We Need To Talk About Benedict

Happy Sunday Everyone!

Back in September I wrote a post (*cough* love letter *cough*) about my acting spirit animal, Ben Whishaw. I wanted to continue this saga of [love] posts about all my favorite actors. It’s kind of romantic when you discover an actor that inspires you. The connection between an actor and their audience is so powerful; the art of an actor can make such a profound impact on an viewer that it can change their perspective on life. I think Hollywood has lost sight of the importance of an actor. Actors get hired because they are beautiful and sexy or they have a big name. It’s hard to find an actor nowadays that has a genuine talent for this craft. Yet, these actors, to me, have talent far beyond the realms of Hollywood’s stereotypes. To me, this post’s actor is the epitome of actors. He brings back the art of storytelling, which is extremely rare in today's Hollywood.

So, we need to talk about Benedict Cumberbatch!

Sorry, ladies...

Since the release of The Fifth Estate, I have had Cumberbabe fever, and it’s not going away anytime soon. Now, I’m not here to talk about that handsome face… Or those cheekbones… Or that cheeky grin… Mmm… No, compared to contrary belief, the Cumberbum is far more than a piece of meat. Benedict’s talent is far beyond anything I’ve ever seen. He becomes a chameleon when he acts, completely loses his inhibitions, and becomes someone entirely new.  

Like many, my first encounter with Benedict was watching a little show called Sherlock. You may not have heard of it (if you have been living under a rock), but it’s a modern day retelling of Sherlock Holmes. Sherlock Holmes is one of the most iconic characters in literature, and everyone knows him as the clever, narcissistic detective who uses the art of deduction to solve crimes. Benedict portrays the customary traits of Holmes to perfection, but what really sets him apart is his modern twist to a classic character. He masters the character of Sherlock Holmes like Sherlock masters a crime scene (… Ooh, sorry. I had to do it). 

Between the mischievous glances and a hundred miles per hour dialogue, Benedict fully embraces the sociopathic qualities of Sherlock Holmes. But simply watching only allows you to see the surface of Benedict's character development. Yes, he is amusing and clever and charming and annoying, but it is when you stop and observe (“You see, but you don’t observe,” as Sherlock would say) that you can truly appreciate the extent and work Benedict puts into this role. The little glances and slight pauses add more to the character than you could ever get with just dialogue. His expressions and vocal inflections create even more layers to a character that is already complex; he creates a character that isn’t as cold hearted he wants the world to think. Benedict brings the shows brilliant script to life. He has this wonderful ability to turn a simple phrase into a phrase that is alluring and griping. 

The Sherlock fandom on Tumblr analyze about every movement Benedict makes… It’s quite impressive how much they find. Once you've seen these analyses you will never watch Sherlock the same again. May I just add, those deduction scenes are incredible... And I thought I talked fast.

Most people know the Cumberbum for his work from the past few years, but even before Sherlock, Benedict was a scene stealer. I recently watched Fortysomething, a series he was in in 2003, and even as a supporting character, I was drawn to his presence on screen. He has an easy when he acts; it’s completely effortless. It isn’t histrionic or melodramatic, but it’s natural and REAL (crazy to think an actor is supposed to make a character feel real). His comedy is naturally funny, and his dramatics never feel fake.

But for me, Benedict shines in biopics. He has played real life character like Stephen Hawking, Vincent Van Gogh, and Julian Assange. The way he imitates people and completely becomes them is unbelievable. The manipulation of his body and voice as Hawking is so realistic that you forget you're watching an actor. Benedict as Julian Assange is probably the best acting I have seen in my entire life; it was the performance of a lifetime (so far, of course). Even after watching the film for two hours, I was still caught off guard by how convincing he was. I literally gasping at the final scene because I truly thought it was Julian on screen. His technicalities are beyond anything I have ever seen. He focuses on every aspect of the person, down to their hand gestures and laugh. Imitation is an extremely hard act to conquer, yet Ben makes it look effortless. To be able to imitate that flawlessly is more than enough talent in and of itself.   

Most actors specialize in a certain genre; for example, I am great in dramas, but rubbish in comedies. But the Cumberbabe can literally do everything. He is absolutely hysterical as the nerdy team captain in Starter for 10, creating spot on comedy that left me in stitches. Yet, can give me the shivers as the “chocolate factory creep” in Atonement. He’s heart wrenching in Wreckers, and sly and compelling in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (one of my absolute favorite movies, by the way). Benedict has the ability to turn even the dullest of characters into potent and influential individuals. Benedict’s range of abilities is what sets him apart as one of the greatest actors of all time.

I really admire Benedict for immense talent. He is a hard worker, as seen by the six projects he released this year. He compels the audience; even in the background, you can’t help but to watch him. He creates characters that are dynamic with so many layers. He has a genuine love what he does, and stays humble while doing it. Overall, the Cumberbeauty is a pretty cool dude.             

Upcoming Benedict Cumberbatch projects: August: Osage County, Little Favour (now available for pre-order on iTunes), Sherlock, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, The Hobbit: There and Back Again, and The Imitation Game. The Fifth Estate and 12 Years a Slave are in cinemas now!  

Photo Credit: telegraph.co.uk, businessinsider.com, bleedingcool.net, digitalspy.co.uk, thesun.co.uk, fanpop.com, dearje.tumblr.com, benedictcumberbatch.co.uk