Benedict Cumberbatch isn’t traveling these days. Some Cumberbitch got smug with me, like I should have known that OF COURSE he wouldn’t be attending the Emmys and of course he wouldn’t go to the Telluride Film Festival, but I honestly didn’t know. It seems weird to me that he was miss out on the Emmys AND the first film festival for The Imitation Game. Allegedly, he’s working on Richard III (for the BBC) right now. So I guess he couldn’t get away. Instead, The Imitation Game debuted at Telluride this weekend and Harvey Weinstein flew in to personally make a big push on behalf of Cumby and the film. And it worked! All of the trade papers are reviewing The Imitation Game and basically everyone thinks that Cumby is going to get an Oscar nomination this year. #AlltheVelvet
The Wrap says that the film is the biggest hit so far of the film festival circuit and that TIG totally overshadowed Rosewater (Jon Stewart’s debut) and Wild (Reese Witherspoon’s Eat Pray Hike film). The Wrap says it’s “Oscar bait” and “gritty and glossy at the same time” and that Harvey will have “an easier job than usual” when getting TIG ready for a big awards-season push. The Hollywood Reporter agrees, saying that TIG is a combination of A Beautiful Mind and The King’s Speech, both of which won Best Picture Oscars. THR cites Cumberbatch specifically as the performance holding down the film and they say he’s “never been better” (SQUEAL!). They also say Keira Knightley might be a contender for Best Supporting Actress – you can read the full review here.
And finally, you know how Benedict is friends with someone named Tertius Bune? Bune is a photographer and close friend of Cumby. Well, many of Bune’s Cumby photos have been made into an OFFICIAL calendar. As in, Cumby agreed to make a Cumby calendar and he hand-selected the sessy photos. You can see some of the shots here – the photoshoot looks like it’s from 2012-ish, when Cumby was bulked up because of Star Trek Into Darkness. The Daily Mail says “The man himself personally chose and approved all the photos.” Cheeseball? Perhaps. But why not?
Photos courtesy of WENN.
And Fassbender was a “shoo-in” for Shame. Nothing in Hollywood is a guarantee, even if the performance is outstanding and worthy.
Exactly. And I also hear Eddie Redmayne for Hawking is amazing SO they say.
Oh god, don’t even get me started on that Eddie Redmayne trailer. I’m in tears by about 45″ in. I’m really really hoping that Redmayne/Cumberbatch don’t end up splitting the vote for “English actor” so neither of them end up getting an Oscar nom.
Noone will better Cumberbatch’s Hawking performance.
That trailer for The Theory of Everything is heart-breaking. Also, I wouldn’t count out Tom Hardy’s performance in Locke as a contender in the “English actor” category.
I am picking up a lot of Buzz for Tom Hardy from various sites. It got a B- from Indiewire so not bad.It will be interesting to see another Hawking’s portrayal.
@Icerose
I might have to see Locke it was out here ages ago and I didn’t see it. My mother in law saw it and said it was good but the idea of him in a car for the entire time I need to wrap my head around that. Might be on DVD soon if not already can watch then.
AG-UK, Locke is out on DVD and is available for streaming on itunes and Amazon. I watched it on my ipad while on a train a few weeks ago and it is mesmerizing. The idea of one guy in a car taking phone calls for 90 minutes does sound rather tedious but so much happens and he plays it all so brilliantly.
I can’t wait to see the theory of everything.
Being out on DVD already is not a good thing. That means it was released, generated little to no buzz for it or its lead and is now at the last stage. Its got an uphill battle against all the new releases. IMO of course. There is a reason Oscar contenders get released when they do.
As long as Bendy doesn’t go full frontal he’ll be fine. Oscars are prudes with male nudity, total hypocrites.
He’s non-threatening to the old slogs who run the Academy so he’s fine, unless they count his hoarde of female admirers against him (and them).
Yes, but I don’t think Fassbender had Harvey Weinstein.
+1
Also Benny will be a straight man playing a gay guy and showing mental illness. Not to be crass but you get quadruple points for those two. He is a shoe in anday e Eddie Redmayne too if his film catches on.
@T.C, you left out the WWII setting, that usually adds points too.
Too bad he didn’t gain/lose weight. That would have given him extra points as well.
don’t forget prosthetics, which Carrell ticks off on the list
@jammypants, and Carrell is going very much against type, which they like and he’s playing a killer. They like to reward comedians who aren’t Jim Carrey or Bill Murray for going serious.
FINALLY! A calendar I might actually end up using.
using for what, [other than recording dates to remember] may I dare to ask? 😉
will it be on your pillow each night?
mine will be on wall, for to me to drool over.
Hhahahhah up on my cubicle wall at work so I have something nice to look at. It will be for PURELY innocent purposes, I tell you!
The fact that someone called Tertius Bune was the photographer is just the icing on the cake.
Well Micheal Keaton/Edward Norton and BIRDMAN are currently wowing the Venice Film Festival and predicted to sweep the Oscars so this is all premature.
That said, films that wow at Venice or Toronto tend to sweep the Oscars. Never Telluride.
Except for 12 Years, which wowed at Telluride last year!
Well, I stand corrected LOL, but Venice and Toronto give a better bet for the Oscars and have done so for years.
I agree Telluride has had it’s successes but it seems lacking in critics feedback this year or the films that are drawing the biggest buzz unless there is more to come. One critic said it was warmly received which is a far cry from wowed.
On the other hand some of the films that are wowing are receiving conflicting reviews and may not be films that appeal to the Oscar voters who seem to me to be a bit conservative an main stream when it comes to some elements of presentation.
Interesting. This film looks much more Oscar baity than Birdman though imho. Just depends on the mood of the Academy voters this yr., avante garde arty vs. period Brit stiff upper lip. Hopefully Benedict and Eddie don’t cancel each other out with their posh ginger amazingness. I think maybe the only thing against Benedict is this looks completely in his wheelhouse, whereas Eddie has yet to have a real breakout role so he might get more notice.
The wrap called it Oscar bait. Variety really liked his performance but said “Even then, “The Imitation Game” never quite trumps the sense that Turing’s life was a messier, more complex enterprise than we’re allowed to see here. But the movie is undeniably strong in its sense of a bright light burned out too soon, and the often undignified fate of those who dare to chafe at society’s established norm””
The Academy love a comeback *cough McConnaughey cough* and Birdman is a bit of a comeback for Keaton. They also seem puzzled about what to do with Steve Carrell and that may finally result in recognition for him.
@Lilacflowers Would Al Pacino count as having a comeback or has he never left
@icerose, I think Pacino would count as a comeback. He has been playing around with very small things and rather off the Hollywood radar. He was in Boston earlier this summer for An Evening with Al Pacino and it was a real joy to hear him talk about acting and his career.
Slumdog Millionaire too, kaiser.
