10 Movie Actors Who Only Played By Their Own Rules

Method acting has become something of a popular technique in the world of film over the last few decades, with an array of outstanding performers all claiming to have been inspired by Konstantin Stanislavski's system. However, one actor in particular has been known for taking this method to frankly ridiculous extremes.

We're talking of course about three time Best Actor Academy Award winner Daniel Day-Lewis.

With an unprecedented level of commitment and refusal to give anything less than 150% when embodying a role, Day-Lewis has fully immersed himself in the world and life of a number of distinctly memorable characters. When playing Abraham Lincoln, Day-Lewis insisted on being called "Mr. President" by everyone on set and even texted co-star Sally Field in character. He learned how to use traditional mining gear before playing oil prospector Daniel Plainview in There Will Be Blood. Hell, the truly unique actor even became an apprentice butcher and enlisted circus performers to teach him how to throw knives prior to playing Bill "The Butcher" Cutting in Martin Scorsese's Gangs of New York.

Many have attempted to match Day-Lewis' astounding commitment to his craft over the years. But, the actor is clearly in a league of his own when it comes to embracing a character in this manner, and more than deserves some time off in the wake of his retirement from acting.