Ronan Day-Lewis on "Anemone," Art, and Family: A Collaborative Vision
Ronan Day-Lewis, the 27-year-old artist and filmmaker, is preparing for the premiere of his feature directorial debut, "Anemone," at the New York Film Festival and the opening of his art exhibition, "Anemoia," at the Megan Mulrooney Gallery in Los Angeles. This period marks a significant moment for Day-Lewis, balancing the demands of both film and visual art.
The Genesis of "Anemoia" and its Connection to "Anemone"
"Anemoia," both the name of his art exhibition and directorial debut, is a term signifying nostalgia for a time and place one has never known. His oil pastel paintings for the exhibit draw inspiration from early 2000s Flickr images, specifically those found on the @tvwishes Instagram account. These images evoke a sense of familiarity and otherness, capturing the essence of a world Day-Lewis never directly experienced.
Day-Lewis explains, "I’m creating these altars to strangers’ memories, [and] finding this kinship with them in a way that’s actually completely fabricated." This exploration of time, memory, and fabrication connects the themes found in the exhibition with those in his film, "Anemone."
"Anemone": A Family Affair and Exploration of Brotherhood
"Anemone" is a character study exploring "the bonds between fathers, sons, and brothers," co-written by Ronan Day-Lewis and his father, the acclaimed actor Daniel Day-Lewis, who also stars in the film. The film marks Daniel Day-Lewis's return to acting after announcing his retirement in 2017. The production is backed by Focus Features and Plan B, known for producing films like Moonlight and Adolescence.
The film follows Ray (Daniel Day-Lewis), a former soldier, and his relationship with his brother (Sean Bean) and his teenage son. Ronan Day-Lewis and his father began writing the script during the early days of the pandemic, initially envisioning a coming-of-age story before evolving into a deeper exploration of familial bonds and unspoken truths.
Daniel Day-Lewis's Return to Acting
In an interview, Daniel Day-Lewis clarified that he "never intended to retire," stating he "just stopped doing that particular type of work so I could do some other work." He expressed some hesitation about returning to the public eye but ultimately decided to participate in "Anemone" because of his son's vision and the opportunity to collaborate on a meaningful project.
Daniel Day-Lewis explained his reservations, saying there were "aspects of the way of life that went with it that I’d never come to terms with," but stressed that the "love of the work itself, that has never diminished for me."
The Collaborative Process and Ronan's Artistic Vision
Ronan Day-Lewis comes from a family of artists and filmmakers, and he has been drawn to film since childhood, citing Ken Loach's "Kes" as an early influence. Ronan Day-Lewis studied art at Yale, exploring a caustic color palette and experimental theatre, and now seamlessly blends his artistic practice with his filmmaking.
According to Ronan Day-Lewis, "There’s a way I could have directed this film that’s very much a kitchen-sink drama. And it was important to me that I think of this not as something completely separate to my painting practice, but as two sides of the same coin." He cites David Lynch as inspiration for blending the personal with the hyperreal.
"Anemone": Release Dates and Legacy
"Anemone" will have a limited release in North American theaters on October 3rd, followed by a wide release on October 10th. It will open in UK theaters on November 7th. The film marks a significant moment in the careers of both Ronan Day-Lewis and Daniel Day-Lewis, offering audiences a unique and deeply personal exploration of family, legacy, and the power of unspoken connections.