Except for The Kings Speech, 12 years etc etc.
I know the producer of THE KINGS SPEECH. It debuted at Venice, ahead of every other festival.
12YAS and SLUMDOG both won awards at Toronto. More often than not, any film that wins that award sweeps the oscars for the categories it’s nominated.
The reviews from Telluride. have been very limited, I could only find 4 reviews from each of those films and nothing from the UK critics who all seem to be at Venice, So far imitation seems to have got the best reviews so far. The Wrap was by far the most enthusiastic ,Variety liked it and a second Variety article said that Benny should be considered for a nod. The forth review was disappointed mainly around the gay issues or lack of them.
Indiewire gave Imitation a B- on the only review I could find but someone said there was another Indiewire review which gave it a B. Rosewater got a C- but Birdman got an A. Manglehorn” with Al Pacino got a B+. The Guardian has been raving over Al Pacino’s performance calling it a master class but Variety hated it . Foxcatcher got an A. T o put it in perspective last year they gave 12 yrs an A and Dallas Cowboys a B.I think The Judge is also going to give it some competition as well.
I think he has lot of media support and I suspect the UK papers will be positive it because it seems are best hope for an Oscar but It still feels like early days. I think we will know more after TIFF when more feedback is available,
Venice is getting far more coverage.
They’re also talking a lot about Steve Carell’s performance in his upcoming film. The Best Actor field is going to be interesting and tough this year.
I’m wary about the early hype. Still can’t wait to see it.
I am wary, too! I keep thinking of last year, when there was so much hype about TFE. Look how THAT ended.
I’ve avoided the hype to avoid spoilers.
To be honest, I’m starting to think that Oscars, I don’t wanna say overrated because I really hate that word, but they don’t really have any value anymore. Don’t get me wrong if Cumby gets nominated and wins that would be awesome. But Oscars are like lottery tickets, it doesn’t matter if you’re actually talented or a good actor, If you’re in the right movie at the right time and gave the right performance with a good campaign then your bound to win. Think about it you have actors like Andy Serkis, Viola Davis, Ian Mckellan, and Gary Oldman. All super talented, none of them have Oscars. But for some reason half the people who do win them don’t do much afterwards, some of them aren’t even that good of an actor.
So yeah while I think Ben is talented and a great actor, but given the Academy’s records of winners and losers it be best if he didn’t.
The hype makes me nervous and there’s a long way to go but at least Cumberbatch is being mentioned for an oscar nomination which considering no one knew who the heck he was a few years ago is a huge achievement.
I was never an Oscar fan although their choices have improved over the years and they have a more international flavour than they use to,. My feeling is that all the media buzz and campaigns have started to skew the results and the smaller films do not stand a chance unless they have mega support.
I use to prefer the Bafta’s but they have been going more and more mainstream to increase both their audience figures and their presence internationally. I am Cannes girl because you get the best of three worlds small indie films, foreign films and the best of the block buster films.
I’m on the same page with you @Elyse. It goes for all the awards now.
totally agree, and especially the Emmy’s is terrible! How they overlooked Ricky Gervais for Big Bang guy is a joke, have they not seen Derek? They are always ignoring Games of Thrones and how they think Downton Abbey is good, is beyond me! At least there was some recognition for Orange is the New Black, which is brilliant. How come they ignored Hollow Crown when it is universally acclaimed, I don’t know. [I am not saying that as a Hiddles fan, but it should have got in best series – Downton argggh]
Derek is terrible.
‘p’enny, I think Hollow Crown’s problem was its timing. It showed here in the middle of September last year, the beginning of the Emmy year, and just about everything nominated came towards the middle of the Emmy year. So it was forgotten. There were several performances in there, notably Ben Whishaw’s that deserved recognition.
The Emmy’s have been a joke for a while. How is Modern Family still winning? How is the Big Bang Theory still being nominated? Where’s The Walking Dead? SOA? The Emmy’s don’t reflect the best of TV at all.
I so agree about the Emmy’s ignoring Hollow Crown,the repetitive winners and about Downtown. We get so many other excellent shows that are so much better than Downtown that never even make the grade. They have very unclear categories as well and the fact that networks choose which category to enter them in seem a bit strange.
I think the only good thing about it is that if you win it gets your name out there.
@P’enny,
GoT is not an award winning show. Its a soap opera at its core. There is very little growth from the characters and things are done just for shock value. Stuck in a corner? Kill a character no expects.
I’ve not seen Derek, but it doesn’t look like something I’d enjoy and I’m a huge fan of Rickey. I don’t see the humor in disability. This year I don’t have a problem with the Emmy winners except for Modern Family. Jim Parsons deserves every Emmy he earns.
The Hollow Crowns issues, IMO, was lack of buzz, timing and its category. That’s a really hard category. Who would you take out to put them in?
Delorb, to be fair – Derek absolutely does not make fun of the disabled. The show brilliantly brings to light what the elderly and their caregivers go through every day. Do yourself a favor and give it a shot.
I couldn’t help but laugh at Eat Pray Hike. I just have no desire to see it.
@delorb, you do realize GOT is based upon a series of novels, don’t you? The characters don’t die to improve ratings; they die because they were killed off over a decade ago in a book. And yes, quite a few of the characters do show development. Arya, Jamie, Brienne, and Sansa to name just a few.
@delorb: So, let me get this straight. You have seen enough episodes of GoT to know that characters are killed left and right, and yet have somehow missed that it is based on a series of books that was written years and years ago?
@Lilac and Pretzel,
Where in my post did I say it wasn’t based on a series of books and that people get killed for ratings? The author has admitted to taking heat for how and who he kills. He’s been accused of doing so, just to shock his audience, and I agree with that. And just because its done that way in the books doesn’t make it right
As far as growth goes, I’ve seen very little. The characters are basically the same as they were when the series started, albeit older. And if someone starts a journey home and it takes several seasons, while others come and go from the same locations in a matter of episodes, then something is wrong. Its not awards material. Its a good TV show, but not a great TV show.
@laura,
Okay. I’ll check out an episode or two. Fingers crossed that its as good as his other TV work.
I know people joke about the ‘Oscar Curse,’ but really, it does seem like being nom’d is good but winning…not so much. My not-so-serious theory is that studios want that Oscar and if you’re nom’d, you have potential to win one in the future. But if you win, studios figure you likely won’t win for them next time.
Actors who win have said it increases the roles on offer.
Well, they’re not going to complain about it, icerose 🙂
I wish I could remember which magazine did it because I’d link you, but someone took the major actor/actress winners over a few years period and compared citric reception for projects before and after an Oscar win. Most had a nosedive. Nominees went the other way. Obviously, there’s always exceptions and it could just be coincidence.
