Brian Cox Takes Aim At “Overblown” Johnny Depp, “Meretricious” Quentin Tarantino & More In New Book

Brian Cox has been acting for more than 50 years. Over that time, he’s won a ton of awards and appeared in a number of iconic roles. And with that experience, you understand that Cox has earned the right to be a bit, well, cranky. So, you can’t really get upset when the actor writes a memoir and decides to take that time to let out some rather harsh criticisms against some of the biggest names in Hollywood.

In his new autobiography, “Putting the Rabbit in the Hat” (via The Big Issue), Cox takes aim at some Hollywood royalty and is not afraid to tell you how he really feels about folks like Edward Norton, Quentin Tarantino, and Michael Caine, among others.

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Perhaps his most vicious attack is against Johnny Depp, an actor that is no stranger to getting criticized in recent years. Cox is clearly not a fan.

“Personable though I’m sure he is, is so overblown, so overrated,” Cox said about Depp. “I mean, ‘Edward Scissorhands.’ Let’s face it, if you come on with hands like that and pale, scarred-face makeup, you don’t have to do anything. And he didn’t. And subsequently, he’s done even less.”

When it comes to a filmmaker like Quentin Tarantino, Cox is perfectly willing to admit that he doesn’t enjoy most of his work. However, if the director gives him a call, Cox will answer. I mean, he’s not insane, after all.

“I find his work meretricious,” said Cox. “It’s all surface. Plot mechanics in place of depth. Style where there should be substance. I walked out of ‘Pulp Fiction.’ That said, if the phone rang, I’d do it.”

He does calm down a bit more when talking about Caine and Norton. For the former, he said, “I wouldn’t describe Michael as my favorite, but he’s Michael Caine. An institution. And being an institution will always beat having range.” And when it comes to Edward Norton, the actor said, “He’s a nice lad but a bit of a pain in the arse because he fancies himself as a writer-director.”

But wouldn’t you know it? There are folks that Cox actually does like. However, if you’re looking for surprises, those aren’t coming. In fact, Cox takes the not-so-hot take and says that Keanu Reeves has “actually become rather good over the years.” And when it comes to another legendary actor, Morgan Freeman, Cox calls him “an absolute gentleman” and “the Morgan Freeman you would hope to meet.” 

So, there you have it. Brian Cox is a wonderful actor, typically known for his grumpy performances, and in real life, it appears that perceived image is pretty close to the real person.