Daniel Day-Lewis in Athens: Unveiling Anemone and Debunking Recluse Myths

Acclaimed actor Daniel Day-Lewis, accompanied by his son Ronan Day-Lewis, arrived in Athens for the European premiere of their film Anemone, screened tonight at the Athens Concert Hall to support the vital work of the Cerebral Palsy Greece/Open Door organization.

The sold-out event, attended by 15,000 viewers, marks a significant moment for the three-time Oscar-winning actor, who returns to the screen after an eight-year hiatus since Phantom Thread (2017).

At a press conference hosted by Daphne Economou, honorary president of Cerebral Palsy Greece, the British father-son duo discussed the creation of Anemone, a project co-written by Daniel and directed by Ronan, who steps into filmmaking as a painter-turned-director. The film, set in Northern England, follows a middle-aged man (played by Sean Bean) who journeys into a forest to reconnect with his estranged hermit brother (Daniel Day-Lewis), bound by a complex past and a defining event that has left them scarred.

Addressing the persistent myth of his reclusive nature, Daniel Day-Lewis firmly clarified, “I live quietly, but I’m not a hermit, not a cave-dweller. I don’t live hidden. I simply don’t live under the constant gaze of a lens, nor do I speak into a microphone all the time. I talk to friends, family, colleagues.” Reflecting on his character, Ray, a hermit in Anemone, he added, “The illusion of creating a role is often about seeking a life far from my own. While Ray’s experience doesn’t directly connect to mine, the life you breathe into a character comes from your own experiences. You trust the character will find its way.”

The actor, who holds dual British and Irish citizenship, also spoke about missing the craft during his time away. “This work has always been a great source of inspiration for me. Naturally, being away from it, there are many things I missed,” he said, noting that the lifestyle surrounding acting is something he has “never quite gotten used to.” Even as a young acting student, he questioned whether he was suited for the public life of an actor, a concern that resurfaced during his break.

Anemone explores themes of father-son and sibling relationships, set against the historical backdrop of the Northern Ireland Troubles (1968–1998), a period Daniel experienced while living in Belfast’s Catholic community. The film offers a perspective on British soldiers involved in the conflict, adding depth to its narrative of estrangement and reconciliation.

The collaboration between Daniel and Ronan felt like a natural extension of their bond. “I felt real sadness at the thought of Ronan making films without me,” Daniel shared. “We’ve worked on many things over the years, but for this, I wanted us to find a way to collaborate.” Ronan echoed this sentiment, describing their writing process: “For a long time, we only wrote when we were together. At some point, we realized we had about 70 pages beyond our first draft. That’s when we knew the story was becoming real, which was both exciting and daunting.”

The premiere, part of the Athens International Film Festival’s Opening Nights, underscores Daniel Day-Lewis’s longstanding connection to Greece. He has visited Athens for film premieres since 1989, before his first Oscar win for My Left Foot, and continues to support Cerebral Palsy Greece’s mission.

Anemone will hit Greek cinemas on October 23, promising a poignant exploration of family, memory, and redemption.

(Source: To Vima)