Not many actors have earned the stocks of Brian Cox. Since the 1990’s, Cox has become a Scottish icon. Whether it’s frustrated screenwriters, news reporters or psychotic killers, Cox has portrayed several interesting characters. Given the sheer number of movies he has made in his career, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films made by an actor that deserves to be celebrated.
1. Adaptation
Writer’s block is a painful process that causes stress. There’s nothing more frustrating in the world than when ideas don’t immediately spring to a writer’s mind. Personally speaking, writer’s block has impacted by ability to write reviews effectively. I have experienced trouble putting pen to paper coming up with interesting ideas as a writer. There have been times when I’ve struggled engaging being unable to put words on a page. Few films I’ve seen have captured frustration of writer’s block as powerfully as “Adaptation”. Released in 2002, Brian Cox’s best movie captured screenwriters facing writer’s block in Hollywood. In the greatest role of his career, Cox portrayed a world-famous author suffering from severe writer’s block causing despair. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. Cox has spent most of his career playing likeable heroes with sympathetic personalities. With “Adaptation”, however, the actor took a step out of his comfort zone playing a writer that’s well-known. Working alongside Nicolas Cage who is also amazing, Cox created a portrait of writer’s block that’s engaging. For instance, the scene in which Robert McKee gives Charlie a lecture about writers seeking to prepare him for failure is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Adaptation” Brian Cox’s best movie is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about Hollywood screenwriters, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about the writing process which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 15 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about writer’s block causing lives of screenwriters to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that has manufactured movies which audiences appreciate.
2. Zodiac
The Zodiac is a frightening serial killer that fascinated my brother. At an early age, my brother developed interests in a frightening killer that perpetuated damage. He would marvel at the way the Zodiac got away with committing murders without facing prices to pay. In 2007, Brian Cox honoured a serial killer that was hard to track in his movie “Zodiac”. In the most solemn role of his career, Cox portrayed a renowned news reporter that became victim of Zodiac murders causing despair. Cox has always excelled at playing anxious characters under intense pressure, and “Zodiac” showcased his strengths as an actor. Despite appearing in the movie for a brief ten minute scene, Cox left a lasting impression. For instance, the scene in which Melvin attempts to interact with the Zodiac live on television causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Zodiac” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most serial killer movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with the Zodiac killer to appreciate it. Nearly 60 years after the Zodiac serial killer got away with committing frightening murders in the San Francisco Bay without a price to pay, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a commemorated actor that has made movies which deserve to be celebrated today.
3. X2: X-Men United
X-Men is an excellent franchise that my grandfather has always loved dearly. I remember a grandfather that was a huge fan of the X-Men franchise. A huge comic-book nerd, he always adored a film franchise making him feel heard. Fond of the Wolverine, he adored movies that felt deserved to be seen on the big-screen. In 2003, Brian Cox honoured the excellent franchise about heroes that are united in his movie “X2: X-Men United”. In the most villainous role of his career, Cox portrayed a menacing antagonist that poses danger for the X-Men causing despair. With “X2: X-Men United”, Cox showcased rare flair for playing villains that he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Hugh Jackman who is also outstanding, Cox honoured a team that’s inspiring. For instance, the scene in which William Stryker is introduced seeking to prepare his henchman is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “X2: X-Men United” a comic-book classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most X-Men movies, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. An extraordinary tribute towards a team that’s excellent, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor with commitment that has made unforgettable entertainment.
4. Rise of the Planet of the Apes
The Planet of the Apes is a spectacular science-fiction franchise that earned my mother’s appreciation. I remember my mother loved a franchise about apes facing grave danger. She would always gape in awe at a series about apes seeking an escape. In 2011, Brian Cox honoured the franchise about apes in his movie “Rise of the Planet of the Apes”. In the most authoritative role of his career, Cox portrayed the supervisor of an ape prison facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing strong leaders in positions of power. Working alongside James Franco who is also amazing, Cox honoured a franchise about apes that are frightening. For instance, the scene in which John Landon becomes aware that the apes have escaped his facility causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies in the apes franchise, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about animal cruelty which would resonate with everyone. As strong as Caesar’s desire to be an ape, it’s a riveting reminder of an actor that has made timeless movies at which audiences gape.
