RTÉ Drama On One went through the archives to give you the chance to hear some great chats from the Rattlebag programme.
Daniel Day Lewis, with three best actor Oscars, could be classified as the best actor in the world – although he would probably be the first person to dismiss such an accolade as ’nonsense’.
When he spoke to Gemma Hill on Rattlebag he was promoting the gala premier of Gangs of New York, which was to benefit the Make a Wish Foundation. Earlier that morning, while driving into Dublin, Daniel had arrived unexpected and unannounced on the Gerry Ryan show on RTÉ 2fm. Afterwards, sitting in the radio centre’s canteen, we invited him to interview for Rattlebag and he agreed immediately – and politely asked that we might mention Make a Wish and the joy they bring to children with life-threatening medical conditions.
Done deal Daniel, thought we. Incredibly courteous and down to earth, he spoke about his work, how and when he chooses to work and the popular perception of him as a perfectionist.
Daniel Day Lewis gave the eulogy at the funeral of the Irish Times writer film critic, Michael Dwyer. In his touching and self deprecating oration he told how Michael, though gravely ill, asked to see Daniel’s latest film Nine, so Daniel arranged to have a copy sent to him. Michael passed before he could share his opinion with Daniel. The film was panned by the critics - in his oration, Daniel humorously hoped that Micheal’s viewing of Nine had not contributed in any way to his departure from this life.
But first, Gemma Hill asked Daniel Day Lewis about his recent rumoured retirement...
In The Wings - classics from the Rattlebag archives, RTÉ Radio One, Sundays at 8pm
