Being far more interested in films themselves than the actors who are in them, I don't usually fawn over stars, although there are some I admire.

But I feel inspired to give a shout out to Mr. Brian Cox--as his varied recent work proves, I truly think he is one of the finest actors working today. He can do anything. I came somewhat late to the table, having only seen Manhunter within the last year. But what a string of great performances, even when the material was not worthy of him! For another thing, you could probably put him next to the real Robert McKee (Adaptation) and he'd make us forget him.

I hope that the powers that be don't hold his age and national origin against him--I want to see him be the lead, carry a film and win the even greater recognition he deserves.

Anyone else agree?

I've always enjoyed his performances, and it always seems he improves a film. Brian Cox does so well in supporting roles it would be interesting to see him in a lead sometime, offhand the only film I can think of where he had a leading role was Longitude.

I always look at him and go, "It's Uncle Argyle" from Braveheart.

L.I.E.. Go watch it, right now.

I think it's great that he's getting a lot of roles now. Makes it a lot easier to explain who he is when I am telling people that Anthony Hopkins was not the first actor to play Hannibal Lector.

He was totally wasted in X2. Probably the worst part of the movie.

He's the new JT Walsh.

I totally agree. But for what puts him over the top in a veryy elite class of actors Is a role that everyone here is forgetting. If you look at MAnhunter, then adaptation, then X2, then SUPER TROOPERS where he is the bumbling, yet lovable sargent. This guy can do it all.

He's actually much younger than he looks, he's only 57. Around the release of The 25th Hour he was on Charlie Rose's show, and he had his hair dyed and a beard. It was startling how much younger he looked.

I saw that Charlie Rose show.

Another wonderful thing about him is that he actually has a good working brain in his head. He talked about politics and sounded well-informed, impartial and intelligent.

He needs to get a lead role in something. He's great doing supporting work but he's just too talented.

Yes, I very much want to check out L.I.E. and yes, even Super Troopers.

If I'm not mistaken, he was the narrator of The Trials Of Henry Kissinger, an excellent documentary that's on Sundance tonight...

I'm thrilled by the recent Brian Cox renaissance. There's no better character actor working today. Now if we could just get Harry Dean Stanton in a bunch of movies...

This makes me happy too--I thought he was wonderful in The Rookie and Adaptation. I hope to see him in many more movies now.

He was pretty good as my, errrrrrr, the headmaster in Rushmore.

OMG, I forgot about that.

This just proves my point. He has the ability to just disappear into a part!

Pssst.

Here's your cue to start posting semi-naked pictures of Mr. Cox.

Hee, hee. I said "cox."

Cox. Cox. Cox.

Slighty off topic, I think Chris Cooper is one of the best character actors. But Brian Cox has been impressing me lately, I haven't notice him in earlier films. What films before 1997 or so should I watch for his performances?

I have enjoyed him in every movie in which I have seen him. I think his age works more against him than his national origin. Most casual movie goers don't realize he is not American. While there are more roles for older men, I don't think older men are that much better off than older women.

I just watched Troy and Brian Cox is awesome as Agammemom. Sure, it's mostly scene chewing but he does it so well. He's truly one of my favorite character actors. Chris Cooper is another one.

Aye. That is something we shall have to remedy now isn't it?

Isn't he in the Bourne flicks as well? He is excellent and very easy to overlook since he does his job so well.

I thought that Cox (and actors like Bana and O'Toole) made Troy into a better film than it normal might have been.

Don't forget to check out Match Point if you're in a Brian Cox mood. His role isn't special, plays a rich father, but it's still a damn good movie.

ACHILLEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSS!

My favorite actor in that movie. He always plays pretty badass characters. I liked him in the 25th Hour playing a bit more of a humble character. He's wasted in the Bourne Identity movies.

I made a comment to my buddy about the the fact that he's been in so many high profile movies in the last five years, namely:

Super Troopers, The Rookie, The Bourne Identity, The Ring, Adapatation, 25th Hour, X2, Troy, The Bourne Supremacy, Match Point, Red Eye, The Ringer, and (TV but ah well) Deadwood.

He just seems to be working his ass off these days, good for him . It's always a nice surprise to have him randomly pop up in a videogame or TV Special (Lost, tho the narraration on those special eps was always meh at best, I blame the writing.) And I enjoy him a good deal, even in bit parts.