Despite previous harsh comments, Cox reflects on his outspoken nature and its impact on his relationships with fellow actors. The fact is, method acting has been criticized by many others in the past as well.
- Brian Cox critiques method acting
- It's all about the impact on ensemble dynamics
- Cox reflects on past criticisms
Brian's methods
Brian Cox, the esteemed 78-year-old Scotsman, has once again voiced his criticism of Jeremy Strong's method acting. In a recent interview with 'The Guardian', Cox softened his previous harsh stance, yet maintained that Strong would excel further if he abandoned the practice.
Cox, who shared the screen with Strong in 'Succession,' acknowledged Strong's talent but remarked, “He was wonderful to act with. I had no argument with Jeremy’s acting,” Cox said. “He would be an even better actor if he just got rid of that so there would be much more inclusiveness in what he did.”
Cox's comments highlight the tension method acting can create within an ensemble cast. Cox elaborated on the challenges of working with a co-star who remains in character constantly
"It’s not good for the ensemble. It creates hostility," he stated, emphasizing the potential for discord. Although Cox never directly addressed this with Strong, he expressed a desire to have discussed it, recognizing the sensitivity surrounding method acting, particularly for those who adhere to the Strasberg technique.
Cox's remarks underscore the broader debate within the acting community about the merits and drawbacks of method acting.
One of the key elements of method acting is "affective memory," where actors recall real-life emotional experiences to access the feelings required for their roles. This approach can sometimes involve actors staying in character offstage or even altering their behavior to match that of their character.
The goal is to achieve a genuine emotional connection to the role, which can lead to more nuanced and compelling performances.
While method acting has produced some of the most memorable performances in film and theater, it has also been controversial. Some critics argue that it can be overly intense or lead actors to lose a sense of their own identity in pursuit of their characters. Nonetheless, it remains a significant and influential approach to acting, particularly in film.
Known for his candid opinions, Cox has previously criticized actors like Johnny Depp and Steven Seagal, labeling them "overrated" and "ludicrous," respectively.
Reflecting on his career, Cox admitted, "I feel like I’ve upset a few people. The problem is, I can be quite a loudmouth. Sometimes I have been fairly volatile, and I think, ‘Why the f--k did you say that?'”
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He acknowledged moments of volatility, questioning past statements he made. Despite this, Cox continues to be a prominent figure in the acting world, most recently lending his voice to the upcoming Middle Earth anime, 'The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim,' where he portrays the "King of Rohan".
