I updated yesterday’s Benedict Cumberbatch post with the UK trailer for The Imitation Game. But this post is about both trailers, the UK and US, because I needed some time to really process what the trailers revealed. For those of you who need a recap, Benedict was cast as Alan Turing, the real Englishman who broke the German “Enigma” – that was the code the Nazis used to communicate with each other around the world. Enigma was thought to be unbreakable. But Turing broke it. And then, years later, England broke him. This film will appeal to A) history-buffs, B) WWII-obsessed people, C) Cumberbitches, D) people with a passing or hardcore interest in cryptography, code-breaking, espionage and/or the history of computers and applied mathematics. And E) Oscar voters. Because Benedict is definitely going to get an Oscar nomination for this.
Here’s the US trailer – this is the longer one and it assumes that the viewer will need some background information on Enigma. It also shows you (in broad strokes) all the major plot points.
Here’s the UK trailer – this one is lighter on details but it makes the film seem like more of a thriller/mystery.
I think it’s a bold choice to put so much emotion in the trailers. Like, I got choked up thinking of Turing’s brilliant and groundbreaking mind. And then I got sad because of how he ended up, the sadness in his later life. Ugh. I’m totally going to cry during this film, I know it.
As for the Oscar rollout… you know it’s coming. Harvey Weinstein picked up the distribution rights and I just have a feeling that Benedict is going to be Harvey’s guy this year. Like, Colin Firth was Harvey’s guy during the Oscar season of The King’s Speech. Harvey’s going to put some money behind Benedict and this film. Anyway, it was announced yesterday that the film will premiere at the BFI London Film Festival in October. It will open the festival on October 8th. Good. I like an October release – that’s about on pace with The King’s Speech as well, they didn’t wait until the last minute (Christmas) to release a historical English film.
Photos courtesy of WENN, Fame/Flynet and The Weinstein Company.
Can’t wait for the endless stream of pics of Cumberbatch in suits/formal wear. God bless Oscar season (and the run up to it) for making men up their fashion game.
#AllTheVelvet
Headline in 6 months time – “Worldwide velvet shortage – Why?!?”
Honestly, if he had a new sweetheart, just rip the bandage off already. That’s the only reason I get my knickers in a twist.
Joseph Gordon Levitt confirmed he had a girlfriend a while back and affirmatively said that he wanted to keep her identity private at that moment. They just stepped out together publicly this past summer. (I forgot her name. She’s some tech chick with her own Silicon Valley start up.)
Even though fans might continue to speculate on the girl’s identity, maybe some of the tension would abate? It definitely would if they stopped hiding. I mean, there’d be an initial fury and then crickets. He wouldn’t have to send out a press release, just go someplace with her. He does hang out with so many women. Maybe he is dating one of them and his platonic girlfriends help him hide his real love interest.
Who knows? Maybe “his people” hear the gossip and say “don’t confirm, you cannot afford to alienate the CumberB’s right now,” or “roll with it, keep them foaming at the mouth for box office.”
Whoever she is, lucky, lucky girl…. :sigh: He is an amazing talent and seems like a total catch.
#ALLthedamnvelvet
@ Granny
And just maybe he doesn’t have a girlfriend secret or otherwise and if he did have one I am sure he couldn’t give a rat’s ass what the fans think.
He has been quite open about his two previous relationships and no one made any sort of fuss.
Just because a few stupid gossip sites made up so called news about a secret girlfriend does not mean it is true. I am sure he is just enjoying the work, having a great time experiencing all that life has to offer him at the moment and who knows he may meet someone sooner rather than later.
It just comes across as slightly obsessed and almost creepy this endless speculation about secret girlfriends. Who cares!
Firstly, I apologize for replying here. I thought I replied further down.
Secondly, @ Maggie: I don’t disagree with everything you’ve said except for the “creepy” part. It’s a gossip site, honey. Everyone here cares at least a little. (Call it a guilty pleasure.) That’s why even you bothered responding to me – and so heatedly.
Thirdly, @Jane @Encumbered (cute handle!) @GreenEyes @Kazlock: cosigned. But we’ll have to see. I always got the feeling he wanted the pregnancy experience. 10 years junior isn’t bad and would be totally viable for another 7 years.
Whatever he decides, he can’t wait until his career slows down because I think he’s Oscar lifetime achievement award material. So, he probably won’t ever be to totally free.
@Granny
@Maggie
You both make sense.In the past he has been very open if he’s in a relationship,I tend to think that if he was with someone now he wouldn’t hide the fact.My opinion is that he’s enjoying himself and probably dating several women casually. If it was one,and serious,I’m sure there’d be some sort of confirmation by now.
I always picture him with someone in their early/mid thirties…and academic more than showbusiness.His sister has said something similar.As for children,what a lovely father he’d make..however they come into his life.Though I agree with @Granny he appears to want the whole 9 yards in regards to pregnancy etc.
Sorry if I annoy anyone with my posts.Never my intention.Just love to find out what is going on in the world of BC.
