Brian Cox Directs "Glenrothan," Shares Heartfelt Journey

Scottish actor Brian Cox, widely known for his powerful role as Logan Roy in HBO’s hit series Succession, is stepping into the world of directing with his first feature film, Glenrothan. Known for his sharp and commanding on-screen presence as the media mogul in Succession, Cox says he personally relates much more to the gentle, kind, and mild-mannered character he portrays in this new movie, Sandy Nairn.

A Story of Family, Reconnection, and the Scottish Highlands

Glenrothan is set in a small fictional town in Scotland’s rural highlands. The film tells the story of two brothers, estranged for forty years, who attempt to reconnect after decades apart. Brian Cox plays Sandy Nairn, while Alan Cumming, another renowned Scottish actor, plays his brother. Their story is filled with emotion, warmth, and the struggles of rediscovering family ties after a lifetime of distance.

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Cox explained that the story spoke to him on a personal level. “It was a good challenge, because I realized that at the moment, there are not enough movies that have heart. There's a lot of cynicism,” he said during an interview before the film’s premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.

The movie focuses on themes like forgiveness, love, and understanding, which Cox believes are crucial in today's world. Unlike his role in Succession, where he portrays a cunning and ruthless media tycoon, Sandy Nairn is gentle, thoughtful, and kind-hearted—a character Cox says is much closer to his real personality.

From Stage to Screen: Cox’s Journey to Directing

While Brian Cox has a long history of directing dramas in theatre, he had never directed a feature film before Glenrothan. Taking on the role of director was a significant step, and he admitted that he was initially hesitant.

“It was a very good challenge,” Cox explained. “Directing a movie is very different from acting, but it allowed me to explore something deeply meaningful. I wanted to make a film that had warmth, heart, and honesty, not just cynicism or drama for its own sake.”

Cox shared that he learned a lot from the late British filmmaker Lindsay Anderson, whose work greatly influenced his approach to directing. Anderson was known for letting scenes and performances unfold naturally rather than forcing them in a particular direction. Cox said, “He taught me a lot about allowing things to be, rather than maneuvering them in certain ways. That philosophy guided me throughout the filming process.”

A Gentle Personality Behind a Fierce On-Screen Persona

At 79 years old, Cox has a long and illustrious career in both film and television. Despite his fame for playing a sharp and sometimes intimidating character like Logan Roy, Cox said he sees himself more as Sandy Nairn in real life.

"I'm more of a Sandy, by my nature," he said with a laugh. “I have always been gentle and kind-hearted, and that comes through more in this film than in anything else I’ve done.”

Co-star Shirley Henderson praised Cox for his clear direction on set. She said he never hesitated to express what he wanted from the actors, but did so with patience and understanding, making the filming experience collaborative and nurturing.

Challenges of Directing

Directing a feature film was no small task for Cox. He described the process as exhausting and demanding, something he was not entirely sure he could handle. “At one point, I would have said no to directing because it is very tiring and takes a lot of energy,” he admitted.

However, Cox said that the fulfillment of bringing Glenrothan to life made the challenges worthwhile. He explained that while it may be his first and possibly only feature film as a director, he gave the project everything he had. “Yes, I probably would do it again if somebody asked me, but I am taking this for all it’s worth,” he said.

Themes and Messages in Glenrothan

One of the most striking aspects of Glenrothan is its focus on heartfelt storytelling. Unlike many modern films that rely heavily on cynicism, conflict, or high-stakes drama, Cox wanted this film to explore human emotions, family bonds, and reconciliation.

The story of the two brothers reconnecting after decades apart is universal and relatable. It highlights the importance of forgiveness, understanding, and communication in repairing broken relationships. Cox emphasized that even small gestures of kindness and honesty can have a profound impact on our lives.

The film also paints a beautiful picture of Scotland’s highlands, capturing the serene landscapes, quaint villages, and natural beauty of the region. This backdrop is not only visually stunning but also adds to the story’s emotional depth, giving the audience a sense of place and cultural identity.

Cox Reflects on His Career

Brian Cox has had an incredible career spanning theatre, television, and film. From stage performances to acclaimed roles in movies and TV, he has shown remarkable versatility as an actor. However, directing Glenrothan offered him a new perspective on storytelling.

He reflected on the differences between acting and directing: “As an actor, you focus on one character, one story, and one emotion at a time. As a director, you are responsible for the whole vision—every performance, every scene, every moment. It is challenging, but also incredibly rewarding.”

Despite his fame and experience, Cox admitted that the process was humbling. Directing required patience, planning, and the ability to guide others without imposing too much control, lessons he learned from Lindsay Anderson’s approach to filmmaking.

Looking Ahead

Although Cox is not certain if he will direct another feature film, he seems open to the possibility. “If the right story comes along, and someone asks me, I might consider it again,” he said. For now, his focus is on Glenrothan and its reception by audiences and critics at the Toronto International Film Festival and beyond.

Cox hopes that viewers will take away the importance of family, kindness, and connection. He believes that films should make people feel something real and leave a lasting impression on their hearts.

Brian Cox’s directorial debut, Glenrothan, marks a significant milestone in his illustrious career. Moving away from his well-known persona as a tough, cunning media mogul, Cox embraces a more tender, heartfelt narrative. With its story of estranged brothers, scenic Scottish landscapes, and themes of love and forgiveness, the film offers a refreshing and emotionally rich cinematic experience.

As Cox navigates the challenges of directing for the first time, his passion for storytelling shines through. Whether or not he directs another film, Glenrothan stands as a testament to his dedication, vision, and ability to capture the warmth and complexity of human relationships.