On Friday, Benedict Cumberbatch turned the internet into Cumberpudding. He did Reddit’s “Ask Me Anything” and he was witty, smart, funny, sassy and just flat-out wonderful. CB even has Cumberfeelings now (BITCH, BACK OFF) which should tell you something. Usually she’s ride-or-die for Matty D. Anyway, less talking, more Cumbying. You can read the full Reddit AMA here, and here are my favorites:
Do you, Matt smith, and Tom Hiddleton have cheek bone polishing parties?
We like nothing better than buffing our Zygoma. And imagining a horny time traveling long overcoat purple scarf wearing super sleuth nordic legend f–k fantasy. Get to work on that, internet.What do you think of your fans calling themselves ‘Cumbercookies’? That way when we all come together, we’ll be the ‘Cumberbatch’
It’s great! You could call yourself the Cumbergirls, and then when you come together you’d be a flock. Or you could call yourself the Cumbertadpoles and that way you’d be the Cumberspawn…Wait!…Ew! Don’t do that.Is fame different from how you imagined it would be?
You can’t imagine fame. You can only ever see it from an outsider and comment on it with the rueful wisdom of a non participant. When it happens to you, it doesn’t matter what age or how, it is a very steep learning curve. The imprtanot thing to realize in all of it is that life is short, to protect the ones you love, and not expose yourself to too much abuse or narcissistic reflection gazing and move on. If fame affords me the type of ability to do the kind of work I’m being offered, who am I to complain about the downsides. It’s all relative. And this are obviously very high class problems. The way privacy becomes an every shrinking island is inevitable but also manageable and it doesn’t necessary have to get that way…What’s the weirdest encounter you’ve had with a fan?
Ted Danson at a pre-Oscar party screaming across a floor of people like Leonardo DiCaprio, Ray Liotta, Kristen Stewart, Kirsten Dunst, et al while pushing past them and knocking their drinks. “OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! IT’S F–KING SHERLOCK HOLMES!”Mr. Cumberbatch, everyone loves you for a myriad of reasons: your personality, looks, hair, cheekbones, you name it. I was wondering, what’s your favorite part about you?
I guess as an actor your eyes are vital in conveying any internal thought process or feeling, and for that I have my mum to thank. Other than that, I’m happy to default to your judgements.Is it hard to keep the secret of how Sherlock survived? Do you ever have the urge to tell someone? If so, how do you cope?
I cry myself to sleep at night. And then wake up laughing.My wife would sincerely like to know if you are wearing anything under your robe….. please respond, this is important for our mental wellbeing.
You should be asking who’s naked under it with me.What are a few of your favorite comfort movies that are nostalgic to you and you never tire of?
Ghostbusters. Loads of John Hughes classics. Annie Hall. annnnnd 2001 Space Odyssey!!With your (crazy) filming schedule, what creature comforts do you look forward to the most when returning home?
Walking or running on Hampstead Heath, seeing my friends and family, cooking for myself, and the embrace of those I love. Beyond that, a whisky, the fire and a good book.Julian Assange’s open letter to you criticizing The Fifth Estate is very intense. He even goes so far as to call you a “hired gun” for distorting the truth (or at least what he views as his truth). Did this affect the way you portrayed him or even make you second guess your role at all in this film?
Yes, of course it did. To have the man you are about to portray ask you intelligently and politely not to do it gave me real cause for concern, however, it galvanized me into addressing why I was doing this movie. He accuses me of being a “hired gun” as if I am an easily bought cypher for right wing propaganda. Not only do I NOT operate in a moral vacuum but this was not a pay day for me at all. I’ve worked far less hard for more financial reward. This project was important to me because of the integrity I wanted to bring to provocative difficult but ultimately timely and a truly important figure of our modern times. The idea of making a movie about someone who so far removed from my likeness or situation who brought about an ideal through personal sacrifice that has changed the way we view both social media, the power of the individual to have a voice in that space, and be able to question both the hypocrisies and wrongdoings of organizations and bodies of powerful people that rule our lives… This resonated deeply with my beliefs in civil liberty, a healthy democracy, and the human rights of both communities and individuals to question those in authority. I believe that the film, quite clearly, illuminates the great successes of wikileaks and its extraordinary founder Julians Assange. As well as, examining the personalities involved and what become a dysfunctional relationship within that organization. While the legacy of his actions and the organizations continue to evolve and only history will be the true judge of where this is leading us. The Fifth Estate is a powerful, if dramatized, entry point for a discussion about this extraordinary lurch forward in our society. I wanted to create a three dimensional portrait of a man far more maligned in the tabloid press than he is in our film to remind people that he is not just the weird, white haired Australian dude wanted in Sweden, hiding in an embassy behind Harrods. But a true force to be reckoned with, achieved the realization of the great ideal. I’m proud to be involved in tackling such a contentious character and script. There is only personal truth in my opinion, and the film should provoke debate and not consensus. It should be enjoyable and ultimately empowering to realize that Julian has spearheaded a movement that is the foundations stone of The Fifth Estate, people journalism and what that is capable of including finding out the “truth” for yourself.
I love him for misspelling “judgment” (I do that too which obviously means that we should get married) and I love him for loving his eyes. I want to stare into his beautiful eyes as we sit by the fire and he reads me poetry (with THAT VOICE) and he sips his whiskey. My new happy place.
Here’s Benedict’s interview with Jimmy Fallon on Friday:
And here’s Benedict’s interview with Graham Norton – Harrison Ford was lovely but is it just me or is Jack Whitehall really annoying? He’s very try-hard. Cumby is lovely though. And his Chewbacca impression is AMAZE-BALLS.
Photos courtesy of Reddit
Dammit. While I want to get behind Kaiser in an attempt to defend our boy from CB’s nefarious clutches, I can’t help but feel she deserves some reward for all the work on the site. She may have him for an hour.
The Reddit was glorious. I was worried it would be Hiddlestonian-dull, but Cumby locked in my devotion forever. DUC, no more (well, until he screws up again).
Gosh, you’re a tough one to keep happy! I must say, I am absolutely charmed by this interview — more so than anything else I have read by or of him.
Anna,
No, I meant it as a good thing. And, while we’re still on old CB format and the links in people’s names are accessible, I would just like to say that your blogpost on Russian women and feminism was absolutely bloody brilliant. I loved it.
(and reading it made me realize that Fashion Bitch is your muse. She truly is an inspiration)
This AMA left TommyAnnE in the dust. He was delightful, funny, and recognized the inherent comedy of the whole thing. Everything was just right.
As someone said earlier: not internet savvy, my arse.
He pitched it perfectly. Reddit fell head-over-heels in love with him, and they were getting a bit disillusioned with the celebrity AMA’s, so they weren’t going to be an easy crowd.
@Lucrezia
Alexis Ohanian, reddit’s co-creator, called his AMA “one of the best yet”.
