Entertainment Weekly has released two new images from The Imitation Game, which is the Alan Turing bio-pic starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley. It doesn’t hit theaters in America until November 21. Which is a prime Oscar season release – any later and it will get stomped by the bigger Christmas releases, but any earlier and it might not be taken seriously as a potential Oscar contender. Anyway, these new images don’t reveal much, but then again… it’s not like this film is a mystery or anything. You can also see Keira Knightley in her WWII-era costume – she looks great. Benedict told EW:
“[Turing is] an exceptional man,” says Cumberbatch, who prepped for the role by perfecting Turing’s stuttering cadences and studying his correspondence with the mother of his high school crush. “I hope this film does justice to this unsung hero.”
Interestingly enough, I’m not even joking about the Oscar campaign. The Weinstein Company is distributing the film and there are stories about Harvey being very interested in pushing Benedict and the film for some major awards. Maybe this will really happen for Benedict this year? It would be amazing if he walked away with some major acting nominations.
As for Keira, ELLE UK finally released her quotes about her Cumbercurled costar. They’ve known each other since they worked on Atonement, and Keira said that Benedict once “joke-punched” a journalist for disrespecting her. Keira said:
”When I saw him [Benedict] again, I said, ‘Did you punch a journalist?’ and he was like, ‘I f***ing did.’ Everybody needs a friend like that.”
[From Elle UK via Contact Music]
Did he really punch a journalist? Probably not. But I bet they got a stern, posh dressing down. *fans self* The idea of being “dressed down” by Benedict when he’s being particular posh and stern is making me hot. Damn.
And finally, Benedict is going to be reading some original 1944 BBC news reports today for the 70th anniversary of D-Day. Like, he’s going to be on the radio, reading the original news bulletins. THAT VOICE. The BBC loves that voice.
PS… No threadjacking. Please.
Photos courtesy of WENN, Entertainment Weekly.
Doubt it, he doesn’t seem like the type to do a “role” to get the award more like because it’s great and wants to get the story out. IF awards come then great icing on the cake but hopefully that shouldn’t be the idea when you read the script. At least it shouldn’t be. That’s just me.
•AG•
I think you’re right. I don’t see him taking roles just for an award.
Besides, I read the script myself and DAYUM is it *good* and I’m sure he (and others) saw that as well.
How did you manage to read the script?
•Anna•
For awhile it was readily available for anyone to read. And another enterprising person nabbed it back then and forwarded the .pdf file to me. I’m SO glad they did because it was an outstanding read.
Hmm. I haven’t heard of that happening. Sounds questionable.
•Anna•
Several blogs now have scripts available to anyone that wants to read it. The script was widely available for people to read as little as two years ago, I think.
Here’s some blog reviews:
http://scriptshadow.blogspot.com/2011/10/imitation-game.html?m=1
http://kingofthescreenreviews.blogspot.com/2012/08/script-review-imitation-game.html?m=1
I wouldn’t say he picks roles but you can betcha that now there is buzz he’s going to shill for Harvey if he thinks he’s in with a chance.
Cumby aside, really looking forward to seeing this.
Yup. We’ll see what anyone has to say about his pure intentions when he starts doing the Harvey ho stroll/pole dance come Oscar season! This guy is ambition personified. (That’s not a bad thing, but it does belie his ethereal reputation!)
Plus, this movie is going to sink as quickly as the Assange movie did; poor Cumby is not capable of opening a movie on his own.
Oh yes. Cumby wants the affirmation badly. I don’t think that there’s anything particularly wrong with that, but he’s all kinds of hungry for a major award.
Also, I personally think that if any actor says that they don’t take that kind of thing into consideration, they’re lying. Part of why people become actors is that they like the applause.
I definitely think he wants some sort of major award, too. I thought the BAFTA he received last year was nice, but I think he wants an Oscar at this point.
Just throwing it out there – is it better, career-wise, for an actor to get a bunch of “Best Actor/Best Supporting Actor” nominations over the course of his/her career than to win one the first time around? I know there’s the so-called curse, but then again Jennifer Lawrence and Anne Hathaway seem to be doing just fine. (And actually, both received Oscar noms for earlier works before winning.)
I think his fans (myself included) want to see him win badly too. I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t about him being recognized for his hard work. But Oscar stopped being about the work 2 seconds after someone decided to hand out Oscars.
The best actress category is so weak and there are so few really good/great young actresses working today that they have started handing them out like (undeserved) candy. Love Sandy Bullock, but the Blindside was such tropey-trash. She should hope and pray her child never sees it*.
*because he’s black and the white savior trope was used.
He’s never gotten a “proper” BAFTA and I’d say that irks him to be honest. To not be recognised at home. Martin Freeman and Andrew Scott both got them for Sherlock and he didn’t . I don’t care how friendly he is with them, I’D be secretly ticked off if it were me.
Maybe I’m naive but I do think he’s genuine about his appreciation of Turing and wanting to get his story out there. He seemed genuinely happy to be a part of so many well regarded films this award season. He wants to do good work and I think he’ll be more than happy if it’s acknowledged and rewarded.
TFanty has it bang on. He’ll shill like his life depends on it. Nothing whatsoever wrong with it, just don’t say you’re above it and then do it anyway. Granted he’s heavily publicised his latest movies and seems to have had a good time doing it so maybe he’s changed his mind and seen what it will do for him.
I hope he does get a nod, if the film turns out to be good. It would be good for him to be nominated but I honestly doubt he’ll win on a first nomination. He’s not popular enough like JLaw (and even she didn’t win on her first)
If he decides to go for the Oscar nom, I hope someone tells him to burn any and all blue shirts and maroon trousers in the process. He can keep his “fell into the laundry basket” style, but he needs to retire those items.
“I don’t care how friendly he is with them, I’D be secretly ticked off if it were me.”