Ditto @Kazlock 🙂 I try to be the perfect fan. After all, the man’s talent is first and foremost. But at the end of the day, with his talent, charming public persona and striking looks, this man makes me swoon like a teenaged girl. 🙂
(I also still think being public with an already formed relationship is different from being public while still in the initial stages of becoming a couple.)
@Granny @Maggie
Just seen on Tumbler that BC dined last night with a ‘mystery blonde’.In Venice, California. Any further information my Cumberbuddies?
Do you guys think Benedict will sleep with Harvey to win his Oscar?
I always find it interesting that when an actress works with Harvey, there’s always so much vitriol against her. They are always like: she slept with Harvey to win/be nominated for the Oscar. Yet, when a man wins it’s “Oh he deserved it”. I like to call it the Jennifer Lawrence/Christoph Waltz effect. Won same year for HW movies, yet completely different responses.
It all boils down to who people love and love to hate, regarding the reactions to actresses winning Oscar’s etc.
I am always suprised when people assume there is casting couch involved when actresses are cast in oscar-bait movies. Woman side-kick in an action movie or sexy girl in comedy I understand. But an oscar-bait movie flopping is a big danger for studios and directors. They wouldn’t risk it. I don’t believe that Harvey needs to fuck the actress to “buy” her the Oscar. He loves winning awards so much already.
Good point! I mean Waltz has two Oscars from Weinstein movies. He must be hitting that hard! 😉
Sadly it’s mostly women spreading these tales. I know most people are trying for a sick kind of humour but still. Did it maybe happen with an actress or two? Sure. But all? Even that whore Meryl Streep? Really? It’s a tiresome, sexist attitude.
Harvey’s not gay. He’s a red blooded American male. Albeit an ugly one. He also has a penchant for waspy blonds. His first wife was a descendent of the Mayflower, Park Avenue trust fund heiress. His current wife is the English designer Georgina Chapman. In addition, he always loved flirting and ogling the blond assistants at Miramax back in the day. For sure, there is a double standard involved in all these rumors but every rumor is based on some bit of facts.
What, there are no gay American males?
I pray to Odin that, if Ben campaigns, he will do so with with a sense of taste and measure =/ Because usually by the time Oscars are announced, I feel sick and tired of the more active campaigners.
Hahaha, yes, we should probably have a “BennyAnne” moniker ready. 😉
Is Odin answering you? Isn’t he locked up or something?
*frowns* I got an answer saying not to worry because Cumby’s already signed on to shoot a series of ads for Stark Industries’ Dunlopapop horseshoes for Royal Stables of Asgard where he’ll appear riding on the Bifröst bridge wearing one of his hats and maroon jorts with white sneakers… And that the shooting is scheduled for November.
@Innie Outie brilliant.Can he have some help from the other Oscar hopefuls. Robert Downey Jr should be able to help him out along with Richard Gere.Jake Gyllenhaal and I would not mind if Alan Rickman could wheedled his way in
Ok, the trailer(s) got me. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to see this (as practically none of the above mentioned categories apply to me – however I’d happily become an Oscar voter *g*) but it looks really good. And Charles Dance.
Agreed.
And Charles Dance.
And Allan Leech (Branson) from Downton Abbey. Love him. Sherlock meets Game of Thrones meets Downton Abbey. 🙂
Mark. Strong.
Enough said, just watched the trailer, might have to go and have a little lie down…
Matthew Goode needs more love.
I love him!
@jimmypants I love Matthew Goode he almost steals the trailer with his wicked smile, From the three scenes he is in he is in it looks as if he will shine.
Agree. I think this looks like a really good movie. I’d see it whether BC were in it or not. The story itself is a great (and sad) one.
The UK trailer is such a miss that I had a moment of panic yesterday that Harvey was botching this! The US trailer communicates so much more about Alan Turing’s story — and it’s a story that needs to be told, and this is the right day and age to tell it. My excitement for Oscar season suit porn (hhnnngggg) is heightened at the prospect of a great film that makes math and civil liberties look sexy.
Perhaps Turing is just much more known in the UK? We’ve had several big ticket documentary series about the codebreakers, including Turing. Sixlet Minor brought home a biography of him written specifically for middle graders as his school library book not so long ago. It was all in there: the codebreaking, the prosecution, the chemical castration, the engagement, the apple mystery. I think we just know about him so the trailer needed to advertise why the film was special; we already know Turing was special.
He is definitely not as well known here. Anyone familiar with computer science/AI knows his work, but not necessarily his story.
I’m a single lady and I often joke about whether my dates pass the Turing test. ;-D
@sixer, sadly Americans as a people don’t learn history. I know some who only learned about Enigma because they toured The Spy Museum in Washington D.C., which has a section devoted breaking the code, and others who only learned about Bletchley Park because of the TV show Bletchley Circle and these are people with advanced degrees from good schools. Our schools only skim the surface of World War II. Indeed, I wouldn’t be surprised if most high school kids didn’t know who Mussolini was. Italy’s involvement seems to have fallen out of fashion in movie portrayals lately and out of sight, out of mind.