He was absolutely perfect in the AMA. It was the right blend of Bitchy/Sarcastic Batch and CumberMouth (I’ll admit my eyes glazed over a bit with his more lengthy responses). He was alternately funny, sarcastic and thoughtful, and that proof picture just about killed me. I think he left the AMA with quite a few new Cumberbitches/Cumberbros.
My favorite response, though, was when he said Martin Freeman’s wrath was worse than any dragon’s.
Meh. People here and I wanted to come out to play on this thread!
I will leave at adding my admiration. Tone perfect. Jokes at both “the internet’s” and his own expense. V gd.
(Although he did miss the point of Assange’s letter, which wasn’t so much as right wing propaganda but liberal media being taken as balanced by liberals. Almost everyone misses that. Doesn’t anyone read Chomsky? Don’t have to agree; just read).
Have fun, ladies!
I kinda liked the response to the letter. We can read the letter and get over our initial feelings and relate to it on a more balanced level – I think the AMA answer was an honest reaction to something that might feel like a bit of a sucker punch? I shall, however, peruse a bit more Chomsky, simply because I’ve lurked here for a while and seen some of the more serious debates that sometimes pop up and you all seem like smarty-pants’, so I will listen to recommendations.
Sixer,
Chomsky, eh? I’m still swooning a bit. Care to provide links or point my lightheaded self in the right direction?
*leans back while being fanned*
Oh and before I forget, thank you for explaining the difference between a copy & structural editor. 🙂 Much appreciated.
*stuffs her Team Žižek t-shirt back in the closet*
To be honest, I haven’t been paying much attention to the actual debate re:Assange. There’s so much self-aggrandizement to get past when even listening to the man that most of his actual points get buried, and I haven’t been following the actual debate too closely.
I thought (and correct me if I’m wrong) that Chomsky’s point was more Marxist (for want of a better word) than that. I thought his argument was that the liberal media bias didn’t exist because economics trumped ideology. Happy to be educated on this one.
ETA: Although, now writing it out, I see that I’m possibly talking apples to your oranges. Machiavelli says that “men are so simple and subject to the present needs that he who wishes to deceive will always find those willing to be deceived” (or something similar. The left wing is happy to assume that’s the case of the misguided right-wing working classes, but frequently fall into the same trap themselves. To my mind, that’s why the Occupy movement failed. They mistook a media frenzy for an ideology.
Hey guys. I may have drunk too much wine so I shan’t say much or it will be ridiculous.
Yes, of course, apples and oranges I’m simplifying ridiculously and there are a zillion shades of overlap and grey.
I was just trying to point out that Assange’s problem with Benny the Bitch isn’t that he’s a right wing stooge – it’s that he’s a liberal Trojan horse. And that the more “balanced” the liberal media proclaim the film to be, the more of a Trojan horse it becomes.
The same argument that Democrat = left and Republican = right when it’s actually Democrat = right and Republican = right and they just choose a different colour for the curtains.
This may or may not be so – I’m just pointing out that Benny’s answer was great and lucid; it just didn’t answer Assange’s criticism.
And if that makes sense, I shall award myself another glass of vino.
ETA: bloody hell, I may be seeing double momentarily.
Fanty: here’s a link that might interest you, taking this argument and applying it to UK liberal media (eg Grauniad, BBC, etc)
http://www.medialens.org/
Sure, Sixer, you address Fanty’s points but not mine.
*pouts*
What vino are you partaking of???
(All this wine drinking and sadly my wine shelf is empty)
I was trying to do both in one! Cotes du Rhone. Rough.
My husband is threatening black coffee, which I am finding a little de trop.
Huzzah! And Mr. Sixer and his black coffee be damned! Have another glass for me! Twenty minutes until my kids are in bed and I’m cracking open a bottle myself.
Coming back to say that I love the medialens link (and I hope your hangover isn’t too bad when you next see this). Thanks for the site.
I’m a somewhat recent grad from an urban Ph.D program, and many of my peers were involved in the Occupy movement. I’m still on the listservs that such people frequent and the willful ignorance of the militant left is equally distressing as the Tea Party rhetoric.
My post appears to have vanished. So – take two! (Apologies in advance if this turns out to be a double-post.)
@ LadySlippers: Everyone knows the media influences popular opinion, and is itself slanted. An intelligent reader knows not to believe everything they read, and to always consider the source.
That’s easy if you’re a lefty reading a right-wing source (or vice versa). But one of Chomsky’s big points was that even the sources we like to think are neutral (CNN, NY Times) are constrained by their structure. He’s not saying there’s a big shadowy conspiracy. Just that you do not get to be lead reporter for the NY Times without going through a process (school, uni, beat reporter) that socialises you into thinking in line with the establishment. If you were a truly independent, rebellious thinker you’d never have made it through that process and got the job.
So the problem is that while we’re all aware of the bias in certain sources, but we rarely stop to question the more subtle biases.
(Here’s a fairly readable example of Chomsky: http://www.chomsky.info/articles/199710–.htm)
Assange touches on this in his letter: “Feature films are the most powerful and insidious shapers of public perception, because they fly under the radar of conscious exclusion.” Translation: this is NOT Fox News, so even intelligent leftys might make the mistake of taking it at face value.
Sixer thinks Cumby missed that point, because he refers to obvious right-wing propaganda while Assange is clearly more worried about insidious left-wing misinterpretations.
I sort of (respectfully) disagree. Cumby is quite clear that, “there is only personal truth in my opinion, and the film should provoke debate and not consensus.” To me, that reads like Cumby noted Assange’s point, but dismissed it because he thinks Assange isn’t giving the audience enough credit for critical thinking. If you assume a critical audience, it neatly sidesteps the whole problem.
However, I only “kinda” disagree with Sixer/Assange because I think Cumby is giving the audience TOO much credit.
It’s murky though. If you flip it around, and imagine Cumby’d said the audience were all mindless sheeple, we’d be outraged. Yet I’m sitting here saying he’s giving us too much credit. Where do you draw the line between too much credit, and not enough?
Man, I feel ill.
The left does enjoy cutting itself to ribbons. I have decided to rise above it and call myself a techno-utopian.
According to Chinese scientists, sprite is the way to go (for the hangover, not as a cure for technological dystopia):
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/hangover-cure-finally-found-sprite-8866828.html
@ Lucrezia – merci. I would be completely incapable of such lucidity today.
@ Fanty – the thing is, to get Sprite, I would have to leave the sofa. I’m needing to stay still. Very, very still.
Much obliged Lucrezia. That does make more sense. I have learned to pick up on bias in things (even beyond news) and it’s quite insidious… And ubiquitous. 🙁 WAIT! Are you saying Fox News isn’t the pinnacle of truth and justice in the US? *falls over dead in shock*
I agree w/ your assessment of BC’s take as too many people take films for the gospel truth * roll eyes*.