Agreed, especially when you consider how much praise was heaped on Cumby for his performance. In his shoes, I would have felt confident about winning.
I’m in camp Emma Thompson when it comes to shilling. If you are in the film, you have something at stake, and you should get out there and promote it. That’s just being a good professional in my book.
It sounds like an extraordinary role. I hope he does well and gets some recognition.
Just for the record, I don’t think that wanting an oscar and believing in a project are mutually exclusive categories.
@Lindy,
I’m not so sure about him being irked. His category is always more competitive. Its always going to be a long-shot for him to win, regardless of how great his performance or Sherlock. Knowing this, probably eased the pain somewhat, IMO.
Agreed with those who see no problem in shilling. That’s what actors do these days – and not only actors. Basically every time you as a professional are explaining to someone why the work that you’ve done is good and deserves to be appreciated and well paid – you’re shilling.
I don’t see anything wrong with shilling either and I like that so much better than actors shading their own movies just be “cool”.
Not sure what to expect from TIG, tbh. Could be great and could go wrong big time. Anyway I hope he gets a nomination. I’m not so sure if it would be good for him to actual win it. I mean, obviously it would be a nice feeling for him, but there is always some backlash for relatively “newcomers” taking the awards, esp. if he plays the Oscar game beforehand and some people might think him above it. I can already hear them screaming overexposure and attention ho etc.
On a sidenote: I’m really glad Andrew Scott won the BAFTA for his Moriarty. Love him.
No I agree, I don’t think he would either, he has more class than that…he strikes me as an actor who does the work for it’s own sake. He worked hard for years without the recognition he’s getting now, I can’t see him doing that unless he absolutely loved his job.
I just think he is brilliant, and I also think he deserves an award. I will give him one when I am done ravaging his alien hot body.
His Hot, hot, hotter Otter body – that one? 🙂
I don’t see him taking a role just to get an award, either. I do think he’d appreciate that kind of acknowledgment of his work if it came along, and I also think that he’d like it if a film he believed in got the increased public profile and were seen by more people because it got Academy attention. I might be projecting a bit with that last part because I personally think it’s important that Alan Turing’s story is told, but knowing what I do about Benedict, I wouldn’t be entirely be surprised if he feels like that too.
I agree with you. I also think it’s worth pointing out if he’s signing contracts with Weinstein he will have no choice but to promote the life out of the film, it’s also likely to be in his contract to support any Oscar nomination he may get – Harvey knows full well that Oscar nominated films rake back a lot of their budget in DVD/streaming sales…
Agreed. I think he’s genuine in wanting the story to be told. Of course he’d love an Oscar nod (what actor wouldn’t), but I think Weinstein would probably be more upset if he didn’t get one. I think BC really loves the work, and doing good work is his first priority.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – period Cumberbatch is the best Cumberbatch.
Agree 100%. I love him and his weird looking face.
I wonder if his readings of the Normandy Invasion dispatches will be available on iTunes or disc? As someone who had family in the European theatre in WWII, it would be something to have, to pass on to younger generations. I love My Otter even more for reading these. . .
If its BBC radio you should be able to access them on IPlayer internationally.
Thank you.
Yes, if you google it and find out which BBC program it is going to be on then you can just get the podcast. You can then keep the podcast on your phone (well, on an iPhone anyway). But, I’m not aware of anyway that you could then put the sound file on CD or USB (so as to keep it to pass onto your family members).
You can find the readings on BBC Radio right now:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01zkdry
Two of Cumberbatch’s excerpts are on the front page as the Currently Most Popular segments. Stewart does a great job, too (I admit to being a Marvel fan, so hearing Toby Jones read for the BBC is weird. He’s Hydra!) (I’m such a geek.)
Thank you!!!!!
Oooh, thank you! This is very much appreciated ^_^
For the love of all things otter-y, I really hope this happens.
Extra photos of him in velvet during awards season!
I thought it was a given that all actors and actresses want to be acknowledged for a job well done.
And the two stills released are kinda hot.
*fans face*
*runs to pond in Garden to douse self*
I’ll join you LadyS, I’ll join .. in the Garden.. this man… oh this voice, oh…
*deep breathing, sigh…*
*scoots over so dear NightShade has more room*
Sorry, I had no idea that anyone else would need a cool splash of water!
😉
Thanks LadyS… feeling slightly better now… 🙂
EVERYBODY wants to be acknowledged for a job well done.
Apart from that I believe that Cumby really really really enjoys the applause. Nothing wrong with that.
He doesn’t strike me as the type to do a role strictly for Oscar potential, esp as, at least in this case, he’s long been interested in Turing and spoken often about his admiration for the man and the injustice visited upon him by the government. But that said, I’m sure he won’t say no if he’s offered the award, lol. I’m kind of cringing in advance about the “for your consideration” ads though.
Why is this guy everywhere?? Ugh.
Just don’t open the thread, I don’t open what doesn’t interest me..
If by everywhere you mean here on Celebitchy and a few other places, you’re right! Most people have no idea who he is though. (I say this as a fan!)
Then you should avoid tumblr completely. He’s a God there.
Thanks for the warning.
I only wish that he was….right here, right now….with me!
Oh hi Allen Leech!
I think they’ll push a oscar campaign. But there seems to be a little bit of a mental block with Benedict and Hollywood. It’s like…yes he should be winning awards and stuff….but something is stopping it from actually happening. Just a vibe I have. But this film sounds very very good.
He’s good, but he’s not DDL good, you know?
No one is DDL good.
Not DDL. Not yet 😉
Blimey, Keira’s wig looks awful!
The journalist (he’s a film critic really) she’s refering to is Mark Kermode. Here’s how he relayed the story:
“Has anyone reacted badly to your reviews?
