'Low class': Internet divided as Brian Cox criticizes Joaquin Phoenix’s ‘terrible performance’ in ‘Napoleon’
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Brian Cox has shared his thoughts on Joaquin Phoenix's performance in the movie 'Napoleon' from last year.
According to The New York Post, the 77-year-old actor expressed at London’s HistFest, “It’s terrible. A truly terrible performance by Joaquin Phoenix.”
Brian Cox claims to act better than Joaquin Phoenix
Cox went on to further state, “It really is appalling. I don’t know what he was thinking. I think it’s totally his fault and I don’t think [director] Ridley Scott helps him.”
“I would have played it a lot better than Joaquin Phoenix, I tell you that. You can say it’s good drama. No — it’s lies. I think he’s well-named.”
“Joaquin … wackeen … wacky. It’s a sort of wacky performance,” he added.
Brian Cox previously blasted Jeremy Strong
This isn't the initial instance where the 'Succession' star has criticized another actor. In February 2023, Cox specifically targeted Jeremy Strong's method acting.
He told Town & Country, “He’s a very good actor. And the rest of the ensemble is all okay with this. But knowing a character and what the character does is only part of the skill set.”
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“It’s f**king annoying. Don’t get me going on it,” Cox added.
People slam Brian Cox
Meanwhile, Cox's remarks about Phoenix have elicited mixed reactions online.
A Facebook user said, “I mean, the movie can be awful but why attack his name? Grow up.”
Another user commented, “I thought the movie s**ked too but this guy's going overboard.. now he's making it personal about actors.. could have kept with saying the performance could have been better..”
A user remarked, “Low class.”
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“Brian Cox played a horrible version of Hannibal Lecter in Manhunter, and that's the only thing I know about the guy. I haven't seen Napoleon, and probably won't, just because I'm not big on history stuff, but you don't need to go and crap on someone's name just because you don't like the way their movie turned out,” one more user stated.
Some people agree with Brian Cox
One person supporting Cox commented on Facebook, “Agreed. It was a lazy and thoughtless performance.”
A person wrote, “I love Brian Cox. He never holds back.”
Another user shared, “I feel that way about all of Joaquin’s movies! He’s not a good actor. He’s mediocre.”
“Cox is spot on. Movie and Joaquin were terrible,” a comment read.
“He's right, phoneix didn't even do a French accent or anything he just talked like his boring self,” another comment added.
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.
