Steven Spielberg Once Broke Down in Tears on Set, and Was Comforted by Daniel Day-Lewis, Dressed as Abraham Lincoln

In a recent discussion at the South by Southwest festival, esteemed filmmaker Steven Spielberg recounted a poignant moment from the shooting of his acclaimed 2012 film, *Lincoln*. The discussion saw Spielberg reflecting on the powerful performance given by Daniel Day-Lewis, who portrayed the 16th President of the United States. This particular scene depicts Lincoln advocating for the passage of the 13th Amendment, which would ultimately abolish slavery in the United States.

Spielberg, now 79, shared the profound impact that Day-Lewis’s portrayal had on him as a director. During the conversation, he vividly described how the emotional weight of the scene left him momentarily overwhelmed, stating, “To this day, talking to you about that, I have never gotten over that scene or how he played Lincoln.” The director expressed a sense of humility as he observed the performance unfold.

He elaborated on the intricacies of the scene, which was captured in just two shots over a continuous four-minute speech. Spielberg explained, “One shot starts at the end of the table, and is slowly moving,” transitioning to a close-up of Day-Lewis after a cutaway to David Strathairn, who portrayed Secretary of State William Seward in the film. This meticulous direction emphasised the dramatic tension and urgency with which Lincoln sought to motivate his cabinet.

Reflecting on the personal impact of the filming experience, Spielberg noted that once the scene was wrapped, he had to momentarily step away from the set to collect himself. “I had to leave the set. Daniel was worried because, as Lincoln, he looked around and the director wasn’t on the set. He asked, he calls me Skipper… he said, ‘Where’s the Skipper?’ And I was in the other room crying,” he recounted, revealing a deep connection to the material and the storytelling process.

In a touching moment, Day-Lewis, fully embodying Lincoln, came to comfort Spielberg. “Mr. Lincoln walked into the room, saw me, sat down next to me, and put his arms around me. That was a moment I will never forget,” Spielberg reflected, highlighting the bond formed between actor and director through a shared commitment to storytelling.

Since the release of *Lincoln*, Day-Lewis has largely remained out of the public eye, following his retirement from acting announced in 2017. However, he has made sporadic appearances, including a role in a film directed by his son, Ronan, titled *Anemone*. This new project marks a further evolution for the Day-Lewis family in the cinematic landscape.

Ronan Day-Lewis has expressed gratitude for the guidance he received from Spielberg as he embarked on his own directorial career. In an interview with *Entertainment Weekly*, he described his relationship with the celebrated filmmaker, noting, “This is pretty crazy, but I got to talk a bit with Steven Spielberg, who’s a family friend.” Ronan conveyed the significance of this mentorship, revealing that Spielberg provided him with support and practical advice as his film project began to take shape.

As Ronan prepared for his directorial debut, Spielberg’s interest and encouragement were instrumental, with Ronan recalling, “He checked in a couple of times, and he was really, really supportive.” This relationship resonates not only within the film industry but also highlights the personal connections that develop among those who work in it.

The touching moments shared between Spielberg and Day-Lewis during the making of *Lincoln* exemplify the emotional depth that can be achieved in film and the lasting connections created among artists. As Spielberg continues to look back on his illustrious career, this heartfelt experience remains a standout testament to the power of cinema to evoke deep feelings and foster personal connections.