Every now and then you get a small bit of comeback. An actor very gently punched me on air for saying something about Keira Knightley. I called her Ikea Knightley as her acting was so wooden.” (http://metro.co.uk/2009/11/19/kermode-i-got-punched-for-keira-acting-jibe-562326/)
He’s actually recently been much more complementary of her acting 🙂
•Hannah•
Thanks for the story. I’ve heard bits and pieces but never the whole thing. Thank you! 😊
Pleasure 😉 I was actually listening to Mark reviewing Grace of Monaco whilst reading this post :).
Having had the “pleasure”of seeing Knightley on stage in London quite a few years back, I can’t disagree with the “ikea”. It’s a good shade..hopefully she’s improved her game for TIG.
I don’t think she’s wooden really… just not very subtle.
I think it it her real hair, it just looks strange in this picture. When there was pictures on set before her hair looked better. Kaiser did not cover the pictures, she just took the ones with Benedict, good thing now that Keira is in the same picture as him.
Kermode’s confirmed it was nothing on twitter now too:
@KermodeMovie: Dear @independent: Benedict Cumberbatch did not punch me in the face. He punched me on the arm. In jest. It’s on YouTube. And in my book.
https://twitter.com/kermodemovie/status/474904085767159808
Oscar or not I really want to see the film. It looks fascinating! Turing was an exceptional and brilliant man who was sadly treated like a piece of shit for being himself.
•allons-y•
After reading the script, now I’m super excited to see the film. AND I even went out and got the book the script was based on (yes, I’m a super geek lol).
Hello LadySlippers!
Super geeks are the best kind of geeks! 🙂
😎
Okay then, I’ll own my super geekness!
Yes he was (Geeks of the world UNITE!) 🙂 (punches air then shuffles away embarrassed to do something rather more geeky…)
I’ve been familiar with the work of Turing for years. Alan Turing, Claude Shannon and John Von Neumann are basically the triad at the base of computer science, the impact they left on computer engineering is huge, I mean look at the “Known for” on the wiki page of Von Neumann for ex, the three of them have Einstein-like impact yet they’re not really famous outside of the “geek” community. Turing additionally had a private life worth telling, and I hope the film will do him justice.
In parallel of that, I’ve been following Benedict Cumberbatch’s career since 2010 (Sherlock, like many), so I’m really, really excited to see two of my favourite names, in their respective fields, meeting on screen. TIG is, hands down, the film I expect the most this year.
No thread jacking? But this is a CB tradition. Did Luke send flowers again? 😉
Patience. Patience IS a virtue Miss J.
Tsk tsk.
😉
And I have to go to work and would miss the fun. We can wait until the fashion show next week.
You noticed that too, eh? And also no doubt that a certain FB post has been modified. Luke has been sending out lots and lots of flowers this week. I’m waiting for mine.
With this PR, I’ve jut lost all my interest and the fan in me has just died…
At least he hasn’t appeared at Nobu with Lara Pulver like he did the day after Wimbledon last year. That really was a head scratcher. Btw Luke, I like freeshias.
What does that mean “flowers”? I don’t get it.
@kate2 flowers means bribes as in take Down the incrimating evidence for the now closed TH thread.
Although LA clearly hasn’t recieved theirs yet!
Somebody is deeply concerned about his public image, even on vacation. Flowers. I want the lavender ones next time.
I’d like some tulips. Tis very strange, ‘p’. About both.
Here’s some excellent news which I’m immeasurably more excited for than any FB status changes lol: Reece Shearsmith joined HR cast!
I’m not understanding why there is anything here if you aren’t allowed to say anything? For both of them?
Ah, ok, got it. Does seem weird that posts are getting erased. I mean, if the guy is married, he’s married. Taking down posts speculating on that fact isn’t going to do anything. You can’t keep that hidden forever and frankly, at this point its like closing the barn door after the horse already escaped. Plus, I would think they’d be back in London by now for crying out loud, they left on 5/21. Doesn’t she have a job?
I’m assuming LA = Lipstick Alley? Yeesh, I wouldn’t go anywhere near those freaks under the best of circumstances, let alone after this. That place must have been bedlam. Sorry to continue the hijacking, just curious as to what the term meant. Carry on with Cumby…
It’s a silly effort. So tired of the or game. Take a page from Redmaynes book and have some dignity.
Benedict’s roles and potential ”love life” have been discussed in speculative detail and nothing seems to have gone awry. Maybe Benedict was at the flower show picking out blooms to send to everyone? 😉 I kid, but this reaction actually makes me rather sad. What is the difference?
@kita
the difference is, that in CB’s eyes there may be chance of being ‘told off’ and perhaps wanted to protect the reputation of the GF supposedly involved, she’s a non-celeb. Or, just plainly didn’t want another 500 plus thread or…. for there no rules wanted to keep things clean, hence deleted messages here.
either way, i don’t think it’s Luke that is trying to shut things down LOL, really think that Luke and Tom have bigger things to get on with.
As for doing what Eddy has done, [god this message may get deleted, but i can’t let that go] arrrgh! since when did Eddy have the nutty fan-base Tom does?
I don’t know @’ p’enny. Eddie does have a particular nutty fanbase as well but we don’t hear or see it because he’s not on social media. It’s all well and alive and kicking on Tumblr and ONTD. In fact Eddie’s has been going on longer than Tom’s.
Maybe Eddie handled it well because he has better PR and his wife-to-be has earned her respect from the fans.
I don’t think it’s so much about nutty/not-nutty fans, but how each actor treated their respective relationships. Eddie didn’t disrespect his relationship while keeping it private.
Because Eddie took care, what little his fans knew about his relationship it looked like a healthy happy one.
As opposed to looking like some weird ‘not worth writing home about’ down-low arrangement.
A lot of hoopla over absolutely nothing IMO. It’s very obvious what those two have (not talking about Redmayne and his lady) and anyone who has experience with healthy relationships knows exactly what’s going on, both from the photos or from the twitter antics.