Sixer & Fanty — do feel better ladies.
Can you believe we were worried about it? We are fools, fools I tell you! I had to work last night and I had to show some serious restraint and not demand everyone read the AMA, just so I could fangirl at them.
I was so proud of him, I can’t even tell you! He’s was absolutely delightful! ::sniffsniff:: Our boy, all grown up and charming the internet with naughty innuendo and rambly answers…
But oh my, the Cumby crush persists! And he’s been looking so dapper in his ONE suit. Dear heart, perhaps we could do TWO suits next time? Although, I’m enjoying this suit and you wear it well. Either way, I’d hit it. Hard. Repeatedly. With vigor.
Fanty can be quite demanding of her Cumby.
Usually she adores him, but then he wears a linen cap & everything collapses like a drunken house of drunken cards….
@Fanty,
Fanty dear, I replied to you & it went completely askew, like Jorts. I think the comment format is a real problem.
You can’t say something is a problem and illustrate your point by comparing it to jorts. You just negated your argument.
@Fanty,
Well, I am really not myself today. I think…today…I shall be Mrs. Hudson.
I believe I promised to sew some bric-a-brac trim on Cumby’s jorts.
I’m butting in simply to say…..Jorts are nothing but fabulous and iconic… obviously, you must have been confused, or perhaps the unbridled, manliness of The Jorts overwhelmed you. It happens, you’ll recover.
I will stan for The Jorts until everyone sees the error of their ways!
@Leah,
I hope that at the very least, the flag you’re waving over at EsCon is made of cut off denim.
Oh it is… it is. With some plaid and skull detailing around the edges, since Cumby is going through a “phase.”
I was going to go for the gold and add some glitter to the flag (glittering cut-off skull-detailed jeans… class personified!), but I figured if EsCon was already overwhelmed by The Jorts, the glitter might just do her in.
And really- we all know what was underneath that dressing gown…. Jorts.
That would also explain why so many of the suits are straining at the thighs.
I had a snappy response all prepared, but then my mind wandered with visions of flexing Cumberthighs covered in straining fabric, straddling a motorcycle. Ahem.
Yes. Well.
Indeed, Cumby loves his Jorts. He has a lucky pair, of course. Only pulls them out for special occasions or especially hot dates. You’re a lucky women to witness the Cumby in full Jorts mode.
He is lovely, but he’s everywhere, and I fear he will start to annoy me soon.
Everytime I see cumby I think of THAT Reddit web session *sigh I admit I have this on record so I can watch it again. What I love about Cumby is that he is what he say he is on the tin. I wish more actors were like that.
Jack has ALWAYS been annoying. Especially. When he got drunk with James Cordon on a quiz show
I loved James and Jack on The Big Fat Quiz. And Jack, Adele and Miranda Hart ( I love her so much) are my all time favourite Graham Norton line up.
Being paired paired with James Corden on the Big Fat Quiz of the Year was the first time I liked Jack Whitehall. I generally find him go be an insufferable douche.
Although he did have an appearance on Ellen here in the States, and I seem to remember it not being too bad.
Thought Jack was great. There were a few awkward moments where he came to the rescue. Like the Star Wars question with Ford and Cumby. I gotta feeling Cumby signed a contract already that’s why he can’t use that “no offer has been made” excuse or he was just shocked with Ford’s compliment.
Aw, I like Jack. Yeah, he can be a bit irritating at times (usually when he’s allowed to go on for too long), but I find his posh boy schtick quite funny. And Jack and James eating pizza with wine while dancing to Call Me Maybe (with Jimmy!) was one of my favorite bits from that edition of The Big Fat Quiz.
jack whitehall is hilarious! he was actually quite subdued this time around. he fangirled cumby too which was super sweet. i actually found the couch a bit awkward with harrison ford there. they were all going out of their way to keep him happy, and he was still kinda grumpy, lol.
I thought the interaction between Jack and Harrison was really funny and kind of cute, though. Harrison seemed so amused, in a grandfatherly way. His bit about The Expendables was great.
I really don’t know if I wanna do him, be his bestfriend or actually be him.
Ford’s face after Cumby’s Chewbacca impression is priceless.
Ford’s face throughout the show was amazing. Or better he seemed genuinely amazed with Cumberbatch.
@Tish: I really don’t know if I wanna do him, be his bestfriend or actually be him.
Ditto!
My love for him is becoming ridiculous…especially since I’ve only seen him in photos, short clips from shows, and, today, his Reddit AMA.
“…And imagining a horny time traveling long overcoat purple scarf wearing super sleuth nordic legend f–k fantasy. Get to work on that, internet.”
Dammit, yes. Someone get to work on this.
Wait … does that mean you did not see the SW pic? And Cumberbatch’s awesome reply?
http://i.imgur.com/EVqYopB.jpg
Benedict: Phenomenal. Why does Matt have the hammer? Sure it’s the wrong household tool? Shouldn’t it be a sonic toothbrush with a screwdriver on the end of it? And what’s Simon Pegg doing staring at my abundant locks? And where’s his right hand?
hahaha, no I had not seen this. thanks!
Referencing Pegg in a slightly saucy manner has sealed my love for him. He could turn up in Mayfair tomorrow with a harem of Fashion Bitches in tow, and I would forgive him (eventually).
Results were posted within minutes.
It’s crazy how quickly that person got that drawing done. Now I’m afraid to look in Tumblr for all the other (far more raunchy) permutations those words have spawned.
Judgement is fine for a Brit – it’s the more common variant in the Queen’s English. The rest of us didn’t declare war on extraneous vowels like the Americans did 🙂
That said, if we’re assuming UK-English, he misspelt favourite. (Used the US version: favorite.)
Yes, ‘judgement’ is the correct English spelling. He probably chops and chooses as he fancies.
And that’s my default spelling for ‘judgement’.
*pouts & shakes fist at dead Noah Webster*
John Hughes classics? I’m warming up to him!
Along with the new layout, Celebitchy’s new motto must be “All Cumberbatch all the time”
Celebatchy
My thighs are hoping to implement a similar policy.
The famous Reddit reply needs its own plaque in the hall of fame answers
Thanks for the Batches of Fallon and Norton and the Reddit bits and pieces.
Off topic but re Fallon: what’s up with Keanu wearing a wedding band? What did I miss?
I saw that too. Someone out there know anything?
I was trying to freeze the playback to get a better look at the ring. No such luck (I’m not that talented). So any news would be wonderful…
My gosh, he brought the charisma this week! I have been grinning while reading his AMA and watching his Fallon appearance. If he wants to take over the world, this is a very good way to do it.
I have been thinking – is Cumby the new Hugh Grant (minus the bumbling)?