I kind of think once they win an Oscar their agents push up their actors fee and in a world where most actors don’t earn the millions of tom cruise or angelina they price themselves out. I think of reece wetherspoon she was rumoured to have gotten greedy – like Anne Hathaway too, then a new super-starlet comes along steels their thunder. Where actors who keep themselves rooted like Kate winslet (although I’m not a fan) keeps getting good work.
The curse only applies to supporting and it basically says that if you win a supporting Oscar your career will hit a slump. So many supporting winners (especially women) have dropped off the map after their wins.
@Delorb, Hillary Swank and Adrien Brody will be so happy to hear that.
@Lilac,
Hey, no curse is perfect.
@Elyse,
They make odd choices to down right bone head moves, but they still matter. They matter a lot. Its why people work so hard for them. Harder than any other award. I can’t remember where I saw it, but a win has even been monetized. So it translates into actual dollars for studios, producers, actors, etc.
There is also the fact that they have a long history and are perceived at being more prestigious. Something that won’t change no matter how many mistakes they make.
I mentioned this on Friday’s thread, but I’ll repeat it here anyway. I think the calendar is super corny, but I can see why he did it. Plenty of celebrities have unofficial calendars, so why not make an “official” one and perhaps make a little cash in the process? If there’s anyone who is making money off your image, it may as well be you.
I’m disappointed with the picture selection. The few I’ve seen have looked cheesy and make him look bland and generic.
But does he really need the cash?
I doubt it. But again, if there’s going to be a calendar about you anyway, why not make some money from it?
But, his friend might. 🙁
I would think there would be some sort of agreement in writing about splitting the profits with the photographer. So BC won’t see every dollar in profit, but he’ll see a good amount.
Yeah I actually bought the calendar and they are definitely not the photos I would have chosen! Although it makes sense now, if they were limited to the Tertius Bune ones. Not that he is a bad photographer (he took the World Cup one, taken too late for the calendar) just that there are better ones out there especially the ones from TIFF 2014. Damn if that man looks as hot this year 🙂
The pictures look like they are from the photoshoot they did with Alice Eve.
Ugh, I suspected that! I remember thinking those pictures left me feeling cold. I couldn’t buy they had any chemistry.
This just seems like a quick project: “Well, I’ll just ask my friend if he has any pictures of me that haven’t been published.”
Well he knows that people will definitely buy it.
I feel weird about this. The Cumberbatch of 2012 wouldn’t really say yes to a calendar would he? I feel weird comparing him now to the one I first became a fan of. Needless to say, I will have to lighten my wallet for one!
@jammy, care elaborate about this? Not about the damage your wallet is about to sustain, of course, although I offer my sincerest condolences 😀 I mean – why Cumberbatch ver. 2012 wouldn’t say yes to a calendar? I didn’t follow him back then.
The calendar thing made me throw up in my mouth. He’s getting more famewhorish by the minute.
As for early Oscar buzz, I don’t believe until I see the movie.
@ Spooky Spooks me to -I avoid fan calendars like the plague although my daughter once gave me a John Barrowman one as a joke.
I have to admit I hate the calendar idea. When I saw that my immediate thought was, Lord, he needs a new publicist!
It’s ridiculous. I’m really surprised he did it. I heard he wanted to be in Ed Sheeran’s video (for Sing, I think) but his US agent thought it was a bad move for a “serious” actor. But this is ok???
The calender thing disappointed me. I wonder If he will be like Anne Hathaway if he gets a nomination. I really hope not.
I really genuinely don’t get why a calendar is felt to be such a terrible thing. Nobody thinks any less of Depp, Pitt, Daniel Craig etc as actors because they have calendars out do they? It’s just pictures from a few photoshoots bundled together which will bring a little daily joy into the lives of many a lady Cumberfan. What on earth is the big deal? And what does Anne Hathaway have to do with anything. Help.
@magda, did they personally endorse those calendars and choose the pictures?
I have no idea Lilacflowers. As Depp/Pitt are hyooge stars I doubt it. But again, why does that matter?
There is a difference in something being published with your likeness if you participated, agreed, and knowingly stand to gain from it and if something is published with your likeness and you played no part whatsoever and won’t gain from it.
Benny endorsing the calender feels famewhorish to me. I am not going to turn on him because of this or anything like that.
Yeah, Depp has an officially endorsed calender. So does Beyonce. It happens when a bunch of strangers continually profit off your likeness.
I can see why people don’t like it (I don’t care personally), but the term ‘fame whore’ makes no sense to me here tbh. It’s not going to add to his notoriety beyond his fans who already know who he is…?
I think a Sherlock calendar might be more interesting. Then you could have a month dedicated to Andrew Scott
@Katie,
I agree. I don’t think people quite know what ‘famewhoring’ means nowadays. To me it means showing up at Comic Con when you don’t have a film or room, in a skimpy outfit, just to get people to talk about you. Famewhoring is doing anything and everything, no matter how icky, to get your name out there, except actually working. Like say, marrying a 50 year old man when you’re just a child.
@ delorb: I agree, there may be a better term than fame whore to use in this situation, but I don’t know what it is. I usually think of fame whores as people who would pimps their kids out on reality shows, or sell sex tapes. That is, making money and gaining fame and attention without really having an real art or craft. Both BC and Tertius Bune are artists and could make money using those skills. But instead, they seem to be using BC’s fame to make money hocking two year old photos to fan girls. There are so many other ways BC could be helping his friend in this situation.
I’m such a big fan of BC’s and thought he has more integrity than this. He has said that he wouldn’t do “Doctor Who” because he didn’t want his face on lunchboxes. He has called his parents “jogging actors” because of the sacrifices they’ve made taking jobs for money that didn’t offer any creative fulfillment, just to put him through school. He seemed to hold that professional integrity above making money. That’s why I’m disappointed in him doing this calendar.
@Pru,
” He seemed to hold that professional integrity above making money. That’s why I’m disappointed in him doing this calendar. ”
Yes it can be disappointing, but far be it for me to complain how someone else makes their money. I’m not in their shoes, so I can’t judge if its good or not. As long as he’s not being forced, why not be okay with it?
Oh stuff Benny’s calendar, A hiddles colouring book is now available..http://www.socialitelife.com/things-i-need-to-buy-right-now-the-tom-hiddleston-coloring-book-08-2014
Agree re oscars, some great actors have never been nominated never mind won. And some multiple winners…meh…Daniel Day Lewis floats the oscar voter’s boat but far too much scenery chewing for my taste.
There is a cumberbatch coloring book too.
@ SpookySpooks
“”””””””The calendar thing made me throw up in my mouth. He’s getting more famewhorish by the minute.””””””””””
LOL how does Kim Kardashian’s selfie coffee table book make you feel? If one calendar supporting his friend’s photography is “famewhorish” I think the term has lost all meaning.
I think things can be famewhorish without it being on Kim’s level. Benesdict could be famewhore light.
