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Brian Cox slams Joaquin Phoenix's truly terrible Napoleon portrayal

Apr 18, 2024 11:15 AM

British acting legend Brian Cox has publicly criticized Joaquin Phoenix's portrayal of Napoleon in Ridley Scott's epic, calling it "truly terrible" and "appalling." This blunt assessment occurred at HistFest, known for Cox's openness and often unfiltered opinions. He also discussed his views on method acting, Donald Trump, and theatre critics, touching upon various topics. In addition to his critique of Phoenix's performance, Cox quipped that he believes he could have delivered a superior portrayal of the historical figure than Phoenix. Furthermore, in the realm of historical epics, Cox took a shot at Mel Gibson's 'Braveheart,' acknowledging Gibson's impressive acting while bemoaning the historical inaccuracies in the movie.

What was Brian Cox's opinion on Joaquin Phoenix's performance in the Napoleon biopic?

Brian Cox described Joaquin Phoenix's performance as Napoleon as "truly terrible" and indicated that not only the actor but also director Ridley Scott didn't contribute positively to the portrayal.

Ridley Scott's Napoleon epic, despite the controversy, is part of the veteran director's expansive filmography known for exploring historical and sci-fi themes, much like his acclaimed works including 'Gladiator' and the 'Alien' franchise. Joaquin Phoenix, known for his immersive and often intense acting roles, previously collaborated with Scott on 'Gladiator,' which earned him an Oscar nomination. Phoenix's commitment to his roles, including his acclaimed turn in 'Joker,' typically garners critical praise, making Cox's critique particularly noteworthy in the world of cinema.



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Casey Loh

Casey Loh is a tech-savvy writer who specializes in the intersection of gaming and technology. With a background in computer science, Casey brings a technical lens to her reviews, breaking down the nuts and bolts of game engines, graphics, and AI innovation.

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Mr. Bison Mr. Bison commented on: 2024-04-18 11:36:03
Wow, Brian Cox didn't hold back with his thoughts on Joaquin Phoenix's portrayal of Napoleon. It's interesting to see such a seasoned actor speak so candidly about another's performance, especially in the historical epic genre. This kind of honesty adds a layer of insight into the dynamics of filmmaking and acting in the industry.
Rolling R!ck Rolling R!ck commented on: 2024-04-18 11:24:03
It's always interesting to hear differing opinions on performances in the industry, especially from seasoned actors like Brian Cox. With Ridley Scott at the helm and Joaquin Phoenix's track record, it's evident that this Napoleon biopic is stirring controversy long before its release. It'll be intriguing to see how the final product fares amidst these candid critiques.
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