Ditto what Lilacflowers said. Turing is far from a household name here in the U.S. And yes, WWII in general is not taught much in our elementary schools and high schools.
Wait, Italy fought in World War II? I thought that’s when America fought the Russians over Berlin. I’m so confused…
@janeite, well, it is taught. Just not in depth. Our kids learn: Poland, Pearl Harbor, Hitler, Holocaust Death Camps (but not all the groups of people sent to them), D-Day; Iwo Jima, atom bomb. If not for George Takei, nobody under 40 would know about the internment camps.
Lilacflowers,
You’re right. There’s not a lot of in-depth study, that’s for sure. When I was in high school, there was a class on Modern American History that covered it in more detail but taking it was not mandatory.
Dara,
Yes, Italy was very involved in WWII. They were one of the main Axis powers along with Germany and Japan. The U.S. and Russia were both Ally powers.
Thank you @Janeite darling… was that before or after Lincoln bought Canada from the Spanish? Uh oh, I think Im confused again…
Someone really does need to invent that sarcasm font people speak of, although I probably couldn’t figure out how to use it since I can’t seem to manage those spiffy smiley-face things all you kids seem to be using nowadays…insert head hung in shame emoticon here.
@Dara, it was after the time we didn’t help Panama secede from Colombia so we could build a canal but before Elvis.
I thought you guys might get taught about Italy in WWII, what with having a strong Jewish strand to your culture. Isn’t If This Is A Man by Primo Levi a set text in high schools? I was given that to read at about 14 or so and was still crying over it weeks after I’d read it.
@Sixer, some were taught about Italy’s involvement in WWII and some were not. Some were taught about why Spain was not involved and some were not. Educational requirements vary by state and while most require at least one year of American history in high school (and “American” means U.S.), world history is usually not a requirement. I had an interest in history so I took more history electives when I could, my dad was a history buff and fixated on all aspects of WWII, and my grandparents were British so I had a lot more exposure than most. I studied Enigma and the code-breakers in college. What people here don’t learn about the world is frightening. Very little attention is even paid to the history of the two other nations who share our continent, and South America is basically ignored in our schools.
@ Lilac
Oh, dear! Mind you, if I’m entirely honest, although I would say that British kids get a much broader education in history, it *is* still skewed to what is of *British* interest. We do tend to learn about ex-Empire countries and/or historical conflicts with Europe. There is a mature understanding that a great deal about the British Empire was bad, but our kids learn bugger all about um… Japan (except WWII and the nuclear bomb), China, South America – places where we never had influence.
I suppose we’re all ethnocentric to one degree or another. And you might find in the future – once China starts ruling the world! – that things change. Go back to the height of the Empire, and you’ll find British kids didn’t learn about much else than the Empire’s own glory.
Yeah.. thank God here, one studies world history for 5 years (from 5th to 9th grade… )
And not just that, one also lerans history, literature and geography while learning foreign languages… In English (as a foreign language) one studies a bit of history both British and American, Shakespearean poetry, I studied in my 11th grade The Pearl by Steinbeck and also The Go Between by L.P.Hartley… Languages here, imply not just vocabulary and grammar but also History and Literature…
When I was at school in Canada we covered both Canadian and World History in some depth.WWW1/2 focussed on the European involvement. Turling was not covered because on the grand scale his achievement was insignificant as compared to the political/battle events, I think it is only in later tears that it was given a more significant role.
My dad told me about Turling , the significance of cat’s eyes and the role of Africa in some of his holiday ramblings. He was a fund of arkane information.
“sadly Americans as a people don’t learn history.”
This is SO true. In the US, kids are taught very limited history in school. Being near Boston, we learned a lot about the Pilgrims and the American Revolution (some of it probably not true) But I had no idea who Turing was until I took a computer science course in college. What we were taught about WWII was very limited/narrow – Germany, Japan, Anne Frank, Pearl Harbor, UK bombings, Normandy, Roosevelt, Churchill. I ‘learned’ a bit more watching Hogan’s Heroes reruns and researching things myself because I had a bit of a crush on Newkirk (sad but true) The only way I knew about Italy’s involvement and Mussolini is from my great-aunt who was born in Italy, who when I was a kid, would yell at my grandfather when he was being self-centered and bossy – she’d start going on at him in Italian saying things like “Oh, now that Mussolini’s dead you think you’re in charge?” I had to ask my mother who Mussolini was and then look him up to learn more about Italy’s involvement in the war.
(OT, I think I’m going to change my user name…it made some sense when Black Mass was filming, but now just seems silly and not very friendly)
Honestly, I liked both trailers quite a lot, more then I thought I would. Though I hope the film on the whole doesn’t get burried in schmalz, this story deserves better.
I’m ashamed to say, but I’m kind of in love with the trailer!
Now regarding Harvey… I don’t really know what to think.
When I heard that TWC bought the rights, I expected a huge campaign with BC all over the world for a few months. Ala Colin Firth.
But know he is booked for Richard III that films September to early 2015 plus Sherlock in January.
How’s that going to go down with a huge campaign?
