Brian Cox, best known for his performance in Succession, has criticised Joaquin Phoenix’s role in the movie Napoleon. Cox, who was attending HistFest, told reporters that he felt Phoenix’s performance was “terrible” and “appalling.” He also claimed that he would have played the role better than Phoenix. Cox reportedly blamed Phoenix entirely for the role’s failings and stated, “you can say it’s good drama. No – it’s lies.”
Cox also used this opportunity to criticize the lack of accuracy in Hollywood films, stating that Braveheart is a “load of nonsense.” He claimed that while Mel Gibson was wonderful, the film is “a load of lies” and that he never impregnated the French princess.
Cox’s comments are bound to ignite controversy, but they are not the first criticism of Joaquin Phoenix’s Napoleon. Ridley Scott, who directed the film, noted that he did not want the audience to root for the titular character, but instead wanted the viewers to empathize with the general who ultimately failed to conquer Europe. Despite Scott’s intentions as a director, the film was poorly received by critics and audiences alike.
While Cox is a respected actor in his own right, his criticism of Phoenix’s performance will undoubtedly lead to speculation and debate amongst moviegoers around the world.
Joaquin Phoenix, for his part, has moved on from his role as Napoleon and is slated to appear in Joker: Folie à Deux alongside Lady Gaga. The movie is the second collaboration between Phoenix and director Todd Phillips after 2019’s Joker
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