When a man cares for a woman as a gf, it’s pretty damn clear. And when a man wants a woman around for only one thing, that’s also pretty damn clear.
Even if it’s just a jump off, you can still act like a grown up about it.
We all know Michael Fassbender dates around. Yet in interviews he manages to protect his private life without insulting any of his lady-friends.
I find all this bizarre speculation both amusing and disturbing, considering it is all based upon a Facebook posting by a restaurant worker. BTW, in French, the same word is used for both “wife” and “woman.” I doubt Luke or any of the parties in the picture are even aware of any of this hoopla and speculation. As for the Facebook page being “altered”, I suspect that is most likely due either to thousands of total strangers suddenly visiting an individual’s Facebook page and posting all sorts of rubbish or the individual’s employer admonishing the individual for violating the basic rules of hospitality. I don’t care about the relationship status of any of the people involved and I’m puzzled at those who do.
Now, onto either more High Rise casting or back to the original topic: The Imitation Game. I’m interested in seeing the film because the topic (not the actor playing the role) has always fascinated me. And I do like Keira.
Agreed with every single word, @Lilac.
@Intro Outro. Thank you Really curious in seeing who they will cast in the other female roles in that film: Laing’s sister, Wilder’s wife, Royal’s wife, the cat lady, and “the actress” haven’t been cast yet.
Lilacflowers and Intro Outro,
I also find the idea that there is some PR conspiracy wherein Luke Windsor or someone else on Hiddles’ PR team asked CB to close that other thread to be absolutely ludicrous. That thread was getting out of control. Just over 300 comments and it was becoming a cluster f*ck of speculation and projection with a bit of nastiness and entitlement thrown in for good measure. No wonder CB closed it.
Wondering if anyone in that camp is wishing that Time Machines existed.
LOL
First comment here. Their relationship is so weird, she seems so thirsty. If she’s dating the guy why she keeps following other fangirls on twitter ( just started following a new one tonight). It’s kind of a weird behaviour. I don’t think they are married or engaged.
And I feel like that she’s been back in London since a few days, she’s active in twitter, with all her unfollow, new follow. By the way sorry for my english, not my first langage.
the Oscars are a complete “popularist-best actor” award, it is same at the British Bafta’s and I don’t think Benedict has a chance, to be honest. They didn’t give it Colin Firth for Single Man, and I can’t see it for this, it took the next big film for Colin to convince the Academy, and I think that may be the same for Benedict.
The other thing is, no one has seen this film yet complete. No one.
and, there are some good films coming out this year, including Eddy Redmayne as Stephen Hawking, the pictures released of that today looked pretty awesome. He is a dead ringer for him.
•’P’enny•
RE: Oscar and going the CF route.
I’m thinking you’re right. It’s not just the Brits we do this to either. The Oscars often goes to someone simply because they’ve ‘waited long enough’ and no other reason as that particular performance they won for wasn’t really award worthy.
But I can say that the script is just as good as people have been saying. I sat down and read it straight through and there’s a few key and *heartbreaking* moments that allow you to see the inner Alan. Benedict (hopefully) is outstanding in this.
@LadySlippers, how did you manage to read the scrip… would love to read it too…
besides I’m almost on “holidays”; classes are over it’s just national exams.. so… lots of free time..
Yes. It does seem like most of the Oscars in the last few years have gone to those who have waited too long. Bunch of bs really.
Nighty-I know there is or use to be a website that would have the scripts. I know the script for Crimson Peak was floating around for a while and recently the script to Quentin Tarantino’s new movie (ahh, can’t remember the name) was leaked.
At this time last year, nobody was predicting that Bruce Dern, Matthew McConaughey or Jared Leto would be nominated for anything, let alone two of those three winning Oscars, while TFE was getting heavy buzz for its lead actor. And nobody had even heard of Lupita. Nobody knows how things are going to play out until the movies are actually released.
•Lilac•
Let’s not forget June Squib since you mentioned Bruce!!! I loved her in Nebraska! Absolutely loved her…
But you’re totally right. Hopefully this movie delivers the goods.
That’s a good point about TFE. You really don’t know until the end of this year how everything will play out!
Everyone who follows the race knew that Matthew was pretty much a frontrunner to take the big prize (and in test screenings Leto had very good ink). Bruce Dern was the same since his film premiere in Cannes with ecsastic reviews and he won the palm for actor, so he pretty much was in the race (same for Squibb). 12YAS was kind of different because the director had not been embraced before by the academy so there were doubts about its oscar potential. Then it premiere at Telluride and the rest is history.
@Ladyslippers, I pretty much was focusing on the actors races with that comment but yes, June Squibb was awesome. There were a number of people I thought were robbed in nominations (I would have traded Meryl Streep for Emma Thompson) and others whose nominations totally puzzled me, like Jonah Hill and Bradley Cooper.
It really is Brits-play-geniuses-in-a-biopic-year, it seems.. 😉 I wonder how this will play out regarding awards because it seems that they always want a bit of variety (comedy, tragedy, actors with different backgrounds etc.)
Well… Look it would be embarrassing if Weinstein didn’t pitch the film like a genuine oscar contender, with a proven Serious Actor lead and a script that has been admired for years.
Sir Cumby has proved he’s pretty good at sincerely shilling for his projects too, so sure there’ll be a campaign and why the hell not? Off the back of his 2013 it will be a good follow up, and I expect he’ll get some noms if the film as a good as people are expecting.
Does punched mean something different to Brits? Because I’m assuming Ben didn’t actually slam his fist into this journalist…
I think they said it was a playful punch. Read the link above and it explains it a tad more. 😊
Keira and BC always referred to it as a joke punch or a light punch but when the story was recycled this week, it became “OMG he PUNCHED a journalist for her!”