As for Kim’s book, I hate both selfies and coffee tavle books ( books should be read, not used as ornaments) so that makes me even sicker.
A fan page had a theory about some of the decisions he makes.They thought he was hyper aware that he has a limited shelf life for being ‘flavor of the month’ as an actor.So he was going to take the money while he could,not rock the boat where agents and industry were concerned,and enjoy himself along the way.
His parents were jobbing actors,who had periods ‘of rest’.So could be the reason he turns very little down work wise.Building a nest egg to care for his future family and ageing parents
I can buy this theory, as it’s something I’ve long suspected. I am sure most actors will think “strike while the iron is hot,” but he is doubly aware because of his parents’ careers. He can probably have a life-long career of acting if he wants, and maybe film a movie or TV show every year or so down the line. But for now, he’s the “It” actor. Do all the voiceover work, the commercials, the audio books, the plays, films and TV shows while studios are throwing scripts and money your way.
I love that he’s doing all this right now and I’m really interested in what he’ll do in his 50s and 60s. Maybe he will retire and do guest spots like his father.
Well Ian McKellan and Patrick Stewart have probably made more money the older they got. Actors like Derek Jacobi are never out of work. His parents were B/C actors so I can see that adding to their state pension might have been an issue. Mind you most jobbing actors I know pay into a private pension scheme and have stand by occupations for the lean times. If you have a recurring role in a popular TV show you will get royalties every time it is shown and ditto with films
I very much doubt he is worried about his future financial security at this point unless he is making some horrendous investments.
I get that, but there’s a difference between taking every voice over commercial that comes your way, and putting out a cheesy product that fleeces the teenage fangirls (whom, from what I gather, already give so much to worthy causes, like charities, when he asks them to) out of an extra fifteen quid each.
1. It’s £6.99 at BBC Shop
2. Nobody is compelled to buy the damn thing
3. Most teenage girls get these sorts of calendar for Christmas.
BRAND BENNY! How exciting. Where’s the lunch box? The temporary tattoos? The coffee mugs? Any ideas for brand names?
Bendover(fans)?
Cumberfleeeceyourotten?
Don’t you do enough damage with the Countryfile calendar anyway, BBC Shop? I am given at least three of those for Christmas every-single-bloody-year.
(On the upside, my plum tree is fruiting. I can’t stop eating plums.)
He could have his own line in cucumbers-Buy Cumberbatch cucumbers they are bigger and full of flavour or Cumberbatch IQ tests-match your brain against the Sherlock star. I can also see him starting his own line in hats-hats to hide your bald spot or receding hairline. Tom could be his celebrity model.
Should’ve gone more expensive. The unauthorised ones are literally 2x what this one is being sold for lol and some of them are cheap paper
-too late, sixer, web entreprenuers already make and sell all that stuff on ebay. theres even $10 baby bibs.
I buy this theory. Plus, he could be doing the calendar, because the photographer whom is also is friend needs the cash.
A lot of photographers are often tight with cash. I have a few friends who are photographers for weddings and such, wedding season is a nice cash flow, but for the rest of the year, it’s tight as hell when it comes to cash. I’ve never heard of his photographer friend, so, he may not be very established. But, I’m also an American, so, I have no idea what his work is like in the UK.
This calendar isn’t about his work. Voice work and commercials still can still be considered acting work.
This is making money off of his face/name. I know there will be fans who say that he is just doing this because he is such a good friend , he can’t say no, blah, blah, blah. BS.
In my book, there is a loss of integrity to market himself in this manner.
I’ve been reluctant to call some of the things he has done this past year as fame whorish, but I think this counts.
I am holding out for the “Cumberbun in the Oven” tea towel set, myself.
Except he’s done this for friends before. There is James, who I think didn’t give him the time of day when they were at school. You can kinda tell in their first interview. Benedict didn’t seem to know him and vice versa, but they had that school connection. That seems to be all that’s needed for Benedict. James also gets more from their relationship than Benedict does.
He did the same for his birthday party last year. He exited the bar/club with an old friend who is also an actor. He understood that photogs would be taking his picture, so why not get some buzz for her?
I can’t see him turning down a friend even if its a ‘cheesy’ calendar.
@Green Eyes -now that towel would make a great baby shower present. You could be onto something there.
Nope, calendar this size/quality costs around £4-5 to make. Ink is bloody brutal. With licensing fees to the phototag and the maker’s cut, he’s making diddly selling it for £6.99. Less than £1/calendar. he gets some control over his image out of it maybe
fans come out ahead though, they can get a calendar for 1/3 the price now, unlicensed ones were going for 2-3 times that.
If I were in the same position as Cumberbatch, I would fully take advantage of my “it” moment. This coming from a stage actress that also works online.
It’s hard and unpredictable to know when and if a quality career opportunity is coming. But, I would definitely take advantage of the offers as he does and has.
Maybe, he doesn’t need the money, but he has stated that he wants to get married and have children. Children aren’t cheap, plus, he might want to be that father who can be with his children for most of the week. Or he could also want to send them to boarding school, also not cheap. Or wants some cushion money if his star falls.
Could be a million different things. Plus, we don’t know what the contract says. All the proceeds could go to charity for all we know. I doubt it, but you know what I’m saying.
I just think that if anyone should feel like they have quality material coming their way, it’s Benny.
There is Oscar talk for the second year in a row. He just won an Emmy. He has international fame and international critical acclaim. And he is one of Weinstein’s favorites! I don’t see his career drying up in the next year on two.
Attending tennis matchs for free shirts, hosting Polish soap opera awards and making vanity calendars feels thirsty and fame whorish. Maybe that is driven by paranoia? Who knows. But I hope stops it.
I’ll probably get flayed for this, but I don’t think he does, pru. He’s got projects I’m interested it, yeah, but the only major one is voice work.
It looks to me like he just keeps getting the same types of roles over and over. Unless he breaks out and starts getting more varied offers, he won’t make it. I don’t think he’ll starve or anything, but he’ll start to struggle.
@Katie: I love his acting but I think I’m starting to agree with you here–he needs to start getting outside his box, otherwise he *will* end up typecast and unable to get meatier roles. I understand the appeal of “well, it’s working for me so far…” but at the same time, if he just keeps playing the same general type, in a few years, that’s it. He will end up playing the butler in period dramas when he’s too old to be a convincing love interest for the ingenue, that sort of thing. I’m sure he’ll still be doing Sherlock (since he’s even said he’ll do it till he drops, if he has the chance) but between the “meteoric” rise (as some interviews have said) and his tendency to play the same types of characters (not the same roles, just… the same type), he may end up a Hugh Grant type actor. Known for playing the type and no one willing to offer him anything else after a few more years.