Green Girl: Charisma! Yes!! I don’t know about him other than seeing his picture almost everyday on celebitchy but after watching the Fallon interview I want to know more! And I want to find out who Alan Rickman is…
Now THIS is how you do a AMA. I gotta admit I was fearing for the worst when it was announced that he would be doing this. I thought he would get hate because of Internet trolls but it was the opposite. It was epic. The thing is, he has always been funny, witty and sarcastic in interviews( which can sometimes not translate well in print).
The Fallon interview was gold to me. Although I loved both interviews, I felt like Jimmys was better. Even though it was shorter. My mom and I laughed out loud throughout Jimmys interview. And one of our fave moments was his chewbacca Impersonation on GNS.
Fallon’s interview was awesome! And Benedict was much more relaxed and that (I think) allowed him to be more ‘himself’.
I think this whole time around, he seems much more relaxed and enjoying it more. This is night and day compared with the STiD promotion. Maybe then he just knew his movie sucked.
Fanty, I do love you. I did NOT like STID at all.
My guess is (if BC is an introvert) that he just needed to get to know Fallon before becoming himself. Fallon was also much more relaxed. All around a win-win.
Such a wonderful Friday! I’ve been fan-girling all weekend, and my cheeks hurt from grinning like an idiot. Favorite moments: That robe, with that stare; the reaction to HR’s compliment; the AMA reply that prompted world-record breaking fan-fic; the AMA reply about his hands and his left foot; the Alan Rickman-off “Snoooop!!” of happiness; and his Chewbacca; both of them. I’m sure I could go on. But these are on repeat in my head. Oh, and the awkward cringe when Fallon pulls out the HR cover, and BC notes he’s wearing the same suit, but points out that it’s been washed since. Immediately made me want to wrap him in my arms and protect him from any backlash. And ruffle up his hair. I’ll stop now.
You forgot the belly laugh, during the Rickman-off, when he reads the ‘I like big butts..’. That was awesome as well!!!
You’re right! That was authentically awesome!
Every time I re-read his AMA questions & responses I swoon again. And not just a bit either. I’m doing a full-on Victorian swoon….
BC on Fallon was much better & funnier than his appearance on Norton. I thought Whitehall was funny but Ford kinda ruined it for me (he’s so stuffy in interviews).
But the AMA?!?
*swoons and faints*
My dear, I was wise enough to quickly stock up on smelling salts when I saw the picture of him in the bathrobe. Whatever is left is yours just for the asking.
I loved the Reddit. He was intelligent and witty, has a quick mind and a splendid gift of repartee. Just perfect (and I am actively ignoring the fact that the correct plural of zygoma is not zygoma 🙂 , as far as I know).
Curls,
Oh do be a dear and share the smelling salts. And loosen my stays, please. I still feel a bit peaked. I’m thinking I should retire on this chaise lounge
*removes various food items & restraints from previous shin-digs*
And perhaps the hedgehogs wouldn’t mind waving a fan (or three) to increase the oxygen? Oh that is nice.
Thank you Curls dear…. You’re such a peach.
Well, he was typing with his left foot. Maybe one of those freakishly long toes hit the wrong key.
Curls,
I just looked up the plural (as I was curious too) for zygoma and he’s correct. The plural is either zygoma OR zygomas. Damn.
I’m a bit confused – to my knowledge (and according to my trustworthy atlas of human anatomy) it should be zygomata (Greek) or zygomas.
Never mind, THEY are breathtaking and deserve a Reddit of their own. Smelling salts, anyone?
Typing with his slightly deformed divine toes – yes, this beautiful boy is better. At anything.
Before I forget: I shall still put that quote in a gilt frame and hang it above my virtual fireplace, next to the framed answer to the question “What keeps you awake at night?” -“F*g foxes”.
Curls,
I did a general google search and the five sites I glanced at listed both zygoma or zygomas. So I don’t know.
His snarky comments should/could fill a lot of wall space.
*sigh*
And I loved the hint of lavender in your smelling salts. Again, my sincerest gratitude for sharing them.
Your Ladyship, I’m glad to be of service.
I’m off to bed now. I suppose I will laugh myself to sleep.
Curls,
Sleep well; just don’t wake up crying. Or I shall be forced to run to your aid with a lace embroidered handkerchief.
Never understand when people are surprised at his inherent loveliness. He’s always been a gorgeous soul with a wicked sense of humour.
I think it’s because we rarely get to actually see it because interviews can be so formal, and most important, we’re seeing BC framed through others’ eyes.
Be proud, you knew this wayyy before most — I’m jealous! 😉
Haha. Yeah, he stole my heart quite some time ago!
I think some people are inverted snobs and will be determined to see him as pompous public schoolboy, no matter what he does. But I think him being his adorable self in this gives people the real him. He’s just lovely. Very twinkly and sweet and when he’s relaxed, his interviews are exquisite. The Caitlin Moran interview is another example of that.
“Half past chaffinch”
JoJo,
Sorry, on my phone I can’t reply to your comment directly. 🙁
The half past chaffinch was adorable. 🙂 I had to look up the bird as it’s not native to the US. Lol. Also his ‘casual’ (and a touch cheeky) comment to Caitlin after she wandered to another (MUCH bigger) house is equally funny. Oh, who am I kidding? The whole interview was a riot. I’d love to see more interviews like that…
🙂
That Caitlin Moran interview is adorable. She really captures his interactions with his parents, and how he is in his off hours.
Yeah, he’s a sweetheart, alright. As Caitilin Moran put it on Twitter just after the interview – “he’s literally the loveliest boy who ever lived”.
Indeed.
there are so many people on the internet who just bash his looks, and discuss nothing more. so they don’t bother reading interviews or watching him act. lainey is the best example of this. she is completely determined to tell people he is unattractive and pompous/snobby/humourless or whatever other untruth. and since so many of my friends read lainey and believe everything she says, it’s very hard to convince them otherwise. this AMA will definitely help.
Agree with you.
Kinda irks me sometimes because this guy can be doing something good and you will still get those annoying trolls screaming that he is unattractive to them. But what does that have to do with the subject? Lol
And any website that is a gossip site and people believe every word from it, I think they have problems and need a head check. GOSSIP is the key word. I come here because of the funny comments left by some of Benedict’s fans. (Drunk Uncle Cumby is hilarious).
As I mentioned in my other comment, he has always been funny, sarcastic, witty etc. The dude has a good sense of humor.
Some people come on his post only when they think he has “messed up” on something in the media just to bash him. (I.e. the Katia situation). Some of those posters wait for something they don’t like about him to be posted then they come over. Notice you never really see alot of them when something good is reported on him.
Who cares what Lainey Gossip and all of the other haters out there think… he’s awesome, us fans of him know it, so just eff them.
And anyone who really dares to judge people so harshly when they don’t know anything about them (or won’t give them a chance at all) truly sucks.
Huh?
Lainey loves Cumby, even if she rarely fangirls him.
no lainey hates him because she thinks he’s unattractive. her contributor sarah is the one who loves him.
