After starring in the famous historical movie “Napoleon” and having a busy 2024 ahead, actor Joaquin Phoenix has been criticized for his performance by actor Brian Cox.
In a recent interview, Cox said that Phoenix’s portrayal of the French ruler was not good, stating, “A truly terrible performance by Joaquin Phoenix. It really is appalling. I don’t know what he was thinking. I think it’s totally his fault and I don’t think Ridley Scott helps him”.
This movie also marked the return of director Ridley Scott to historical dramas, after his work on the 2021 film “The Last Duel”. Phoenix and Scott had worked together before, with Phoenix playing the emperor in the movie “Gladiator” alongside Russell Crowe.
Cox also criticized the Mel Gibson movie “Braveheart”, saying “Mel Gibson was wonderful, but it’s a load of lies. He never impregnated the French princess. It is a bollocks, that film”.
Cox has been open about his opinions on other actors’ approaches before, often criticizing the “method acting” technique used by actors like Jeremy Strong on the show “Succession”.
Despite the criticism, Phoenix has generally not let his detractors affect him. He has recently worked on the drama “Beau is Afraid” and is set to reprise his role as the Joker in the upcoming movie “Joker 2: Folie a Deux” alongside Lady Gaga.
Cox, on the other hand, has been busy hosting the TV show “007: Road to a Million” in 2023 and has recently starred in the coming-of-age film “Little Wing” since the end of “Succession”.