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.