I think Blended is right. Lainey doesn’t cover him very often, and when she does she writes light posts. It’s her contributor Sarah who seems to be a fan of his.
I thought Benny’s Reddit was dull apart from the bit relating to Matt Smith and Tom. I admit I only read half of it because the trivia started to bore me. His comment about fans and flocks was patronising and his attitude came across as so superior it was irritating.
As for GN if Jack Whitehall had not been on there it would have been one of the dullest episodes I have seen. I loved Harrison Ford in films but he just seemed so slow on the uptake and totally lacking in wit. Benny’s intense little boyish apology was embarrassing. You could see the wheels turning in Harrison’s head as he tried to recall what on earth he was talking about and then covered it with a compliment. I like Benny’s acting and Sherlock but I do wish he would get of his publicity trail because it really is putting me off his work. I am beginning to wish I had not booked the Frankenstein Marathon although my daughter did tell me that Johhny Lee Miller was much better than Benny on the version she saw. So maybe it will not be too bad.
You know people say Tom is self promoting and names drop but Benny’s little story about Ted Danson shouting across the room at him was as a good as anything Tom has ever done and a more blatant piece of self publicity. Not saying Tom does not do the same just saying they both do it but only Tom seems to get called up for it on this site.
Couldn’t disagree with you more- on all counts.
But you’re of course entitled to your opinion.
I will say though, Harrison didn’t compliment him to counteract the fact he didn’t recall their encounter. He clearly genuinely meant it.
Well, he certainly can’t please everybody.
Harrison not being able to remember the party (or so you think) was just him being him. The guy’s old and he has always been “slow” in interviews. I think the complimentsss were sincere. He did it again with the “I know” when Whitehall said that Cumby is a great actor and he was obviously impressed with the wookie impression (just look at that face!). And he surely knows that Cumberbatch is/could be a part of SWVII, just look at the body language when they were asked about it.
And of course he’s everywhere these days, he has films to promote. These kind of publicity is just natural.
*whispers* and unless he can find a way to magically transform himself into Hiddleyanna, I don’t think he’ll ever please icerose.
@TFanty: Have they ever done impressions of each other? Now, this would be nice … Fallon, Norton, are you listening?
*whispers back*
Fangirls!
May I ask why you compulsively write long replies to nearly every single comment in Cumby’s posts even though you dislike him so much?
I know you like comparing him to your beloved Hiddleston but surely you can see how well he did compared to the twitter Q&A. Well thought out responses and opinions that came from his own head, not quoting someone else. ‘Shakespeare once said….’
Not scared of being a little sassy and truly engaging either.
Harrison Ford was surprisingly funny in my view, just not as enthusiastic ‘look at meeeeeeee’ a la Hiddleston. Quiet subtle wit doesn’t go over well on late night tv shows.
Good heavens, he left Hiddles in the dust. He was witty and fun and made a Q&A that is a joy for others to read instead of making it all be about his ego. Triple thumbs up, Cumby! (Yes, I am using my left big toe!)
I found Tom’s answers more interesting. Benedict’s just seemed to be sarcastic asides which when analysed said pretty much nothing. His response re Assange was tediously long and defensive and to be honest would not have been necessary if he had not used the personal email from Assange to generate publicity at TIFF and he did this long before Wiki wrote their open letter..
Except, it was Assange that released the letter NOT Cumberbatch (am I wrong here people?). Most people know that BC is verbose and gives long, very in-depth answers.
TH & BC are different people but just because you fancy one and not the other doesn’t mean you should rain on others’ parades. That goes for BC fans that do the same to TH fans. Just not cool all around.
Twitter is 140 characters. Of course Tom’s answers need to be short and concise.
back to topic: Loved Ben’s hilarious Sherlock-Asgard-Doctor Who mashup answer.
JammyPants,
Both Tom & Benedict were on AMA so that’s were the comparisons are being drawn from. Hope that helps clear up any confusion. 🙂
Quit sipping on that hatorade, dude! Life is too short.
TBH, your comment is a little ridiculous. Hiddleston and Cumberbatch are big boys with own their talents and career paths. Neither one needs their fans knocking down the other.
Harrison Ford did fine, I hope I still got that bit of spark in me at 71 years old!
In my inebriated state, I would just like to say that I love you, icerose. You argue blue is black and black is blue, depending on what the Tomster has said lately. It’s quite brilliant.
And you have a point about Ted Danson. It was the only cringe, though. You’ll have a hard time persuading anyone that this AMA was anything other than brilliant.
I think I should probably step away from the cookie aisle/keyboard.
Never step away, MIss Sixer. Plus, the Danson answer was on our Cumby drinking game sheet, I believe. I wouldn’t believe it was him if there wasn’t an entirely inappropriate name-drop.
And don’t for a second tell me that was any worse than TommyAnne saying that Ken didn’t let him be Thor because he conveys too much intelligence.
I highly doubt that was the worst fan experience though
Did he actually say that?? MY GOD. I kind of want to collect his best humblebrags together but I don’t think I could bear it.
I guess misery really does love company.
Very, VERY good AMA, I agree wth the people in Reddit: This is one of the best. I don’t quite agree with his views on the whole wikileaks affair, but I fail so see how he’s made a disservice to Julian Assange with his portrayal. What I see in the trailer is a heroization of Assange.
Gawd. He is just sexy. “Muck around with a dictaphone”? Yes, please. yum. yum. I love that you posted the video clips. They were fantastic.
PS. I just read the whole reddit conversation and almost die from laughter after laughter. With a big, fat cat on my chest. Hm, now I’m not sure if the near death experience is because of the AMA or the fat cat. But the Cumby AMA is definitely an entertaining heaven, especially the comments AND the GIFs.
Lenje,
As an owner of a fat cat, I too have suffered through numerous ‘cuddles’ on my chest and survived. So I thoroughly believe it was Fabulous Benny Boy’s answers that proved almost fatal.
I am glad you did survive, albeit with probably some sore stomach muscles and mild light headedness! 😉
LadySlippers
You gotta be right, it’s Cumby’s. I’ve indeed survived a good number of years of a big, fat cat jumping on my chest (and stomach, yes) without preliminary notice. Here’s a hi from my fur baby to yours! *pulling a fluffy paw in front of the monitor*
Judgement is an acceptable variant of judgment for member nations of the Commonwealth.
Really?!? Interesting.
That Chewbacca impression that Benedict did was hysterical. And that Reddit interview was funny as well. Love him! He’s so wonderful.
Harrison Ford seems to be winding down a bit mentally, but he’s still awesome. It was great to see him on the show.
Jack Whitehall was funny (well, at least I thought so). He’s kind of cute, too.
Aw, Benedict did such a great job with that! He was witty, sarcastic, charming. Well done. He’s not afraid to be himself, which is beyond refreshing in the acting business. And none of that openness detracts one iota from his talent. He still morphs into his characters. Hope he continues to act forever.