He looks so fine in these pics, but also, at home in the character, unlike Assange. Turing seems to be more in his wheelhouse.
+1
Maybe too ‘at-home’? At one of the Oz-Cons, he told the audience he’d recently had to see a shrink because he couldn’t seem to shake one of the characters he’d played. There was nothing more recent than Turing–Sept.-Oct. 2013. Does anybody else notice his body language in the last 6-8 months is quite different than it was in older interviews? He seems to hold himself in a way that resembles those oddly-posed shots from the Dec. British GQ (and incidentally were shot in a hotel in Toronto around the time he was filming TIG), which also seems to be rather like he holds himself as Turing (in what little we’ve seen).
@ TangiersEve
I think you are reaching a bit there.
He mentioned that he had seen a “shrink” because sometimes it is difficult to shed a character.
“Benedict was speaking at Oz Comic Con yesterday when he told fans that he’s had professional therapy to help him cope with some of his darker storylines”
“As an actor who delves into other character’s mindsets quite often, he felt it should be a routine thing and he happily assured us that the therapist said he was absolutely fine.”
I don’t think playing Turing or any other character has had some long lasting effect on him at all.
Love him! Hope that the movie is good and that TWC doesn’t have another Fifth Estate on their hands.
•GeeMoney•
The script was honestly fantastic! It was on Hollywood’s Blacklist and a good many script bloggers and reviewers have almost orgasmed in glee over the script. Totally and 100% honest. Go look or I can find the links too.
Note: Although I gotta go get MasterSlippers. He passed out and hit his head at camp this morning (both my kids work out at a camp). Doc said he’s okay but MasterSlippers does have a headache so MamaSlippers (me) is taking off shortly to go and get the silly silly orchid.
So it might take a bit of time and if you’re okay with that, I’ll post a few later.
Well… I am all for Cumby getting the accolades that he deserves… so I hope it’s a hit for him. I’ll have to check out the links online.
Hope that Master Slippers is ok 🙂
•GeeMoney•
MasterSlippers *is* okay — so thank you for that. 😊
I posted two links above that talk about the script. The blog that had my favourite review (it was also super detailed) appears to have been shut down. So that’s a bit disappointing but there are quite a few others that discuss it.
So proud of my cumby , can’t wait!!!!!
(Insert sarcasm) lol
In the speaking voice department I think Benedict could give Alan Rickman a run for his money – and I never thought I’d say that about any actor, ever, because Rickman turns my knees to water every time he opens his mouth…I appreciate I may be alone in this and that I just have a peculiar susceptibility to male speaking voices…
I don’t think he would deliberately look for a part that would get him an Oscar nom, but I also don’t believe he is above campaigning or shilling for a movie, especially if he’s passionate about the subject.
Which brings me to my question – how is the heavy campaigning going to work if he’s filming Richard III and Henry VI?
The shoot starts in September and ends in early 2015 (presumably January/February). Even if he’s not needed every single day or even week, it’s still a huge commitment and a mountain of work that doesn’t allow much more than a few premiers and press calls.
I’m more interested in seeing Matthew Goode. He’s looking fine in those stills! Hello papi…
I’m sorry but I want Sean bean in the boot to win an Oscar first.
Here here. He’s putting in stirling work and has been stashed in there for a long while now. Poor man must be getting serious cramp and lying on all those hobnob crumbs can’t be comfortable.
I still think Sean Bean’s best death was in LOTR
I’m so upset that I won’t be able to see his performance in Jupiter Ascending until next year.
OMG he look so damn good as Turing, like seriously this look suit him really well. I am so excited for this movie, whether Benedict gets an Oscar nomination or not is to be discussed way later once the film releases. I just want this movie to be really good and does complete justice to the tragic life story of such a brilliant man, I want people to recognize the important role he played in WWII and how much we as humans owe him and other unsung hero’s.
Agreed, he looks fantastic…
I don’t think Cumberbatch picks roles for awards. He’s all about crafting a reputation as one of the acting greats. He wants to be up there with Olivier, Redgrave, Paul Schofield etc. He does have a big ego but its an ego that wants to craft a career that can be admired. I think Danny Boyle understood him quite well. He said that Cumberbatch was dipping his toe into Hollywood to see if HE wanted IT and it wasn’t about whether Hollywood wanted him. Boyle said that Cumberbatch had a huge thirst for work that interested him. Awards would be nice but I really don’t think its high on his agenda.
Entertainment sites seem fixated on actors wanting Oscars but the cream of the acting profession in the UK are far more focused and ambitious about getting work to satisfy their creativity.
Thank you so much for that post…I tried to say something similar up thread but you expressed it far better than me.
Totally agree. I think if more actors focused on the work and not the accolades, they would be far more satisfied with their careers.
I honestly think that Cumby wants a serious career. And the accolades that just might come with that is just icing on the cake of all that he’s accomplished. Sometimes I think his fans think he’s just out doing whatever most of the time, but he’s a smart guy. He knows what he’s doing.
The fans need to have a little more faith.
I don’t know the man from Adam’s ox but, based on his choices and some of the things he’s said and others (directors and fellow actors) have said about him, I would not be surprised in the slightest if he backed off the Hollywood game and focused on just doing “small films” or films that aren’t Oscar bait/big box office draws.
I absolutely love WWII fashion for some reason (it is important to care about the really important things that came out of that era).
Saw him in London two days ago! He was at James Rhodes’ show and a little boy ran up to talk to him. It was precious. Other than that, he was in and out.
So cute!
I just came here to say that I am in love with Matthew Goode. His blue eyes and dark brown hair combo is just so stunning to me. I wish he got more attention with his career and more projects.
I didn’t realise that Matthew Goode is one of Benedict’s best friends. I came across some old interview with Matthew and he was mentioning the friendship.