I’m a bit lost with Richard III though. Will this character appear in all 4 planned films, or only in the last one? If the latter is the case, then Ben will probably have time to campaign.
@Innie Outie, my understanding is that he is only in Richard III and will not appear in the Henry VI productions.
He’s in more than one film. I’m sorry it’s so vague, I just recall he’s not needed for one of them but is for at least 2 others.
Sherlock films Jan to probably at least mid-Feb. My guess is he won’t be able to do a full/long campaign tbh.
@Katie, that’s what I remember as well, but I’m not sure whether it was fan speculation or confirmed info. Wiki lists him only for the fourth film, so I am confused now.
*looks around furtively and whispers into Katie’s ear* Tbh, I’ll only be glad if he doesn’t do a long campaign. Do not want that for any of my fav actors or actresses.
He is Edwards brother in the earlier series but that would mean either they de-age for the earlier plays or add the years on when he plays Richard whichever fits the adaption.Edward will also age over two plays so not sure what they will do their either.
*happy feels*
This is so my husbands type of film. Finally he’ll understand why I love Cumby. Hope he at least gets nominated for an Oscar for this. Looks very promising.
If Harvey’s involved, my money’s on My Otter getting at least a nomination. Swooning at the thought of all that velvet . . .
The Batch, Tom Branson, Mark Strong and Matthew Goode, yes…
Exactly. It’s like the most perfect man-combo ever. And Charles Dance. The US trailer is everything.
And Keira K. looks GOOD. She tends to rub me the wrong way, but she looks perfect for this role.
YAY! Love Cumby. Hope he gets a nod.
TIG will premier in Toronto Film Festival this Sept!
Confirmed… http://insidemovies.ew.com/2014/07/22/toronto-film-festival-lineup-announced-breaking/
I saw that it is scheduled as a Special Presentation and Canadian Premiere. Not a gala. Speculation is that it will have it’s North American (and World?) premiere at Telluride in Late August.
Telluride is really secret about their lineup so we have to wait until August to find out.
I think it’s a bold choice to put so much emotion in the trailers. Like, I got choked up thinking of Turing’s brilliant and groundbreaking mind. And then I got sad because of how he ended up, the sadness in his later life. Ugh. I’m totally going to cry during this film, I know it.
This. The US trailer pretty much confirmed for me that I’m going to be a mess watching this.
Even the start of the UK one with Rory Kinnear, he looks …. broken.
yes me too, Turing’s story is heartbreaking and Cumby is going to be sooooooooo good in this…I’ll be a blubbery mess as well, wetter than an Otter’s nose even (which is kind of appropriate really…)
I am very surprised that only Harvey movie coming at TIFF is TIG, Big Eyes had quite a fall back after the test screening reactions lol.
I initially thought TIG would have a North American premiere at TIFF and European premiere at BFI in London (as already announced) which would be sufficient considering its not the only movie Harvey has. But now it looks like TIG can be going to Telluride film festival after all as TIFF states it as Canadian premiere meaning it will be having its world premiere at Telluride (USA).
It could still go to Venice as well, who knows. Telluride is such an exclusive festival to get in that I had not anticipated TIG there. But it seems like TIG will begin its campaign there like 12YAS did.
TIG might not premier in Venice since the composer of TIG Alexandre Desplatis a jury.
Ahhhh yes you are right. I forgot about him lol.
Even then having TIFF, Telluride and BFI is really good.
Are you sure about it appearing at Telluride “”Today’s announcement, with almost three-dozen major world premieres, can be seen as a victory for the Toronto programmers, who earlier this year introduced a rule forcing directors to choose between debuting their films in Toronto or at the boutique Telluride film festival, which takes place the weekend before…….”This year, a screening in Colorado would preclude another during the crucial first five days of Toronto.””
http://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/jul/22/toronto-film-festival-2014-programme-release-kicks-off-2015-oscar-race
Maybe in will have a world premiere in the USA at another festival??
@ice, maybe NYFF?
@Icerose yes the rules are there by TIFF but it only applies to films that want the first 4 days of TIFF to premiere their films.
So TIG can still be at Telluride and TIFF with only difference being that it won’t be shown until the fifth day of the festival.
TIFF is saving first 4 days for films that will have its world premiere there i.e the ones not shown at any other festival.
It could be at NYFF as well but they have already announced most of their films with no hint at TIG. Plus going by Harvey’s record he has taken two previous films like The King’s Speech and The Artist to Telluride before taking them to TIFF.
So all the major films that TIFF got like Wild (rumoured for Telluride as well), Foxcatcher (already shown at Cannes) and TIG are all NOT world premieres, so in a way their plan has backfired lol.
They thought directors/producers would pick them over Telluride in the lure of having premiere in first 4 days (as those films get most media attention) but alas that didn’t happen.