Smiles all around!
I was so glad to see the AMA wasn’t “managed” by PR whispering in his ear–they never let him get away with that level of snark in interviews anymore lol.
Oooo, my first time poking my nose in and leaving a comment. I’m all a flutter. Just a quick note to say I appreciate the posts and the comments and they certainly brighten a gals day. I’ve been reading here for a long time so you can blame the wine and whimsy for this non-committal ramble through coherency. So hello and such!
Forgiveness comes with a price 😉 — stop hogging the wine. Sooooo what are we drinking?
😉
Ha! I’m very fancy at the moment. Leftover Moet from my cousins wedding. Mmm, thrifty. *passes some bubbly*
*grabs ladyslipper’s wine glass and sits on her lap* why yes, Bunty – hello and welcome! Always the more the merrier and the drunker the better. Please do come out to play more often. Mmmmm – lovely vintage – is it yours?
Miss Eyre! That’s my glass!
*grabs glass and spills bubbly*
Bunty dear, I’m sorry. You do have more, yes? It smells delish….
*shoves Eyre out of the way*
*falling on her properly padded tucas*
oooh! Darn it, LS – if you don’t want me on your lap, don’t leave your blouse unbuttoned to your navel. My goodness, the mixed-meassages.
*lazily drapes arm over Bunty. Extracts straw from her décolletage*
Now, you said something about bubbly?
You two keep fighting over the glass. *pops a twirly straw in the bottle and slurps merrily away*
Enjoy your bubbly and your Benny, Fanty. Tommy just walked in and I have found something else to suck on.
That’s okay. I won’t tell you where DUC has just popped *his* straw.
I’m only happy you had him use the top hat – its just safer.
(oh, and so sorry about the fact you can only compare it to a straw. At least he’s clever)
*Sigh*
What’s really pathetic is that I’ll take the top hat over his earlier suggestion of using the Smaug head. We’re saving that one for when it’s my turn on him.
ETA: I’m making an executive decision. For the good of humanity, I propose we take this no further. May I pour you a nice, big, Pervy Tombanger as a conciliatory gesture? I’ll tip the cocktail umbrella to the right.
I think it best. *takes drink* Thank you darling. Your proclivity toward civility and mediation is why I had the Fantomina Suite decorated to your specifications.
“Make Love (and cocktails), Not War,” that’s my motto. In fact, I was going to ask Leah to bedazzle it onto the jorts flag so that we could fly it above Thornfield. We can lower it to half-mast whenever TommyAnne wears underpants.
@Fanty & Leah,
I must have missed the flag ceremony, in which you two ladies ran the Jorts up the Thornfield flagpole. They look lovely, floating there in the breeze.
Thank you for your concern that I might be overcome by Jorts glitter. It’s true—that might have caused me to become even more incoherent. Miss Eyre sewed some sequins onto his Jorts back pocket once & I was inconsolable!
Miss Eyre, my blouse was unbuttoned for Fabulous Benny Boy.
Geez!
Bunty, this is nice bubbly… so glad you dropped by.
*rebuttons blouse and glances at Eyre furiously*
Don’t rebutton. After a couple of Pervy Tombangers, Miss Eyre doesn’t mind the show so much.
At least the bubbly went to good use, that’s all I ask! I’m afraid I fell down a cleverly disguised rabbit-hole of Don Cheadle and his hypnotizing eyes making. I continue to regret nothing. :Chugs from bottle: Thank you muchly for the warm welcome and fair warning, gird your loins, I may pop up more often!
Don Cheadle? My that is dangerous rabbit hole… Are you okay? If not, please send up an appropriate smoke signal and hopefully there are still some of us *burp* sober enough to rescue you. (Damn bubbly always does that)
We do have a thing for smart boys, don’t we?!?
Oh screw it.
*just takes of blouse*
It was full of bubbly anyway. And don’t pretend Miss Eyre that you hadn’t planned it that way.
*scowls*
ETA: I wonder if Fabulous Benny Boy would loan me that nice, plush, white robe…..
Hmmmmm
If so, I shan’t be angry at you anymore Miss Eyre….
Still working my way around this system, bear with me, but no smoke signals necessary. Some smelling salts maybe.:happily glugs and heads back to youtube and the arms of her beloved:
I highly encourage any and all shows. Of course I planned this – all of it!
(psst – what is going on, exactly?)
My desperate confusion aside, I have Tommy under one arm and a Nebuchadnezzar of champagne under the other so I must have done something right.
Too answer some of the points above I come and comment because I was under the assumption that this was a site that allowed you to voice contrary opinions.
I only compared Benny’s Q&A to Toms because someone on this thread did. Its also the case that people make adverse comparisons between Tom and Benny on Tom’s thread and its a bit of a double standard to say you can do it one way round and not the other
I use to be a huge Benny fan but I was always aware that he had a tendency to arrogance and all to often suffered from foot in his mouth disease especially if publicity was involved. But his manner of publicising Assange has been disappointing and I have lost a lot of respect for him.
And T Fanty yes for me at the moment he pales in comparison beside Tom. They use to run neck and neck but Tom is now streaks ahead up there with Wishaw, McKellen, Mark Rylance, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Peter Mullan, Harry Lloyd, John Heffernam ,Stephen Rea, Daniel Day Lewis to name a few. They may not be arrogantly witty and sarcastic but they have integrity, intelligence and wit without the add ons
Out of curiosity– what do you think is arrogant? I honestly see only cheek and sincerity. And Tom can be cheeky too. So I’m totally confused.
Unless it’s the British sense of humour that might be misunderstood by a great many. But that doesn’t explain a double standard….
Thoughts?
Interviews where he dishes other TV shows to gain publicity, interviews where he whines he is going to leave the UK because his education is being used against him, being superior about the fans that came to see him at the National holding up posters with political pretentiousness because some photographers pissed him off and coming over as if he is superior on occasions. But like most celebs he can be very charming at times. He did seem to improve his interview style for a while but the whole Assange thing just made me angry
Tom is right up there with Mark Rylance, Ian McKellan and Daniel Day Lewis?
Contrary opinions are fine, but this is just hilarious beyond words. You can barely even compare him to Whishaw.
I don’t get strong arrogant vibes from Ben. He seems self aware about a lot of things.
I will stake my knowledge of acting techniques against yours any time. I said they could act and they had integrity. I did not comment on better/worse because doing so is pointless. I chose actors which had a large body of work and actors I have seen in roles which suggest they could have interesting careers in the future. I do not rate actors on a scale I look at individual performances and their track record of performances I have seen. Obviously there are actors who have a longer record of outstanding performances. Acting is often about your perceptions based on your experiences so of course we all se it differently.
