Kermode & Mayo’s Take Brian Cox on GLENROTHAN: will it go down smoothly with Mark?
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Apr 9, 2026 
Brian Cox, veteran Scottish actor and filmmaker best known for stage, screen and TV work including Succession, talks about making his directorial debut Glenrothan. He discusses why he took the project, casting and his collaborative, theatre-rooted approach. Conversation covers family dynamics, brothers and whisky, character grudges, and moving from acting into directing.
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Unexpected Directing Debut On Glenrothan
- Brian Cox described how he was unexpectedly asked to direct Glenrothan after being sent David Ashton's script and initially resisting the idea.
- He recounted choosing Alan to play the younger brother, working collaboratively with a crew he praised, and feeling very nervous but delighted by the process.
Filmmaking As An Egalitarian Collective
- Cox treats filmmaking as an egalitarian collective, prioritising actors and contributions over auteur control.
- He gave composers Tommy and Roddy freedom, calling their score "your movie" to encourage authentic Scottish folk-infused music.
Music As Emotional Glue In Glenrothan
- The film links Scottish cultural identity and music to its emotional core, using folk elements to deepen character and place.
- Cox intentionally accelerated the music thread and empowered two first-time film composers to shape the film's sonic identity.