He doesn’t get enough recognition sadly. He’s a very capable, talented actor. He was fantastic in Stoker. I watched it for Mia Wasikowska (who was wonderful in the role of India), but I left very intrigued by Matthew.
I’ve been fascinated by him for years. He’s been on the Good Wife lately too, which is cool.
Guys watch this, now I know what “name” to say and make Channing Tatum laugh hysterically 😀
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKDc0E-skCE
And I think I’ve been overexposed to Cumby =/ I’ve just finished ep. 1 of season 3 and I’m both disappointed in the ep – which is imo too self-conscious and contrived – and somewhat getting tired of Cumby’s Sherlock antics. And it’s not like I’ve been watching eps back to back – had a couple of days between them.
Absolutely LOVED eps 1&2 of season 2, Gatiss at his best imo. However, I thought ep 3 was a bit OTT. Ah well. I’ll probably just take a break from Sherlock and come back in a week 😉
The third season, for me, was extremely disappointing. It was almost like it was fanfiction of the series. The characters and settings were familiar, but there was something different about it all. It’s enough that I am not anxiously waiting for another season or even a one-off episode.
•Into Outro•
Season 3 was, IMO, all about pandering to the fans. And the new director didn’t help as he obviously directed BC to go over the top with his portrayal of Sherlock. And he paced that whole first episode weirdly (the other two were a bit better in that regard). The combo was and is very off putting. But remember actors do what their directors tell them.
•Green Girl•
Yep. I don’t want or expect carbon copies of season 1 & 2. But I *DO* expect fantastic writing and equally awesome directing. Season 3 was missing both those elements. Although there were some things I did like…just not many.
Hopefully, season 4 will be better. Hopefully.
I am so there with you guys, s3 of Sherlock was a huge letdown for me. I didn’t understand why it was so necessary to pander to the fangirls or acknowledge that particular segment of them. The whole character of Sherlock Holmes and his almost fantastical skill as a consulting detective was not really all there in s3 (bombs have an off switch, seriously?). As a fan of the actual Sherlock Holmes character and of the series, I felt pretty insulted by s3.
I’m really hoping s4 will return to the original expectations that s1 & s2 set up. You expect a show like that to evolve as it goes but it took a nasty tumble.
I agree with all of you, ladies. I don’t know if it was fan-pandering or rather self-pandering and self-serving though =/ @Delorb, I’m including my answer to you here, too, simply not to break my post ^_^ I’m talking about different kind of pandering. Sherlock *did* become more mature, and it’s good for his character, and it’s indeed lots of fun how Gatiss winked at slash fanfiction writers – I snorted out loud when Moriarty&Sherlock almost kissed on the roof lol. (Although, to be fair, Sherlock’s storyline is quite consciously hinting at Sherlock’s homosexual attraction to John so it’s not like slash fanfiction writers are inventing something completely unrelated to this series’ universe).
Season 3 does have its awesome moments, the most awesome probably being Mary’s character and Freeman’s acting. BUT. Imo season 3 is overdoing so much of what was originally its charming schticks that it has crossed the line into being unintentionally grotesque. I had a couple of free hours yesterday and because I was hoping to be proved wrong, I went and watched episode 2 of season 3 and… oh goodness. I never thought I’d write “cheesy” and “Sherlock Holmes” in one sentence but here goes. If episode 3 is just as disappointing – well, imo it’s good then that Gatiss and Moffat are taking this break, I really hope they’ll find their footing again and will make *classy* use of Cumby’s and Freeman’s brilliant duo and Conan Doyle’s great stories.
Season 3 felt like fanfiction rather than a respectful adaptation. I’m not faulting the actors. I fault the writing.
@Intro,
I didn’t get any hints at any attraction to John other than platonic. Episode 3 brings home the fact that IF Sherlock were to find a mate, it wouldn’t be a mate. IMO, of course.
I’m a fan of Moffat’s writting for Sherlock (for the most part), but I’ve heard that he’s gotten into it with fans in the past. There isn’t that much love lost, IMO, especially when he’s being criticized. So I can easily see him and Mark, having a laugh at a certain segment of the fandom.
Some of those people have their heads so far up their own asses, that they don’t even realize when they’re being laughed at. They see something that they wrote on screen and pat themselves on the back, never understanding that they were the butt of an inside joke.
My issues with the last episode was that they leaned too heavily on this certain thing. It was a bit much, IMO. It was like their overuse of ‘side of the angels’ in TRF. There was one other thing, but since you haven’t seen it, I’ll wait. It didn’t detract too much from the episode, but it did take it down a notch for me.
I would put episode 2 near the top of my all time list. It had everything, IMO. Humor, a good mystery (when he’s in that lecture hall, I actually got a bit of the creeps, it was just that good), love and a more human Sherlock, among other things.
Episode 2 was the saving grace of season 3 for me. 1 was fun, but didn’t really progress the overarching storyline much at all. 2 helped give many character moments, which is good in my books. 3 felt rushed and gave us one of the most poorly written villains I’ve seen in the series.
The writers lost their mojo, IMO, and wrote S3 like Doctor Who with Sherlock characteristics. Sherlock had major character development that the audience didn’t witness, plus Sherlock now has a catchphrase. A CATCHPHRASE!
S4 better return to form, or I fear the game is no longer on.
@Delorb:
Hmm, the question of Sherlock’s sexuality is actually an open one and I’m ready to admit I might be wrong. Magnussen did indeed have his porn preferences listed as “Normal” 😉 – although I do not know if that actually means “Heterosexual” or just that he has no particular fetishes. However, I feel that the series – as well as Molly, Irene, Mycroft – hints that Sherlock has particularly deep feelings towards John, deeper than those of friendly love. What Molly said about him trying to hide from John the fact that he’s sad – imo this is a sign of an attitude that is deeper and more tender than friendship. BUT. It might indeed be that, since Sherlock is a genius and his intellect is several times more effective than a usual human’s, maybe his platonic feelings are also several times stronger and he simply feels things differently.
