniel Day-Lewis, has graced the silver screen with several of his extraordinary performances. From embodying the United States president in Lincoln to portraying a ruthless oil tycoon in There Will Be Blood, Daniel Day-Lewis’ commitment to authenticity is undeniable. One particular chapter in his decades-long career also includes the portrayal of Nathaniel ‘Hawkeye’ Poe in Michael Mann’s The Last of the Mohicans.
However, the production of the 1992 historical drama presented significant challenges for the acclaimed actor. Despite the obstacles, his efforts proved fruitful, resulting in commercial success and praise from both critics and, most notably, approval from a Native American activist.
Daniel Day-Lewis Earned Approval of a Native-American Activist
Daniel Day-Lewis‘ 1992 film The Last of the Mohicans explores the themes of love, war, honor, and sacrifice as it follows Nathaniel “Hawkeye” Poe, a frontiersman joining the Native American Mohicans. The actor was intrigued by his character and immersed himself in the wilderness to adopt a survivalist mindset.
“I liked the idea of a man who had not been touched by 20th-century neurosis. A life that isn’t drawn inwards,” he said in an interview with The New York Times. The movie and his performance received praise from critics and audiences alike.
However, some found it pale in regards to his performance in films like Gangs of New York and There Will Be Blood. Despite such comparisons, Russell Means, the Native American activist portraying Chingachgook in the historical drama, was highly impressed by his commitment and authenticity.
Talking about the Oscar-winning actor, Means said that Day-Lewis is “one of the most considerate human beings I ever met.” He further added, “Daniel is the embodiment of someone I would adopt as a non-Indian.” However, the acknowledgment seems to have come at a cost, as the intensity of his commitment took a toll on him.
Daniel Day-Lewis’ Role in the Historical Drama Triggered Mild Hallucinations
Talking about Daniel Day-Lewis, the film’s director, Michale Mann, said that he is always ready to try and do anything, saying that “he is immensely concentrated, and he’s fearless.” However, the toll of giving his best became evident during his portrayal of Nathaniel ‘Hawkeye’ Poe, as the intense shoot resulted in claustrophobia and mild hallucinations for the actor.
During his interview with The New York Times, the actor shared that it has become hard for him to stay in a room for long. “I find it difficult to be in rooms now for long periods of time,” he said before adding, “I can usually take it for about an hour. Then I stride out.” Despite the challenges that came with the role of Hawkeye, Day-Lewis found it worthwhile, saying that it allowed him to grasp what it feels like to inhabit a character’s perspective.
The Last of the Mohicans is available on Prime Video.