@Duri The guardian does not seem to agree with you. Presumably Wild, Foxcatcher, TIG will all be shown on the last day but 3 films as opposed to three dozen seems like a win for TIFF to me as well
So TIG is on the last day and another UK FILM Alan Rickman’s A little Chaos is closing the festival as it’s world premiere. So that will be the main press focus.The danger is that having been a the BFI and MAYBE Telluride and then being on the last day it will not get as much attention at TIFF. I can understand that for Foxcatcher it may not matter as much because it was in competition at Cannes and won best director so it is arriving with a heap load of praise already. Of course if TIG wins something at the LFF that would help the hype.
@Jimmy Pants I was thinking New York as well
@Duri I made a mistake above I meant to say that TIG being in the latter part of the festival will miss out on the opening four day buzz.
There are still a lot of much awaited films to come and TIFF drip feeds its films so three films is neither here nor their. From what the guardian says it is likely to be a big year for USA films and actors so he might get the token UK nomination.
I have replied to your earlier post below without seeing your edited comment that you posted now.
Please lets not think before hand he wont deserve his nomination when no reviews or anything have come. Also maybe its better to look at other awards outlet as well rather than basing everything on Guardian.
where does it say it will be shown on the last day??? The festival goes on for 10 days, so showing on the fifth day is not a big deal. Last year Dallas Buyers Club was shown on the fifth day as well if I remember correctly despite it being a World Premiere at the festival.
Wild and and Foxcatcher will be shown after the fifth day as well. As for Foxcatcher then yes its critical reviews are in already through Cannes but if Wild and TIG are going to Telluride then their reviews will come instantly by 31st august as well. Critics reviews from Telluride will build the momentum in either positive or negative direction as they will be the first ones to come with a review.
TIFF has already announced its closing film which is the Rickman film as you said so I don’t see how TIG and that can be released on the same day. They usually only have one main film in closing with one or two low budget films in the afternoon before the evening gala of closing.
As for LFF then it has nothing to do with the initial hype because it will be showing TIG on October 8th which is way later than TIFF, Telluride, NYFF etc.
Well you and Guardian might agree with each other regarding TIFF….but Variety agrees with me http://variety.com/2014/film/news/is-toronto-film-festival-losing-its-awards-mojo-1201266173/
@Dara I do agree that we need to wait and see what all the festivals make of it before we jump to conclusions over Oscar nominations and whether is deserved it or not. Telluride has been a pointer for two Oscar films but does not even come into the top 30 on media attention. As Telluride has not announced it’s films and Toronto has still more to announce we are looking at speculation.
I was surprised that the Guardian was not pushing BC in TIG in the article because usually the British press are all over him but maybe they learnt a lesson about pre-empting Oscar nominations after the Oscar predicted Assange bombed so badly at TIIFF last year. Mind you they had a list of possible Oscar nominations for male performance and BC was not on it. I assume this was based on media/critics buzz not a pre festival preview.
I do wonder how of the film is on the codebreaking and how much is on his personal life/trial. Some times these movies focus too much one aspect or not at all.
There was an interesting discussion on the film’s focus in the comments on one of the you tube sights. The trailers are definitely focussing on the code breaking but I think it opens post war with Rory Kinnear as some kind of interrogator.
The original BBC series (1998) opened on the police station if I remember correctly and focused on both. It was also an award winning play on the West End and Broadway (1987)and Derek Jacobi was nominated for a Tony award as Turling. So not totally unfamiliar to the USA.
Perhaps the “Secret Girlfriend” will finally make an appearance at one of the premieres/awards shows. 😉
Why do people insist on keep referring to a ‘secret girlfriend’? It’s getting pretty annoying.
I think it’s kind of funny. And to add some fuel to the fire, a co-worker visited a friend who was working on the Black Mass set and she told me that the word is that he definitely has a girlfriend – someone in London. Mind you, it’s AFOAF, but that’s what I heard.
Thanks, Green Eyes, cuz I meant it as a joke (see the little winking emoticon?). I don’t doubt that he does have a girlfriend and that they have decided to keep the relationship quiet because of all the sh*t that will hit the fan when/if they go public. He deserves to have someone who will love him to pieces and be a source of support for him. If , in fact, he doesn’t have a girlfriend, I hope he finds someone soon. Someone worthy of him. The man’s a catch!! Some woman was bound to snap him up, sooner or later.
ITA, Jane. I do hope he’s found someone nice. Again, I don’t know how reliable the source is, so maybe the people on set read the same gossip we all do on the “interwebs”!
Why do people keep insisting that ‘shit will hit the fan’ when he has a girlfriend?
No it won’t. He’s had girlfriends before and he’ll have girlfriends again. Nobody will really get THAT wound up about it aside from a few over invested fangirls. It really isn’t that big a deal.
And why are you so convinced he has a GF? Based on what? Those fantasy, half witted gossip articles which started this nonsense? Any normal person hopes he’s happy and finds someone but the speculation based on nothing is just mystifying.
Theres no GF, come on. Even if they were super stealthy and she wanted to avoid big things like The Met, smaller london based events like Park Theatre thing where hes with close friends and he’s not photographed/seen with her inside (arriving separately)…unless she’s a ninja…nope I’m not buying it. He HAS been seen out in london with friends but not once with just a woman. There is discretion and then there’s ridiculousness.
