During a history-celebrating festival in the United Kingdom, Scottish actor Brian Cox lost his temper and attacked actors, theater critics, and politicians. Napoleon (2023), helmed by Ridley Scott, was the first flick he targeted. The yearly gathering discusses historical events with academics, educators, and prominent people.
Cox first took issue with Joaquin Phoenix’s depiction of French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte in Scott’s $221 million historical epic. The actor, who played Logan Roy on Succession for four seasons between 2018 and 2023, spoke candidly about his thoughts on Phoenix’s performance at HistFest, calling it “terrible”. Reacting quickly to Cox’s remarks, fans questioned why a great actor would ‘hate’ another great actor.
Take note that the movie was nominated for three Academy Awards: Best Visual Effects, Best Costume Design, and Best Production Design.
Brian Cox’s Shady Comments on Joaquin Phoenix’s Performance as Napoleon
Even though Joaquin Phoenix is considered one of the greatest actors of our time, Brian Cox is not completely won over by the Joker star. The Manhunter actor, who recently discussed his thoughts on Ridley Scott’s 2023 flick, Napoleon, expressed strong disapproval of Phoenix’s portrayal of Napoleon Bonaparte.
Having said that, Cox did not hold back when discussing Napoleon during his speech at the UK’s HistFest (via The Standard). As the actor, 77, put it:
“Terrible. It’s terrible. 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. 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.”
And with that, Cox said something about the name of Phoenix:
“I think he’s well named. Joaquin … whackeen … whacky. It’s a sort of whacky performance.”
In the historical drama helmed by director Scott and writer David Scarpa and nominated for an Oscar, Phoenix, 49, portrayed Napoleon Bonaparte. The Oscar winner starred alongside Ben Miles as Armand de Caulaincourt, Tahar Rahim as Paul Barras, Vanessa Kirby as Josephine de Beauharnais, and Rupert Everett as Arthur Wellesley.
Despite having an estimated $200 million production budget, the film brought in $221 million worldwide, leading to a comparatively dull commercial release (see The Numbers).
Brian Cox’s Remarks Against Joaquin Phoenix: Fans’ Reactions
Within the acting community, there will always be differing opinions about what makes a performance truly exceptional. But, it can cause substantial controversy when an actor publicly condemns another for their work. This is precisely what happened recently when renowned actor Brian Cox aimed Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of Napoleon Bonaparte.
As reported above, Cox was forthright in his criticism of Phoenix’s performance, calling it “whacky” and blaming it for the film’s box office failure. This stark criticism might have displeased Phoenix fans, who have rushed to defend the Quills actor and his unique approach to the role.
Let’s view a few comments via X:
Oh he is a certified HATER lmaoo
— Mina (@MiniMinaStreams) April 17, 2024
Napoleon was mid and all but Joaquin Pheonix can’t entirely be faulted for it
He didn’t have a bad performance, he was honestly just horribly miscast. He did just fine with what he was given.
— Landon Best 🔰🗽 (@Best4Liberty) April 17, 2024
why is a great actor hating another great actor?
— G7enterprise 🍉 (@pinkpurp11) April 17, 2024
Triggered old man
— Dark Web Informer (@DarkWebInformer) April 17, 2024
The movie was HORRID but as a fellow actor why would you say something like this toward your peer?
— NOIVAS. (@NOIVASwright) April 17, 2024
This is jealousy sir, Phoenix did a great job.
— Soni Raj Singh (@SRKkiSoni) April 17, 2024
At the end of the day, each actor contributes unparalleled skills and perspectives to their respective role. While Cox may not have liked Phoenix’s portrayal of Napoleon, there were undoubtedly many viewers who admired the latter’s daring performance.
That being said, Ridley Scott revealed plans in August 2023 for a director’s cut of Napoleon that will explore Empress Joséphine’s (played by Vanessa Kirby) character in greater detail (per Indie Wire). The director’s cut, according to Scott, would run for four hours and ten minutes.
You can watch Napoleon on Apple TV+.