@ MissMary and others
“”””””” I love his acting but I think I’m starting to agree with you here–he needs to start getting outside his box, otherwise he *will* end up typecast and unable to get meatier roles.””””””””
I disagree that he is playing the same roles and is getting typecast.
Coming up is; Smaug, a wolf in the Penguins of Madagascar, an American politician in Black Mass, Richard III on TV, Hamlet on stage, a tiger in The Jungle Book, various narrations and book readings, a new Cabin Pressure episode, an adventurer in The Lost City of Z and a soldier in Yellow Birds.
I think the variety there speaks for itself especially if you add in all the roles he has done in the past; Khan, Sherlock, Turing, Assange, Little Charles, a slave owner and a small but pivotal role as pedophile. Of course there is some typecasting there, as with any actor, he is more suitable for some roles than others. I would love to see him in a comedy and a romance but perhaps they are out there.
He is only 38 and has a whole lifetime ahead to mix it up a bit more.
Exactly, MissMary. And he certainly is talented, but, as with most actors, he’s likely taking the best of what’s offered. It’s obvious he wants to play something truly against type, but if no one is offering it to him, that doesn’t matter.
His best bet is to keep acting (lol), make money where he can and get his production company somewhere solid just in case.
Offside, IDK if people kept selling calenders with my face on it at the level I’ve seen with him, you can bet I’d release my own. I’m no saint 😀
@Katie and Maggie: NGL I’d be cashing in on the marketing, too, if I were that level of famous, lol. You’re right that he can only choose from what he’s offered–as famous as he is, he’s not at the “someone create me this part!” level (so few are really). And many actors have long, fantastic careers playing in the same pool they’ve been in for ages (not in a typecasty way but I’m thinking like Judi Dench and her strong women–no matter what era the movie or show is set in, she is always a very strong, driven woman and it works for her and she’s aces at it).
Re his “playing the same sort of role”… Very true, Maggie, there is diversity i his CV.
IMO, the varied job descriptions of the characters he plays is not the issue but the sameness in the depiction is. Ford in 12YAS, Little Charles in AOC, Julian Assange, his version of Khan, Tietjens in Parade’s End, Sherlock, the rapist in Atonement, and even Peter inTTSS are all repressed, emotionally-challenged, at times arrogant, upper-middle class guys. He plays repressed, emotionally-challenged arrogant, upper-middle class guys well but he does need to bring something different to the characterizations. Voice work in animated fare and motion-capture animals are really more pay-check roles – and yes, all actors do them.
@ Lilacflowers
Yes he has played many repressed, emotionally-challenged arrogant, upper-middle class guys but he never plays them the same way. He has also played a rather creepy average guy in Wreckers, a funny nerd in Starter for 10 and I could go on and on but each character is unique and he can only do the roles he is offered and work with the director.
You could say the same about most actors. How does Tom Cruise mix up his characters, or Johnny Depp (who has been playing a weirdo in funny costumes for years) or the actors who continually play action heroes etc?
He mixes things up as much as he can by doing theatre, radio, voice overs, narrations, animation, motion capture, TV and film. I think it is as varied if not more so than most actors. And don’t think he does the animation/motion capture for the pay cheque. He loved the freedom motion capture gave him plus it was a new challenge and utilised new skills.
@maggie, I cannot stand Tom Cruise because he is always Tom Cruise. Once upon a time, Depp was brilliant before he started hiding behind so many costumes. Action heroes aren’t talked about as being great actors deserving awards. And I’m sorry, i did say “IMO” and my opinion is that BC does play his film characters the same way. I keep hoping to see this talent everyone claims he has and so far, I see a talent to play a particular type of character very well with little range beyond that – which many actors do earn a good living doing, but people don’t rave about them. I suspect (and hope) that he shows this immense talent he supposedly has on the stage, but, as far as I can see, it isn’t translating to the screen. Voice overs, narrations, animation, and motion capture do not get acting Oscars. They are paycheck roles and I have no problem with actors doing such work.
@lilacflowers, re: “this immense talent he supposedly has”??What?? 😉
http://31.media.tumblr.com/e002c42314b5921c2699cc4946426937/tumblr_moi5svfMPh1ra8x1ao8_250.gif
The one role Cruise ever impressed me with was Lestat in Interview with the Vampire.
@Lilacflowers I’m sorry I don’t mean to sound rude, but you must hate all actors in general if that’s the case. Most actors, if not than all, have a specific type of acting that translates in all their characters. And it may even seem like they’re playing the same or similar characters in their roles but they really aren’t it’s just their style of acting. And Benedict may have a style of acting that makes all his characters seem alike, but even never plays the same character because all his characters have different personalities, mannerisms, quirks and backgrounds. Oh and by the way what makes a great, talented actor isn’t someone who can play a billion different roles and you never know the difference (nobody’s that skilled) what makes a great actor is someone who has presence, who can delve into the character and being him to life who can make the audience see, feel and no what the characters going through. Also someone who has charisma (Ben seems to fall into that category). I know it’s your opinion, and you can call him overrated all you want, but just pointing out that your opinion felt biased and unfair.
@ Lilacflowers
Well IMHO I have seen that immense talent many, many times. It translates to the screen beautifully both in his physicality (which changes for each role) and in his incredibly expressive face. Watch how he moves elegantly like a ballet dancer in Sherlock and heavily and ponderously in Parade’s End for example. Look at the calculated control he has over his movements as Khan, all angles and stillness and then an explosion of energy. Watch any interview and see how mobile his face is, how his mouth can can change shape in so many ways. He is fascinating to watch. And yes I am waxing lyrical but he is an actor I admire very much.
Agreed it is my opinion but many, many reviewers, colleagues, directors and fans see the same things I see as well. I am not alone!
@ Lilacflowers
“”””Voice overs, narrations, animation, and motion capture do not get acting Oscars. They are paycheck roles and I have no problem with actors doing such work.”””
Actors do not always do the work for the accolades and, from what I have read and heard, Benedict and many other actors enjoy the many varied aspects of the acting profession, which includes animation, motion capture etc.
I am glad you have no problems with them doing such work but I don’t think it is always the pay cheque that motivates them. I know Benedict loves radio work and has obviously enjoyed motion capture work. I imagine it allows him to go full out with no inhibitions and really get into the character, be it mammal or reptile. Great drama school stuff you can get your teeth into.
@jammypants
I love Tom Cruise in Interview with the Vampire, he was awesome as Lestat. (Huge fan of vampire chronicles here xD).
@pru, are you trying to say something?
@elyse, no, I do not hate all actors and I do not hate BC but performance in an interview is not the same as performance in a role. True, you are not alone in your opinion, but I am not alone in mine and I did not say BC was not a good actor.
@Camil, apparently they are making all of the chronicles films. Not sure how I feel about that really. To me Interview was such a classic. Queen of the Damned was terrible.