Oh, I never knew Moffat had banged heads with fans. Was it over Doctor Who?
I agree with you about the lecture hall scene in ep. 2, it was brilliantly done – but the whole story arch of that Mayfly Man seems just so unrealistic to me that it undermines all the brilliance. I also watched ep. 3 and my general reaction is, sadly, the same as to the whole season 3 =( It had some awesome moments, but I agree with @jammypants, it also felt rushed AND Magnussen felt way too far-fetched. However, Lars Mikkelsen who played him did a marvellous job imo – as well as Amanda Abbington, she was sooooo good!
Lars Mikkelsen was criminally underused 😉
@delorb
If that’s true about Moffat getting into it with fans, well that explains ep1. I guess that’s the episode that I really didn’t like out of s3. The other two episodes had character development (loved the Sherlock and Mycroft, and Sherlock and Mary interactions) but the mysteries themselves and how Sherlock solves them felt rushed. I’ll be honest, that’s the main reason I watch Sherlock because I absolutely love his genius in how he solves the crimes so I suppose I felt a little cheated with regards to that.
I do hope s4 is able to mesh the growth of all the characters as well as the mysteries better than s3.
I had a different take on season three. I think season three was the strongest of them all. Each year there is always one that doesn’t quite measure up to the others. The Blind Banker (s01), The Reichenbach Falls (s02), while good, stood out because the other episodes were great. But even with the problems of His Last Vow, it was still very, very good.
As for the so called pandering, I didn’t get that at all. I took it as them taking a jab at fans and all their ludicrous explanations of how he did it (Derren Brown?) and the slash fiction (the near kiss on the roof). And even though we were ‘told’ how it was done, are we really ‘sure’ that they told us the truth? Leaving it up in the air, is not pandering, IMO. Its not pandering at all.
As for the changes in Sherlock, that was explained during his game with Mycroft and their talk about goldfish. Sherlock has grown and can attend a wedding (although he’s still unsure of how to behave), Mycroft, having avoided goldfish (people, friendship), cannot.
I agree. I loved season 3 because the characters grew. If they don’t, it turns into a boring, predictable procedural. It’s a modernization/adaptation. And the acting was top notch, especially from Mr. Freeman.
I loved Season 3. It was beautifully shot, it made laugh, it made me cry and had enough dramatic heft to satisfy me.
I loved the wedding and the way the crime was successfully woven into the speech. This was clever writing. The drunk scene was hilarious and I would love to have been a fly on the wall when they were filming that.
Sherlock is not a procedural and I loved the character growth and the glimpses into Sherlock’s family life and background. The dynamics between Sherlock and Mycroft were gold.
I have the DVDs and have watched this new series as often as the others.
It quite frankly makes me feel joyful. I am not looking for some realistic crime drama but a show that is well acted, well written and covers all the emotional bases. Sherlock does it for me.
I also thoroughly enjoyed Broadchurch but I don’t want to watch it again.
ALL actors want recognition for their work, otherwise they would just stage plays and film videos in their homes. Acting is a form of exhibitionism, just because some actors are more private than others doesn’t mean they don’t like showing their wares to the world.
I think Cumberbatch is very focused on crafting a career that will last beyond his corporeal life. He wants to be mentioned in the same sentence as the greats that have come before him.
Don’t get confused, The Imitation is not The Fifth Estate. It has a great script, an interesting story, a sympathetic lead character, a very good director, a REALLY great cast and Harvey Weinstein. It is not blockbuster material but I think it will do well.
When it comes to the Oscars, God is less important than Harvey Weinstein. I won’t mind if Cumby shills for Harvey if the end product warrants it; that’s how you win Oscars in LaLa Land. There are very few actors who are in that rarefied air where they can’t be bothered to campaign. I can only think of three off the top of my head: Kathrine Hepburn, Brando and Daniel Day Lewis.
It’s not like Weinstein can do no wrong though *side-eyes Grace of Monaco*. I don’t think IG will go the same way, of course, especially since so far I’ve heard only excellent opinions on it – and haven’t heard of Weinstein dragging Tyldum to court over the final cut lol.
I think it’s also high time this story was told and not just a sidenote, and there’s a big push in some circles in the UK especially to get Turing the recognition he deserves. Benny seems drawn to these period roles from the early 20th century and frankly, he looks good in them and tends to really do well–maybe he needs to just give in to being a niche actor/performer and go with it?
yes cumby most definitely wants an oscar. and why shouldn’t he? he’s an amazing talent, and if his performance is a good one, he would deserve it.
oscars are totally about popularity unfortunately, so he will have to campaign. i know this will get him hated among some people, but they all campaign. look at lupita. no one holds it against her. and before people say her campaign wasn’t blatant, i beg to differ. girl showed up everywhere. and i’m very glad for her, as i would be for cumby.
The only risk with the Oscars is overexposure. They always manage to put me off actors. It’s a silly preference, but I think a nomination says more than a win. Nominations recognize the talent. Wins acknowledge the popularity.
jammypants, I agree to a certain extent. But even with the nominations it’s often more about popularity than talent. Look how long it took Fassy to even get a nomination.
Fassbender actually got one rather quickly. He has really only been doing film work for about seven years. There are some amazing actors who have worked decades without a nomination. Alan Rickman, Kevin Bacon, Steve Buscemi, Donald Sutherland, John Cusack to name just a few without an Oscar nomination between them to share.
Remember when Hunger came out? Decent amount of buzz. He was considered a talent to keep an eye on. Then Shame came out a few years later. Everyone thought he was set for a nomination. That didn’t happen. It wasn’t until this year he got nominated. There is a progression of talent recognition, but even so, like Lilac pointed out, all this happened pretty quickly. From the time he started getting buzz (Hunger), that was 2008/2009, to now happened in only a few short years ago.