I do follow BW’s career and yes he is an interesting actor with a specific style but he is not any better or worse than Tom. I have seen performances from Ben that I was not overly impressed with which may have been in part down to script/direction. They do play very different characters but both actors usually engage and move me.
I find it weird that when Tommy boy is just being his overenthusiastic puppy self, he gets called pretentious, biploar, try-hard, fame whore, etc. He’s an extrovert. I have extroverted friends and they get crazy energy being around people. Also, he’s an Aquarius, so yea they do like to talk about themselves…but that’s what actors DO when they get asked questions about their movies, roles, what they like, their work ethic, etc. He looks at life as a glass half full. He’s already said many times in interviews that he understands he is privileged. He always says he’s not perfect (despite what crazy fangirls keep saying). He says he’s always learning and growing. That kind of honesty gets labeled as “humblebragging.” I read the comments here and just smh.
But for some reason, when Ben is also being “himself”, basically he’s pretty introverted, and a touch more cynical, it hits all he notes here. That pretty much says the crowd here are waaay more cynical and can’t stand optimism. Also, in my opinion, you can be optimistic AND realistic. For some reason cynical people don’t compute the two together.
I still like Ben, but the love faded a bit because of his fans (or when he says dumb things). I think the constant press coverage clouds my perception of his (or his public image). If I don’t read anything on him, the love remains. It’s the fans, their weird competitive behaviour and overzealousness that kind of kills the love a bit.
I say this, but Tom fans do annoy me too.
@jammypants,
Your point about extroverts is well taken. It does work that way. Extroverts gain energy & perk up around people, & can seem excitable, enthusiastic, etc.
& people are asking him about *himself*, after all. What should he talk about?
As for talking about Shakespeare too much (as some have complained here), we should have more of that problem if you ask me.
Shakespeare=more. Kardashians=less.
I always felt like BC was pretty extroverted? Or maybe I just can’t spot an introvert?
I like both men, and I will admit to, ahem, perhaps poking a bit of fun at both men, but I also respect them both for their talents and what they bring to movies/shows/entertainment. I think they’re both talented. (can’t we all join hands and hug it out!??!?)
Leah,
I believe a great many sites have indicated that BC is most likely an introvert. He, too, has made comments that support that theory. The problem is we introverts, when comfortable, will come out of our shells… And can get kinda crazy when we do! 😉
*still dancing to disco*
@icerose,
Oh, my. You cannot seriously be comparing Hiddles to Ian McKellen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Stephen Rea & Daniel Day-Lewis, can you?
Well you can, but that’s hilarious.
Alright, Jets and Sharks, simmer down, now. Nobody here is going to revoke your pass if you admit that the less preferred man doesn’t make your skin crawl. Save that crap for one of the sites where everyone’s angry.
*ambles off, whistling “when you’re a jet” to self*
yea because being passive aggressive is so much better (and way less toxic) than voicing a non-cryptic opinion O.o
*eyerolls and remembers this is why I don’t talk to the people who flock to the internet to spread their misery*
@Fanty,
Fanty! A Jets & Sharks reference, with a simmer down now? The Jets & Sharks were the biggest influence in my life when I was far too young to see that movie. (I was never the same. My mom blamed my subsequent spiral into debauchery on West Side Story. ;-})
This is why I adore you & worship at the Altar of Fanty.
When you’re a Jet, you stay…a…JET!!! ~whistling, pirouetting, falling down fire escape.~
Are we dancing too?!??? Because if we ain’t dancing I have no intention of simmering down. 😉
(Except I was never riled up, just perplexed)
I just pulled cookies out of the oven…….
*Pointedly ignores the laughable troll while singing….*
There’s a plaaaaaace for us! Somewheeeeeere a place for us……..
Cookies and bubbly??? I’m so there!
Ummm what kind? Does it pair well with bubbly?
*throws wine paring to the wind and devours both*
Well I am here for the dancing. Somebody else will have to snap, I have absolutely no natural rhythm – but I can do a dynamite Rita Moreno impression.
Well, I celebrate your diligence, icerose.
I might get snarky with you from time to time, but long may you post.
And I am saying this with a crashing headache.
Harrison was the happiest I’ve ever seen him in an interview. He was really enjoying himself with Jack and Benedict.
People I found HobNobs*** in the US!!!!!!!!
*blowing all the Brits over with my obnoxious American enthusiasm!!!!!*
*still bouncing like a puppy*
Now… Not sure I like them. Son has declared them devine…
***Reference to a past Tom thread where he mentioned eating them.
Hey, when did the “Don’t Feed the Trolls” motto leave the Internet? Maybe I’m just old, but I recall many moons ago, when someone was acting like a crabby 14-year-old, demanding attention- everyone simply ignored them. They did not get what they wanted, so they went away to bother other people. A win-win.
Post what you like, of course. Feel free to do just that. Welcome!
But when you are clearly posting to rile up a rather funny, witty, clever group of women with certain remarks- well, a wet blanket are you.
Most read this site for the hilarity of the regular posters who make us laugh, as they poke harmless fun at celebs. This is not life or death. It’s gossip. There needs to be more fun and laughter and the consumption of adult beverages, I say. And dancing to Broadway Showtunes!
Please refrain from taking all this personally. This is a fun site- not a funeral. Opinions are most welcome. Baiting, let us leave to the fishermen.
~dances off to “I Feel Pretty”~
Linda L,
This is exactly why I’m not on tumblr anymore. I wholeheartedly believe we all can have different opinions and express them; however, that still needs to be paired up with a healthy and large dose of respect. And sadly, the latter often exits quite quickly on a great many other sites.
*cranks music & dances away to disco*
@LadySlippers:
You are 100% correct.
I, too, dipped my toe in the pool of Tumblr last year- and fled immediately. It was filled with youngin’s. Ick.
Miss Franklin was correct:R-E-S-P-E-C-T!
Yay! A CB dance party!
I am not trying to upset anyone and I am not trolling. I am just giving my views on what I read and saw.
This is site which encourages different points of view. I would not go on to a Benny fansite and do so because that would be trolling.
I have friends who are Benny fans and friends who are not crazy over Tom. We discuss performances, actions with out getting to hot under the collar-maybe a tad steamy at times but that’s part of the fun in discussions
I thought the AMA was pretty perfect in tone. He was charming, witty and sarcastic. It was a win for Cumberbatch. In fact, the entire week was a win. Nice to see good things happen to someone who I think is a decent human being.
Now I’ll put on my tutu, toe shoes and saunter off to do my happy dance to “Hate On Me.”
Lol no offence but some people are so jealous about the fact that Cumby has surpassed his British contemporary *cough TommyAnne *cough.
Cumby darling I just wanna say that the day people start trashing you unnecessarily, means you have become successful. My boy you have made it 😀
No, he’s only made it when I wrest him from my opponents and anchor him to my bed.