IF there is one and he has been trying to keep it on the QT, I hope to christ he cops on and just brings her to the bloody cinema or something. I’d be miffed if he was swanning all over the world, seeing cool stuff at non job things and I was left behind.
I’d be claiming that.. (walking dead reference)
This is my theory. I think that based on his schedule, sightings, gossip, random tweets, that he’s been trying to get a girlfriend. I think that he starts dating someone then gets a gig/has to go on location, then the new gal decides that this isn’t for her. Or she becomes terrified by the fans. And yes, Nic, there are some crazies out there. I’ve heard of Twitter feeds and Facebook pages being taken down because of fan responses to pics or tweets. Anyhoo-my take.
By the sh*t hitting the fan, I mostly meant the tabloid press and paparazzi hounding the poor woman and invading her privacy at every turn. I’m sure some of the fans are over-the-top, so to speak, but I think most are normal, sensible people, who will wish him the best and leave him alone. I guess the main reason I think he probably has a gf is I can’t believe he’s gone this long without one. FWB’s and hook-ups yes, but he hasn’t had a full-on relationship in a while. I know he’s been hella busy, but still. Who knows?
@anon
There are crazies EVERYWHERE. Everyone in the public eye has their share of weird fans and he’s no different but FB photos etc..(and what twitter feed being taken down are you referring to?) really are entirely insignificant to him and they’d ABSOLUTELY be insignificant to anyone he dated. If a prospective GF was remotely concerned or gauging fans reactions, then I’m not sure he would’ve chosen very wisely. I think people have an overinflated idea of how much weird fans actually register on his radar. I’m sure he really doesn’t care.
@jane
Even though it appears his life is on display, it really isn’t. If he wants to have quiet relationships, I’m more than sure he can and has.
I really don’t think the media cares that much if he has a gf. They only cared about KE because she kept opening her mouth.
There’s too much conflicting crap for me to believe he has a girlfriend. Reports of him out with a date in Boston, blondes in NYC and LA, at least 2 brunettes in London, a completely different brunette in France, that actress in Poland, Kinvara in Monaco and all the rest of his friends, and it seems like there are a bunch of compelling reasons why each of them could be his girlfriend. Well, they can’t all be the girlfriend, so I propose that none of them are. As for why he doesn’t have one despite being so hot right now? Well, a lot of women might not be happy with a man who’s constantly on the road (he’s barely had time to breathe for the past year), hangs out with other women a lot, and maybe he has some personality issues they find incompatible. Or maybe he’s simply not concerned with having a serious relationship at the moment, which is pretty much what he said this time last year. He was in a relationship for a very long time and he might not be so eager to give up his freedom just yet. He’s making the most out of his fame while he’s hot.
Oh god. I’m sooooo over this secret gf.
If she exists – is she a prostitute? Is she a spy for MI6? Is she a lemming? Is she a GHOST? I mean, like Lindy79 said, there’s discretion and then there’s ridiculousness. No one can hide someone THAT well. Not when they are photographed at every turn. I think, yeah, he dates and has been seeing people here and there, but to hide a gf for over a year?!? Come on.
At this point in time, who knows. If she exists, for the love of all that is holy, Benedict, roll her out already. At the Emmys. Hell, roll her out at Comic-Con. Put this rumor to rest. She can’t be THAT important.
And if not… well, I’m sure he’ll find someone someday. Until then, enjoy singledom, Ben (it blows, but they make toys for that).
@GeeMoney – “they make toys for that”. LOL! With those ginormous hands of his he doesn’t need any toys, at all. 😉 What really blows is that a 38-year-old man doesn’t have that damned ticking biological clock like a 38-year-old woman does. He can play the field for quite a while more and no worries, Just find some young chicky and knock her up. Freaking biology!
@Jane I have often thought B would do well with a woman at least his own age if not older. He does have that old soul feel about him and someone too young could end up being a bit of a bore, I’d imagine. Plus a good deal of maturity and the patience that comes with it are most helpful when it comes to dealing with his career demands and massive intellect. Kids? He’d be the best adoptive parent, has the funds for the process, and there are plenty of children needing homes.
There! I have his future life all worked out. He should call me!! 😉
Totally agree with you on everything you wrote, @Encumbered. I think young women would bore him to tears. It is refreshing to see that he appears to enjoy the company of women at least his own age, instead of being like Norman Reedus – who only dates MUCH younger women (last one was barely legal when he started dating her).
And totally agree about the adoption bit. He would make an awesome dad – and he’d be literally saving these children’s lives. Also, even though a man can have children at an older age, doesn’t mean they should – there are studies showing that older fathers’ age may factor in their offspring having autism.
Oh, and he could call me as well! 😉
@GreenEyes and @Encumbered – I totally agree that he’s going to be a wonderful father no matter how that comes about – adoption, step-parenthood or biologically. I do hope he ends up with a woman somewhat close to his age, at least 30 or over. So tired of seeing these Hollywood actors getting together with much-younger women. (Johnny Depp, I’m talking to YOU!). When George Clooney got engaged, everyone said it was so nice to see him with a woman his own age. What?! She’s 16 years younger. That’s NOT his own age, people! Btw, Ben can call me as well 😉
From my experience, a 15 year age difference is less of a factor if both parties are over 30
LOL, Jane! And if she makes an appearance, then she won’t be a secret anymore!