Christopher Plummer started in films in 1958 and had a number of acclaimed roles throughout the years. He won Tonys and Emmys and Genies (Canadian) but was never nominated for an Oscar until 2009. He didn’t win until 2010. There are scores of other actors with similar stories.
True that!
Ooopps.. Good to know about his projects….
This comment is Cumberbatch-adjacent, so I hope it’s OK.
There’s a new series of Becel margarine ads running voiced by a smooth-sounding Brit, and many think it’s Cumberbatch. I’ll let you Google them.
In fact, apparently, they’re voiced by Paul Amos, whom you can hear speaking about other things here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKxGnyXRyls
A TV station I was watching just ran the Becel ad followed by ‘Batch’s Jaguar ad. I’m imagining the ad programmers having a giggle there.
Anyway, just wanted to let you all know about an alternate potential voice crush.
News from the Marvel front: Hardy and Cumby are on Marvel’s “short list of actors to play the lead in Scott Derrickson’s Doctor Strange film”.
He would be a perfect Doctor Strange. I’m a but of a geek on this one, and I’m looking forward to it.
I agree w/Miss Jupitero… I love Dr Strange and think Cumby would be great in the role–I think he’d be more of a “comic book” actor than Hardy (I know, I know) mainly because the boy seems to love to chew the scenery (in a good way, lol). That and he kind of looks a bit like the comic character, with the high cheekbones and scowly face he can pull.
Am I the only one that doesn’t want him stuck in the contract-vortex hell that is superhero movies? I realize he’s ambitious and wants to break Hollywood, but so many of the lead actors in this genre just get mired down in the machine and don’t seem to recover. The only real exception seems to be the x-men franchise.
I do have to agree with that @Sighs.. he’d be stuck to some character, attached continuously to Marvel, maybe not such a good idea;
One other aspect is that he should stop with biopics… how many has he made already??
I’m going to depart here and say I hope neither Cumberbatch or Hardy sign on.
Marvel’s only good to A-listers–terrible to work for if you’re not. Although if they’re eyeing a 2016 release, I don’t see either one of their schedules working anyway.
They love their Brits, don’t they? 😉 I’m not sure if such a film is for either of them because they are neither totally unknown (like Chris Hemsworth or He Who Must Not Be Named) nor quite as far as Michael Fassbender for example.
On the other hand… Tumblr would go insane if Cumby goes for Doctor Strange and this ever happens: http://www.supermegamonkey.net/chronocomic/entries/scans2/ST123_Opening.JPG *lol*
Nothing to add really just that I am so glad Turing’s story will be seen by such a wide audience, hopefully. I also hope it might make people understand a little more about where intolerance leads and maybe, possibly, hopefully open a few minds. What they did to him was horrific. I’m glad people will get to see this and to understand the incredible work he did.
I would love for Benny to join the MCU, but I don’t think Dr. Strange fits. I keep wanting to see as Sandman (but that’s DC).
Sandman is very muscled… Benedict is a slender man… nope, gotta disagree on that…
what? Look here, I’ve read the series. I own them and have pored over the pages. He is not muscled. He’s thin and tall with muscle definition. You got it completely the opposite. Because he is tall and slender, physically, he works for Ben. On top of that, he’s a very cerebral character. Heck, half the panels of his face looks just like Ben’s. I will have to strongly disagree :p
ok ok jammy… don’t hit me, please!!! 😛
But then, they got it wrong in Spidey?
Oh, been reading in the net, there’s more than one Sandman… 🙁
hence our dispute.. you’re talking about the one in the mask and suit; I’m talking about the one with stripped t-shirt…
hehe sorry if I came off strong. I’m not biting or hitting I promise :p
The Sandman I was referring to is this http://media.dcentertainment.com/sites/default/files/gn-covers/2013/03/Sandman_Omni-1-FPO_CV_fr80fzzd79_.jpg
Ah yea I forget that Marvel has Sandman as a Spidey villain. The Vertigo/DC property is a starring vehicle, rather unlike the featured villain from the Marvel Spidey rogue gallery. The DC Sandman is a very fascinating character. He is immortal and his domain is the Dream Lands. He shapes and moulds dreams. He is outside of time and space. He’s part of an usual family of the Endless. They each embody certain qualities that govern the universe (Despair, Death, Dream, Destruction, Destiny, Desire, and Delirium). This series is getting adapted and is currently in the very early stages of pre-production under the DC/WB banner =)
Gaiman has said that he would like Tom or Ben for Sandman, if I remember correctly: soooo…
This Sandman, I didn’t know… Just the spidey one… 🙂
Sounds like an interesting character…
I don’t think Neil Gaiman ever mentioned wanting Hiddles as sandman whereas several sources have confirmed about him talking about BC being a perfect fit. And the Sandman adaption currently under pre production has Joseph Gordon Levitt as one of the producers. They’ve already hired an excellent writer that Gaimann approves of. Also seems like Gaimann has praised JGL about his knowledge and understanding of the character and that whole world. I think there’s a high possibility that JGL might end up as Sandman as he’s known to be someone who is really interested in rallying for such meaty roles, as opposed to conventional superhero roles.
Actually, Gaiman said either or:
“And [a TV adaptation] would be cool too. I would absolutely watch the HBO “Sandman.” On the other hand, I would happily watch Tom Hiddleston or Benedict Cumberbatch as the Dream Lord in the movie. Or somebody else, who’s yet to graduate — as long as they’ve got good cheekbones!”
I can see Benny being knighted first. He does a lot for charity that isn’t always PRed about which I admire.
I can imagine him turning up at the palace in one of his Geek suits.
Oscar nom is huge PR, so probably almost all actors want one. I don’t see why he would be any different.