😉
Hahha nahhh girl..he will be mine forever and stay with me in our small little cottage up north in Canada 😉
They have two very different careers. Both have won awards and received praise from their colleagues. Both have made blockbusters and indie films. BC has a longer CV because he is older.
From what I have seen Tom’s roles have been more varied. BC has a more definite personae which projects through most of his performances whilst Tom is physically looser and more emotive. I tend to prefer Tom’s choices but they have both been in some excellent productions. Ben gets more publicity in the UK at the moment which can be annoying because it gets repetitive but these things ebb and flow Why would I be jealous over an actors career? It’s a waste of energy.
Oh god another double post…my phone is messed up
This? Was perfect. Like, I just had *such* a shitty day at work, and reading both Benny’s AMA answers and your comments is making me feel so much better. I am smiling, and that makes me feel even more better because smiling, unlike a handle of Jack Daniels, is free and I can therefore afford it.
Okay, I am done whining about my day. I shall be dancing to Huey Lewis. *Yes it’s truuuue, yes it’s true, I am happy to be stuck with youuuu*
Oh hon, here let me give you a ginormous bear hug {{{{HUGS}}}} and share some of my *burp* cookies and bubbly with you.
*stumbles around kitchen retrieving both*
I have HobNobs too, if you’d like some. Perhaps Bunty will scoot over and we can all watch Don Cheadle together.
*wobbles to disco*
*Gasp*! Where did you find the Hob Nobs? I’ve been wanting to try them after hearing the ladies wax rhapsodic about them last week!
I will never turn down bubbly! Reminds me that I had a scare last week when i thought I was out of champers. Turns out it was hiding in the o.j. Silly me!
I went to a military commissary (my kids still have base privileges) and they were in the foreign food aisle :-D. Both my kids thought they were delish and I’m warming up to them slowly. Plus we found a few British sweets… They liked it more than I did.
So know anyone w/ base privileges???
Why, yes I do. They live four states over, but I’ll definitely tell them to keep an eye out.
We have a World Market here in my city, and they have a ton of awesome foreign candy and treats, but I’ve never seen hob nobs. I haven’t been in awhile though, so maybe I’ll actually find them when I go again.
If i don’t spend my paycheck on booze, first.
BTW, where’s Eve?!?????
Has Fabulous Benny Boy recent awesomeness caused her to re-fall in love with him again??? And if so, is she’s hiding in shame at Thornfield?
Please know it’s okay to love Benny, there’s no shame in that. And if there is, just grab some of Bunty’s bubbly, it makes everything all better.
I guess the difference for me is that although Tom is a mixture of dorky enthusiasm and overstatement which I agree can be a bit much at times, he does not seem to feel the need to be facetiously critical. It comes down to my life experience and generally I find people who focus on the task, the process without putting blame on others are just more interesting in the long run. And I can forgive mistakes made through enthusiasm more than I can than those that appear to come from arrogance or defensiveness I did find Benny very interesting in a show I watched where he was describing how he studied the physical movements of stroke patients in his acting process for the monster in Frankenstein. I love him when he is like that.
I am never critical of anyone’s fans in general. I just take each situation as it arises and have a view on that.
I love me some Cumby but I am not going to bash Hiddleston. Really what purpose would it serve?
Get some prospective. They are two actors who most are never going to meet, let alone become acquainted. I prefer Cumberbatch as an actor. Whether he is a better human being than Hiddleston is not for me to judge.
Fame ebbs and flows, so right now it is flowing Cumby’s way, it in no way lessens Hiddleston’s accomplishments nor does fame lessen Benedict’s accomplishments.
I hope Cumberbatch stays, bitchy, witty, kind, polite and self-aware. Life is too short to always consider every angle to play to appease people. Just live your life, try to be as kind as possible, don’t tread on others, don’t take yourself too seriously and have some f$&king fun!
Thank you icerose for answering me.
But I do feel the need to point out some (IMO) erroneous conclusions.
How do we know he’s arrogant? Or facetiously critical? If true, how much of that is part of his British upbringing & persona? How much is due to his high intellect? (I’d bet BC could or does belong to Mensa) Where have you seen him blame others?
Most of our interpretations of ANY public person is filtered through the lens of another medium. Whether that medium is another person (gossip, second hand info, interviews), media (TV, film, print, radio), their chosen profession; and, just as important, our own biases and prejudices.
Both men (and any other public person) have the capability of being completely different from the mask they wear in public. We normal people are just the same.
And, this completely perplexes me, why is having a negative opinion a bad thing? When did criticism (and this includes fair & honest criticism) become evil? Personally, I applaud anyone that can be human (i.e. nice) when they offer a critical opinion and I also find it admirable. All the negative comments attributed to BC have come through interviews and I *always* take into account that I’m seeing this opinion through the filter of the interviewer and limited by the media outlet it’s being presented through. So in essence, it’s coming through two filters before it reaches me. I add another filter. So, it isn’t as transparent as most assume.
Also, if TH refrains from negative opinions, it demonstrates he is more careful with his image. It doesn’t mean he doesn’t have them. Whereas, BC allows us to glimpse a fuller picture of himself. Neither are necessarily better, they are just different. But it’s imperative we remember this difference when thinking one person is better than another.
I’m not getting into acting comparisons as I haven’t seen either of their full bodies’ of work. However, you yourself pointed out that there are many variables to any one person’s performance. It’s something I am also cognizant of. Truthfully, I think both are amazing. I couldn’t do what they do! (Nor would I want to *shudder*)
All I’m saying is there’s a lot we don’t know. And you’re basing some pretty big assumptions on what little we do.
Thanks for hearing me out and answering honestly.
PS:
Yes, the hand written notes were a tad irritating but he did have a point. It just could have been handled better.
Also, I think he’s more sensitive to the class distinctions because he wasn’t a typical public school boy; TH was a typical public school boy so he’s probably more comfortable with those distinctions. And my guess is, BC was ribbed more than once for not being as rich as the stereotypical public school kid (kids are cruel). And now he’s getting it from the other side as well, so he probably feels he can’t win. I can’t say I blame him for feeling frustrated.
Also, his ‘moving to America’ comment was never a serious one. He’s just under the delusion we have no class distinctions. And we do. Boy, do we ever. So it was a comment made while frustrated and without all the pertinent information. A very human thing to do.
Again, can’t a person be frustrated without being arrogant & whiny? Isn’t that part of what makes us human? Feelings, I mean.
Benedict, you dirty bitch.
I’ll be in my bunk.
Harrison!!!! I love you, too!!! 🙂
From what I have heard from some I work with that got the chance to meet him, they have nothing but good things to say about him. Hopefully I will get the chance to meet him too.
He is one of the sweetest famous people that I have ever had the pleasure of being graced by with their presence. Even though it was only for a second, he looked me in the eyes to say “you’re welcome” when I thanked him for the autograph.
Snaps your way that you get to meet him 🙂