@Lilacflowers, I meant to add a bit of levity to a thread in which negative comments were being called out, by joking that Tom Hiddleston would judge you for daring to saying something “negative” about BC’s talent.
Because he would. (Another joke!)
And making an excuse to use a cute gif of Tommy. (Who better to lighten the mood?)
Really, that’s all I was trying to say.
Pru I am with you. The last two years he seems to have been pulling out all the stops to get his name out there and create a buzz. That buzz helped to secure him an Emmy and may well get him an Oscar nod. There are a lot of films and actors who have given equally as good performances who will not get a nod because of the lack of media hype,
If you look at Telluride you have 5 reviews from poor to ecstatic but when the link articles appear by those who have not seen the films and are just regurgitating selected bits of reviews they are all headlining it with Benedict Cumberbatch wows/wins/tops at Telluride and many of the films like Turner which won Timothy Spall the best actor at Cannes are not even mentioned.
I am not saying his performance is not good just that he is getting far more coverage than equally as promising films and actors. Not to mention that all his fans will turn out on mass at the festivals which will probably sway the most wanted vote.
I was thinking the calendar sounds like spin control when it comes to his image. There’s already so many unauthorized things going on–some biographies, already some calendars and posters and such… Maybe PR or himself decided to do an “official” one so it’s the images he’s cool with being used?
Yep, exactly this.
I’m disappointed with the quality of the pictures. He could have had fun with it and done cheeky pictures of him, I dunno, riding his bike or something. He could have poked some fun at celebrity calendars, the general heartthrob image, and perhaps the public’s perception that he’s “posh,” too.
But no. There are just some forgettable pictures of him looking as though he’s thinking “Did I leave the iron on?” in the middle of a desert.
@ MissMary
I think that this might be part of the reason for the calendar as well as supporting his friend Tertius.
I am thrilled at the reception he is getting for TIG and just seeing his name on potential Oscar lists is wonderful.
Some of the doom and gloom on this thread is a little disappointing. Here is a very well regarded actor who has been working very hard for years finally getting some recognition and do we celebrate his success? No, some have to start dragging him down.
weren’t some of them from the shoot with Alice Eve, or do they just look really similar? Since it was mentioned, now I’m wondering, too, if he’s trying to boost his friend’s image as a photographer and get his name more known, sort of like a consensual coat-tail ride or something. But I really do think a big part of it is an image control thing, since this past year there’s been an unauthorized bio and a horde of calendars and t-shrits and things.
Kinda smdh because this is the same guy who said he didn’t want to do a show that’d end up with his face on a lunch box, lol.
(sorry if this ends up a double post… I fail at posting today!)
@Maggie: I think some of the negativity is coming from perceived “famewhoring” (never mind that a lot of this is part of the job when you’re a famous actor–selling your public brand, making sure your face is public and valuable to potential producers and casting directors) and things like the commercials, voice overs, etc. It’s a fact of life for most actors that the jobs aren’t constant and the money won’t always be there, even if you’re not living extravagantly, so they take things like the voice overs and adverts, etc. to make sure that cushion is there. And there’s no harm in that, imho. It IS pretty exciting, as a fan, to see him recognized for his work and this movie has been a real passion project for him, so I hope he does get at least the nomination. He may not get the award but it’d be awesome to see him recognized.
@Greengirl,
The fact that the pictures all came from the same photographer is kinda, sorta proof that he’s doing this for his friend. If it were about him, then there would have been new pictures or a variety of photographers.
The calendar pictures actually are from a variety of different photographers from a number of different shoots. I think only 3 by Tertius Bune (and yes from that shoot with Alice Eve). I do agree that it was largely due to so many unauthorized ones out there making money off his image and nothing going to him. Not going to throw shade on the man for wanting to make money. He’s really not in the big paycheck league yet (if ever) so he needs to make money wherever he can. Plus, no projects to speak of this year other than the last minute Black Mass shoot.
@Oldenough,
Thanks for the correction.
@MissMary,
Thanks for pointing that out. Some people seem to think he’s made huge bank from his movies, when its just been bank.
A calendar. Interesting. Never would have pegged him to do an official one. I think the last time I bought an official celebrity calender I was 8 and it was New Kids on the Block.
As for his movie, Oscar buzz always starts this time of year. Last year the big buzz was around Michael B. Jordan & Fruitvale and no nomination came out of it. But, it did expose him more so that was the plus side. Wait until TIFF, BIF, & for the movies coming out in December to see where he lands on the nomination scale.
Nobody older than 25, unless acting as some over emotional teen ager, would ever think Eddie R. has got a chance. It’s clearly between Keaton, Cumberbatch and Carell.
Agree. I want to see TTOE, but some people who broke embargo mentioned on Twitter that is was boring/poorly structured. Reminded me a bit of the complaints about Long Walk to Freedom last year, but hopefully these are off.
I follow a film site which called the Oscars for last year and they have a shifting list based on what they have seen and the buzz.. They will be attending TIFF and they usually have someone at Cannes .The list may change as they see films but at the moment Keaton and Carrel are the top two followed by Spall (MrTurner) Miles Teller for Whiplash and Ben Affleck for Gone Girl. Eddie Redmayne is at 18 and Benny at 28.
They are one of those sites who’s reviews I may disagree with at times but respect there knowledge of films.Same goes for Indiewire who review a wide range of films and have the knowledge base.
No one can seriously be talking about Afflect when it comes to acting. Directing yes, acting, no.
@ M.A.F
Could never understand why Argo did so well, it was only an ok film. Particularly given we all knew the ending.
@M.A.F some people rate him quite high and at one point he was getting his pick of films. Not crazy over him or Damon myself but the film is getting a lot of positive buzz-all the big papers over here have written positive articles about it. He was nominated for Bafta for his acting in Argos so he cannot be that bad, It is not out until October so hard to tell until we get feedback
Icerose-can you share the website? Thanks.
“It’s clearly between Keaton, Cumberbatch and Carell. ”
It’s really too soon to talk about locks and frontrunners.. There are Fincher’s Gone Girl,Selma produced by Pitt, Paul Thomas Anderson’s Inherent Vice with Phoenix,and even Unbroken has some chances with the Academy.. These films will not premiere at Toronto. There’s also a film called Interstellar that will be released in November..
I agree that at the moment they look promising but as t=you say there are still some pretty good films on the horizon.
And “Kill the Messenger” with Jeremy Renner, an Academy fave.
I’ve also heard that Jake Gyllenhaal could be in the running for “Nightcrawler”.
@Liz, so the critics who are counting Redmayne in their top five, which is most of them, are over-emotional teenagers? It really isn’t necessary to bash another actor or his supporters.