That’s the idea, Janeite. Haul that woman out and let us have a look at her already! Geesh!! IF she even exists and God knows, there’s enough debate about that.
For some time I’ve thought the secret girlfriend is actually just many different women that BC either dates for a time or two…or are just friends of his.So long as it isn’t Lady K then I can deal.Then again if it was her,she wouldn’t beva secret.Pretty sure she would have told everyone!
I’d be willing to bet she doesn’t exist. I just can’t see him keeping a woman he’s dating a secret from fans either in order to protect her from fans’ wrath or to prevent himself from losing fans if they discover he’s not single. I just don’t find either of those rationales to be very compelling.
I mostly think/thought he has/had a gf based on a gut feeling I have. I’m certainly willing to admit I could be wrong. I just hope whomever he chooses to have in his life, (whenever he chooses to have someone in his life), is AMAZING and as loveable as he is.
If he was in a serious relationship I don’t see it bothering him what fans/media think.I think he’s just enjoying himself. He was part of a couple for twelve years,maybe he’s letting his hair down.All I hope is that it’s someone as lovely as he is….(not Lady K,please Benedict!)
Can I have Benny for today? It’s my Bday!!! 😀
Feliz aniversário, Nighty! Have fun with Benny! 😀
Happy Birthday girl and yup he is all yours for the week 😉
Happy birthday nighty!
Happy Birthday! As far as I’m concerned, he is yours always.
Thanks girls… 😀
Happiest of birthdays to you, Nighty!
Happy Birthday Nighty dear
Hope you and Ben enjoyed your birthday, Nighty 😉
Hope you had a great bday!
Happy Birthday Nighty
Benedict was cast as Alan Turing, the real Englishman who broke the German “Enigma”
You mean it wasn’t Matthew McConaughey? LOL
The UK trailer isn’t loading for me, but in the American one at least I did get the feeling they were portraying Turing’s relationship with Keira’s character (sorry, not familiar with the story) as something more than friendship. Not cool when there’s already controversy about the film downplaying Turing’s homosexuality.
Not like I’m not excited, though! I don’t consider myself a Cumberbitch, but I can understand the fandom. He is so charismatic and likeable. And I owe Benny all the movie tickets in the world for bombing a photo with Bono on it. Anyone who does that deserves nothing but admiration and love from me.
Josefa-the US trailer includes the line “I don’t fancy her in that way” , in my opinion was pretty clear. Just my opinion.
It’s pretty clear from the US trailer that his relationship with KK is not a straightforward romance or maybe not a romance at all: “What if I don’t fancy her *that way*?” “Alan, you can’t say anything. It’s illegal!” “You have secrets, more than anyone” etc etc.
IRL, Turing got engaged to KK’s character, then they broke it off. He did not have a lot of adult male romances: he had a powerful relationship when he was young (maybe unrequited) and the other man died. Then he had some short term relationships later on, one of which led to his arrest, horrible punishment and subsequent death. All those things are part of his story, and from word about the script and the screenings, they are all touched on in the film.
That “controversy” about Turing’s homosexuality being ignored in the film seemed to have come from one or two blogs last year, who persisted in banging that drum despite Black Bear repeatedly stating that wasn’t the case. From the US trailer, it seems clear that the film will be dealing with Turing’s personal and professional life, and the tragedy that ensues (judging by the crying scenes).
I read the script, North of Boston is correct. His arrest, punishment, etc., were all in there as well as the brief engagement to Joan Clarke. What I read was an old draft, but I recognized two key scenes in both trailers.
I rewatched it and you’re right, apparently my brain skipped that part. Sorry!
Just to be clear, Turning did not break the Enigma machine first. The Polish broke the code first and had big success with it. It was only after the Germans made a new machine and improved it that the Polish had to give it up to England because they just did not have the funds to break another code.
@are you trying to tell us Turling did not singlehandedly end the war-personally I always thought it was the engineers who designed the Spitfire and the Hawker Hurricane but that was only because my dad was in the design team of the Hawker Hurricane and everyone likes to think there dad was a hero.
My 17 year old dad trained allies how to pilot fighter jets in Texas. That made all the difference.
Ben saw a couple hours ago in LAX. He’s already in the U.S.
A safe flight then. Always good to hear….
Welcome back to our shores, B!
New photo. Today Ben with fan.
http://31.media.tumblr.com/7c9a33ca55d8d75787951c1fa927ab98/tumblr_n9530paAzf1rnwoh4o1_1280.jpg
Barely disguised with no hat….And all cute and curly.
Thanks, @Patris!
Stop the presses!!!!
Is that a new t-shirt???
He must be SDCC bound. Batten down the hatches if he’s announced as Dr Strange folks.
Eeck, not the best photo! Saying that, I look dreadful after a long haul flight.
