Daniel Day-Lewis in 'The Insurance Man', 1986

This is a clip of Daniel Day-Lewis in an early role, that of the title character in the 1986 British TV movie 'The Insurance Man'. Daniel plays Kafka, a somewhat mysterious insurance bureaucrat whose counsel is sought by Franz, a dye worker suffering from a strange medical condition he believes was caused by his job. The scene doesn't make a lot of sense out of context, but hopefully you can enjoy it simply as another example of Daniel's seemingly limitless ability to transform himself.

'The Insurance Man' was directed by Richard Eyre, who would later direct Daniel as Hamlet at the National Theatre, and the screenplay was written by noted dramatist Alan Bennett. It was inspired by the life and writings of Franz Kafka, and although the film never explicitly refers to Daniel's character as Franz Kafka, THE WRITER, that's clearly who he's playing here -- a Google search of Kafka's photo for those of you who are unfamiliar with him will show the likeness is quite uncanny.:)

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[EmmaGennaro]

The actress is Rosemary Martin.

I would disagree that DDL played Kafka as 'crazy'. It certainly is a mannered and as you say, stylized performance. But I believe Kafka's essential warmth comes through--he's the only one of the bureaucrats who shows real humanity and empathy for others. He's an eccentric for sure, but I never thought he was unhinged, and I don't believe that was what DDL was going for, either. It may not be exactly what Bennet had in mind, but I think it gets the point across.

[EmmaGennaro]

You're welcome, maripe9.:)

[klickenpod]

for the record, I basically love you. this is AWESOME!

[maripe9]

EmmaGennaro... thank you!!!!!!

[MrBrianNZ]

@CaptainBluebear08

The actress is the late Rosemary Martin.. a very underated actress

[marklindsayfan1]

he look weird

[randyowens49]

Oh God. Did I spend 22 years of my life doing this? No wonder I'm suffering Karma.

This actor is complaining about ASBESTOS! At least we paid for severe claims and soft tissue (neck and back) as well. One thing I will tell you is that insurance company do not like to pay for new types of injuries until the get sued big time.

[vigwig]

OMG this film is IMPOSSIBLE to find! I saw it at a special screening in NYC years ago! Thanks for the upload!

[mohmog33]

Wow!

[theinnerlight87]

Wonderful performance.. he gets that air that Kafka is said to have had about him. Not a hugely outgoing man, but people listened when he spoke. I was hooked just then!

I'd love to see the whole film!

[CaptainBluebear08]

Thanks.

[vigwig]

Can you PLEASE upload the entire film?

[CaptainBluebear08]

Does anyone know the name of the actress ?