Couple of questions which may have a bearing: How much have the Americans heard of Turing or Hawkings? Would that make a difference?
thanks to the Big Bang Theory they probably have a great awareness of who Stephen Hawking is, and on a more intellectual note he released a best seller, Brief History of Time or something like that, which sold millions but probably left on people’s coffee tables 🙂
I think the Turing should be familiar if they watched the awful inaccurate film, Enigma. [a total rewrite of history “shocking”]
However, considering the Oscar voters admit to not seeing all the films on they’re so-called list, because they follow the PR hype to save time, i think both films will do well in consideration for Oscars.
And the hype is why the Oscars loose their value. It means than producers try and create the bigger buzz and may well succeed in getting their film nominated but in the end I devalues the win because the people voting did not tale the time to watch the film and give their own opinion.
If they don’t watch all the films what is the point of the awards?
One need only look to the bitten apple on their macs and google to find its relevance.
I wish, jammypants. The Apple logo symbolizes knowledge–Adam and Eve, which was an early ad campaign too.
Hawking is far better known than Turing in the US atm.
@joe spider, those who studied World War II in depth, usually at university level, know who Turing was. Those whose knowledge of history ends with a 9th grade western civ class and a 10th grade American history class have no knowledge of Turing or Enigma whatsoever. Hawking is better known because he does appear on US television from time to time but his personal story is not as well known.
Thanks Lilacflowers.
@Lilacsflowers I would also argue that Turling vanished into obscurity after the war and did not really add to his achievements so it is really only the English history books that acknowledge his work whilst Hawking because he is alive and because of his disability is an on going presence in the media.
But the Cumberbatch buzz will help to get the film seen which is probably the biggest factor in it’s march to wards nomination.
I just discovered the Derek Jacobi version of Turling is on you tube so as soon as I have an evening free I plan to re watch it
@Icerose
“””””” I would also argue that Turling vanished into obscurity after the war and did not really add to his achievements so it is really only the English history books that acknowledge his work “””””””
Vanished into obscurity?
Alan Turing was not forgotten, did not vanish into obscurity and without the achievements of him and his team the war may have lasted much longer.
He is certainly not as well known as Hawking but he is known way beyond just English History books.
I do not think you have given him enough credit or given enough credit to those who work in the computer and scientific community who recognise the legacy he left behind.
A simple google search will tell you of his many achievements and his tragic end in 1954
No one is a “shoo-in” at this point. There are names being tossed around at this point (and yes Benedict is one of them), but there isn’t a shoo in yet. We’ll probably have more of an idea once the movie is released and what the critical reception is. Even if Benedict is awesome in it, he still might not get a nomination if the movie itself sucks (like that Julian Assange movie he did).
I love hearing his name tossed about for a best actor nom and the movie for best picture, but you’re right. This is really early days yet and who knows what the other festivals may bring, and then what public release will do.
Is “a combination of A BEAUTIFUL MIND and THE KING’S SPEECH” supposed to be a compliment? Because those films are regarded as two of the least deserving Best Picture winners in recent history.
My prediction is Golden Globe nomination, no win, BATFA nom, again no win, and no Oscar nomination.
I dunno. I’m excited about the hype, if only because I was worried about the movie doing Turing justice.
The reviews sound more…whole this time around. Do you know what I mean? It doesn’t sound like people are only complimenting him because he’s the only good thing about the movie, so that makes me feel better about it’s chances of being a good film overall. I don’t particularly care if he wins, though if I’m honest I’m REALLY tired of the same old people winning year after year. Even if it’s not him, I would love for fresh faces to start getting attention.
Work wise he’s actually got a pretty varied resume. Prior to film he did stage for quite a while and his earlier movies are all over the place in terms of character and style (I’ll admit Painted with Words is one of my favorites). That said, he’s clearly a bit typecast now. But I can’t blame him for choosing the best roles he’s offered, even if they’re similar in some ways. If he can do a good job with them, fine by me. He’s said before that he’d like to be offered a wider variety (pretty recently, possibly at comic con?) maybe something comedic, but he’s also taking advantage of his time in the limelight while he’s got it. Sounds smart to me. I can’t blame the guy. I also happen to like his work so maybe I’m bias. He just sounds like he’s playing the hollywood game. Less of an asshole than most (if even that), so I’m not bothered by him. He’s unintentionally shaking up the definition of attractive in hollywood as well. I always like it when things like that happen. Just a bonus imo.
I don’t think most awards mean much to us anymore, but it’s a bit like horse racing. In order to get to the bigger races there are certain smaller ones you have to win (or place). I think status in hollywood depends on that, as does the roles you get and the chances people will take on you as an actor. It’s all that backstage stuff we don’t see. Compared to most he’s a pretty active and vocal supporter of different charities and he’s not a stereotypical macho dick. All in all, I’m totally fine with the Batch. For me he’s refreshing.
To answer joe spider, most Americans know Hawking. It’s Turing that they don’t know. Part of the hype could be to get Americans more invested and curious. I think it’s exciting to people in the hollywood circle because you don’t get a lot of Oscar bait like this (except completely independent stuff) compared to mainstream Oscar fodder. Even when there’s deserving films it’s almost always the “known” names that get the nominations. The more that mold is broken, the more exciting it is and accessible hollywood becomes. That probably freaks out the old fogies in the academy but it’s generally a good thing for the future of film. At the very least, it shakes things up.
I mean this is all speculation, but that’s my guess.
Nicely put Breezy.
Thanks Maggie 🙂
On a different note, is there a reason so many people have suddenly turned on him? He hasn’t done anything recently other than actually win something for once :/ hm
It is one of the nasty traits of human nature to build ’em up to knock ’em down. The Brits are the worst in the world at it, and I’m a Brit.
I was just thinking this would be great for any sociologists right now. Literally the last post about him was how people were rooting for him and how great he is. The minute someone starts to get traction though…
What happened?
The short of it is that prior to winning his award everyone was rooting for him and had nice things to say about his work etc. After winning, it seems like some people’s opinions have changed. We’re speculating it’s sort of a trend you seen in society.
As Joe Spider said, the “build ‘em up to knock ‘em down” thing.
Oooooooh. So do you think that will happen to Leo when he finally wins an Oscar?
Maybe, that will be an interesting one. I think most people are on board with the idea that he’s at least earned something by now. I wonder if that will change.
Maybe the reason you’re looking for goes by the name of jealousy?
before winning the award, he was a talented actor who worked a lot, now, he’s the enemy one needs to crush, the one who finally has an award and I don’t….
*I’m just kidding girls…*
I wonder if some of it is perceived “famewhoring” (I don’t think there’s really much, if any, going on with him… I do side eye the calendar but I’m leaning towards that being image control to override the unofficial stuff being put out left and right with his likeness), some of it is envy (because there are some folks who envy his career, fame, whatever), and some is sheer pissiness. They don’t like his acting or the characters or both or how he is in interviews, maybe they were once bitten by a dog named Benedict and it’s scarred ’em for life, but as soon as the accolades start, so does the bashing (in a bigger way than the “ugh he looks like an alien” commentary that’s a thread in his career). there’s also some folks who just really want to see a celeb fail.