5. Her
Technology has always been a part of my identity. As far as I remember, I’ve been a heavy technology user. In an attempt to feel less alone, I’ve often used my phone. My addiction to technology is fuelled by a simple desire for connection I can’t find in reality. As someone that has always been a heavy technology user, I appreciated “Her”. Released in 2013, Brian Cox’s movie captured a lonely writer forming a romance with his phone. In the most vocal role of his career, Cox portrayed an artificial intelligence machine that causes humans to face despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to showcase talent for creating a compelling character through his powerful voice. Working alongside Joaquin Phoenix who is also outstanding, Cox created a portrait of A.I. that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Alan Watts informs Theodore news he doesn’t want to hear about his OS causing despair is one of the finest moments of the actor’s career. Ultimately, what makes “Her” a masterpiece is its bold appeal. Unlike most movies about intelligence, it tackles commemorated themes that everyone will relate to. As strong as Theodore’s love for his phone, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an actor making well-known movies in a league of their own.
6. The Bourne Identity
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about spies finding their identity, it’s worth discussing The Bourne Identity. Since its 1980 publication, Robert Ludlum’s book has earned recognition. In 2002, Brian Cox honoured the legendary book about spies in his movie “The Bourne Identity”. In the most commanding role of his career, Cox portrayed a CIA operative tasked with finding a spy on the run causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his talent for playing strong leaders in positions of power. Working alongside Matt Damon who is also amazing, Cox honoured a classic book about spies that are frightening. As strong as Jason Bourne’s desire to become a spy, it’s a spectacular reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured great movies throughout his career which satisfy.
7. Braveheart
Brian Cox has always excelled at playing emotional characters facing tension. Cox has built an image of being an actor that thrives at playing characters facing emotional damage. Cox’s strength for playing emotional characters whose lives are torn apart is clearly evident in his movie “Braveheart”. Released in 1995, Mel Gibson’s movie showcased the actor at his best. In the most conflicted role of his career, Cox portrayed an aging Scottish medieval warrior facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase talent for playing characters under intense pressure. Working alongside Mel Gibson who is also amazing, Cox created a portrait of warriors that’s compelling. As strong as Braveheart’s desire to be Scottish, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has made great movies which audiences cherish.
8. Manhunter
Hannibal Lecter is a terrifying serial killer that always fascinated my aunt. I remember my aunt was fascinated with dangerous serial killer committing gruesome murder. In 1986, Brian Cox portrayed the iconic serial killer in his movie “Manhunter”. In the most psychotic role of his career, Cox portrayed a menacing serial killer seeking to prepare gruesome murders causing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to step out of his comfort zone by playing a notorious serial killer that’s well-known. Working alongside William Petersen who is also outstanding, Cox honoured a serial killer that’s frightening. As memorable as murders that Hannibal Lecter has committed, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured unforgettable movies throughout his great career which audiences have appreciated.
9. Rushmore
Few filmmakers have earned recognition of Wes Anderson. With their witty dialogue, quirky characters and compelling storytelling, Anderson’s commemorated movies have earned a massive following. In 1998, Anderson showcased his strengths as a filmmaker audiences adore when he cast Brian Cox in his movie “Rushmore”. In the most depressed role of his career, Cox portrayed the sullen headmaster of a school facing despair. It’s a role that gave the actor a rare chance to showcase emotional range he hadn’t shown before in his career. Working alongside Jason Schwartzman who is also amazing, Cox created a high school drama that’s captivating. As powerful as the Academy of Rushmore, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has manufactured unforgettable movies throughout his career which audiences adore.
10. Red 2
Brian Cox hasn’t always made great movies earning recognition. While most movies the actor has made are appreciated, a few have left audiences disappointed. Unfortunately, “Red 2” falls into the latter category. Released in 2013, Dean Parisot’s espionage thriller was a disaster. In the most shallow role of his career, Cox portrayed a retired agent seeking to complete a dangerous mission causing despair. Cox brought his usual charisma to the role, standing out as the bright spot of a bad movie. Although “Red 2” is a disastrous movie, it honoured Cox’s legacy. As strong as spies’ desire to become retired, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that hasn’t lost his abilities to leave audiences inspired making great movies which I will forever treasure for inciting my lifelong love of filmmaking that I have always admired.
The Film Buff 