It’s been a while since I’ve posted – any updates on the secret GF? Does he even have one?
Errr where did you hear that Shiv!? Hahaha I’ve never heard about that.
I hear you Shiv. I tend to look like I’ve slept in the loos after anything longer than 5 hours.
I’m trying to focus on the glasses (if you took them off he’d look fine, what is his thing about ill fitting eyewear?) but all I’m seeing is his big hand on her shoulder…
Please, secret girlfriend, buy him some new eyewear. You have one job.
T-shirt with Pink Floyd, well
He doesn’t really even need new eyewear; he just needs a visit to a competent optician who can adjust the temples on his glasses so they sit properly on his face.
In the meantime, it’s just one of his endearing quirks of style, like the hats.
Yellow Birds may still be, we now have the status of pre-production project
What is this Yellow Birds thing?
@sigh – Yellow Birds is a novel about two U.S. soldiers (an 18 yr old and a 21 yr old) trying to survive the early days of the Iraq War (2003-2004). I believe that BC is slated to play their older sergeant in the movie.
I personally found the book to be very haunting and moving. The author is an Iraq War vet himself and went on to get a master’s in poetry writing. The book is very lyrical and almost stream of consciousness in some parts. It’ll be interesting to see how it translates to the big screen because there is very little dialogue between the characters. Most of the story is told in the first person POV of the 21 yr old soldier.
Thanks bookworm!
I have to be honest, though…as a two tour OIF vet, I REALLY dislike The Yellow Birds. The author took some things that really happened (he and I were there at the same time) and co-opted them in a way that many vets (myself included) find incongruous to say the least. Plus his descriptions of certain places and times are SO off, as well as how things would actually occur in certain situations. You can have a claim of outside the wire accuracy or poetic license, not both.
Was actually hoping Mr. Cumberbatch was no longer attached to the project. MUCH more excited about TIG.
Yesterday and today, Ben is in LA with Colin Firth and his family. Photo on TUMBLR
Oh my… Oh my… Oh my…
*Thank God they didn’t see me…He asked me to go with him to LA during my Bday party…. *
😉
Firth is in town for the the Kingsman.
Hello my lovelies.Any news on the Dr Strangelove rumours?Is that the real reason BC is at Comic Con?
@Kazlock–
A present for you.
http://collider.com/doctor-strange-benedict-cumberbatch/
Alas – he says impossible due to schedule conflict with Hamlet, here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NX7RWCdxxtQ
Fabulous San Diego Comic Con interview with Josh Horowitz @ MTV USA. He talked about Penguins, Dr. Strange, being a kitchen geek and a bunch of other stuff. But no talk of Yellow Birds, TIG or Mrs. Secretbatch (duh, right?).
Gorgeous and adorable. He looked tanned, happy and relaxed, but that may be because he gets on so well with Josh. (Or Mrs. Secretbatch took care of birthday business. How many kids does Adam have? Loo’s tweet said it was nice to meet him and then she used the initials for Alice and the two kids I know of, but there was a third initial too…. Mrs. Secretbatch?)
Enjoy! (Cue the Artist Formerly Known as Prince’s “Sexy MF.”
@Granny.I know up to the Star Trek audition Adam had 2 children.Notvsure if any more since.Maybe it was more friends that Louise hadn’t met before?Can’t remember the initials.
As for secret girlfriend I think I’ve figured it out… Look at the Comic Con pics.It’s the penguin!
Adam has three kids. 2 boys and a girl I think.
@Chrissie.Thankyou. Remembered 2 but wasn’t sure of more.
Cumberpeople…any news on Mrs Secretbatch(aka secret girlfriend)?
another one to add to the list of secret gfs. not sure how many kids adam has or what their names are but bc has only ever mentioned two. I also noticed the p.a and adam just recently added a new friend… Aretha Campbell a london socialite, gallery owner and curator. she’s also friends with all the balfours and bunes so she could possibly be the other A louise met on his birthday. we all know how bc loves to catch up and hold hands with old friends on his birthday!!
@ANON
Ooh!Aretha could well be the other A.Wonder what her connection to Benedict is?But how close Adam and Benedict are if she was the gf I’d have thought she would have been on his friends already,but you never know.Please update if you see anything else on it.
Louise was the shock guest for me.Didn’t realise she and Benedict hung out together. And she was filming in Ireland to…Coincidence?
Update on the gf.
According to Tumbler,BC was spotted in Venice,California last night.Leaving a restaurant with a “mystery blonde in a white dress’..
No further reports at this time.But standby for further bulletins.(Tongue is firmly in my cheek my Cumberbuddies)
So…
The trailer does have me hecka excited for this movie. I’ve been a Turing ‘fan’ for a very long time, and this may be the movie I’ve been waiting for.
BUT a few quibbles with both this post and the text headers in the trailer.
Enigma was not a code, it was an encoding machine (well, multiple encoding machines.) What they had to do was in some ways harder than breaking a single code–they had to backwards engineer the encoding method.
Also, they didn’t build the world’s first computer. But as I said, these are quibbles on my part.
http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000984.htm