That all sounds plausible to me. Someone mentioned the famewhoring earlier. It also doesn’t sound like him in my opinion, particularly since he’s never the one putting himself in the public eye like a few other celebrities (unless he’s promoting something, which is his job). But, again, bias.
I like that image control explanation. I haven’t seen the thing but I’m on tumblr so I’m MORE than sure control has something to do with it. I’d imagine he doesn’t want to be the bad guy but if we’re looking at him as a “brand” as most actors are, his image is completely out of his control at this point. Some of it is Sherlock coughalotofitcough but some of it is just people going hog wild because of the whole “fandom” thing. Fandom isn’t always bad, but it can sort of feed this entitlement in fans, I think.
Basically I agree MissMary.
IIRC there’s two (at least one but I think I saw someone mention a second) unauthorized biographies out, countless calendars (mostly fan works using pics they don’t have rights to but they’re being sold small-scale and mostly under the radar of the Beeb or BC’s agency/PR), t-shirts, stickers, etc with his image (mostly as Sherlock but still his face) on ’em, and I’m willing to bet someone, somewhere, in management went “Look, just do an authorized calendar and we can say “this is the only one BC has approved of” and maybe people will stop buying/selling the unauthorized ones” (though we know that’ll never happen). Get the officially branded items out there and make it clear which is the ‘official’ image and ‘officially’ approved goods.
Re the bashing: I’ve also noticed an uptick in the “omg he was spotted at…” gossip as the buzz for awards season grows, and most of it is b.s. or so so so far off the mark it’s not even cute. And it seems mostly posted just to poke fun at him or his fans and make it look like he’s fan baiting/a dick.
Unless his people decide to do something about all the merchandise out there he’s probably fighting a losing battle. A friend of mine has met some of his PR people and they’re all apparently very nice and easy to work with. Maybe everyone is just super low key? IMO it’s like the cumberbitch thing. That word is now attached to his name even though he hates it and has said so many times. I suspect he requests that it not be brought up anymore in interviews since it suddenly stopped being spoken about, but that’s the importance of image control. Granted he won’t use the word but now it’s in the hands of fans who don’t really seem to care how he feels about it.
Some of the perceived famewhoring is probably just from sightings and other things that would have flown under the radar if this movie didn’t have Oscar expectations. There used be a joke with fans that Benedict is a smart cookie but he learns the hard way when it comes to the media. He never thinks he’s a big deal and assumes no one else does either. So going out to eat somewhere kinda well known doesn’t seem like a risk until there’s cameras flashing in his face.
Of all the people in hollywood to paint as a dick. This is the dude that’s like, “Don’t buy me birthday gifts, just donate to a good cause instead. Thanks!” I’m just saying, it’s a stretch for me.
Yep, Breezy, I’ve said before his image is kind of out of his control at this point unless he wants to stop going outside or doing anything ever, including some of the charity stuff. His power over media is greatly overestimated.
He’s not and shouldn’t be above criticism but definitely is scrutinized for things other celebs wouldn’t be, and some of it gets strangely mean-spirited.
Maybe it’s his face. A lot of people are a bit shallow, myself included, even if they don’t want to admit it to themselves. I’d probably give Rebecca Hall the benefit of the doubt if she smothered kittens in front of me, but not other women (which is crappy of me, but I wonder if I’d ever realize it).
I was thinking the same thing when reading these posts Breezy.
Here is a nice article/post about Benedict getting some buzz for his role in TIG and while there are a few people saying well done most of the posts are quite negative. He is either a famewhore, typecast or other actors are much better.
I am not a Brit, Joe Spider, and I hate the whole tall poppy thing.
Here is a very talented man, who has been working hard at his craft for a long time, who seems to be a really nice bloke, who colleagues praise and now that he is getting some rewards the knockers arrive. Well I wish him well and hope that he gets a nomination for TIG if not a win.
I don’t think that if you say something negative or criticize some choices he makes, that means you’ve turned on him. I think it’s possible to be a fan, be objective and not think every step he takes is a positive one.
That’s definitely true. Some of the comments did strike me as particularly mean spirited, but they’re not all like that.
It’s interesting how the Cumberthreads here have changed in the past year or so. There used to be a very different group of commenters, who had a very snarky attitude, but were still fans.
I agree Pru that the posts have changed in the past year. They used to be quite light hearted and funny but you could tell people were fans.
Looking super hot tonight
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2740166/A-special-Guest-Benedict-Cumberbatch-supports-Dan-Stevens-film-screening-Downton-Abbey-crew.html
Cumbercurls! Scruff! No Dad clothes!
So hot………..
Aah, the scruff for Richard III! We’ll see Cumberbeard! And why am I using Cumber as a modifier, lol?
It’s Cumbercontagious!
Ginger Cumberbeard might do me in.
I referred to the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge video the same way, as in: “did you see the Cumberbucket yet??” so it does seem to be a disease that spreads without direct contact.
The curse of the multisyllabic surname, lol.
I have to laugh at the way some on this board have turned on BC. I’m not even that big of a fan but how some can say his career is too narrow, going nowhere and ‘his moment’ will be over soon beats me. It smells of wishful thinking.
He just won a best actor Emmy ,
His Hamlet is the fastest selling play in UK history and in a huge seater too.
He’s picked as Richard III in the BBC’s most prestigious series – the Hollow Crown – The War of the Roses (Wolf hall will probably sit alongside it in terms of prestige). I have no doubt he’ll make sure his Richard has some action scenes & show off his riding skills.
Serkis picked him for the big bad in Warner bros Jungle Book: Origins. Its a big budget film and WB could have had their pick of names but Benedict got the gig and was named first in their press release over Bale and Blanchett.
Telluride was a great success for him and he has a decent chance of an oscar nomination.
Sherlock is going great guns in popularity and is the BBC’s biggest seller worldwide
He has some other great films lined up if he can fit them in – 2 of them are soldier/mercenary roles. OK he might not be able to fit them in to his schedule but he was at least offered roles very different from his past work.
I could go on but what’s the point. Posters on here just want to pour scorn.
I’m with you Betsy.
He is at a high point in his career and just the fact that his name is being mentioned in the same breath as Oscar is wonderful as so many people didn’t have a clue who he was a few years ago.
You expressed the way I feel about these posts very well.
I just re-read through this entire thread and nowhere did I see anyone say his career wasn’t going anywhere or pour scorn on him.
Of course he’s a shoe-in. He’s British and he’s in a period piece. The A academy loves to show that it is not parochial and would give every award to foreign artists if at all possible.