Talking Movies: The Many Masks of Benedict Cumberbatch Part II

As a film enthusiast, I find myself utterly captivated by the extraordinary journey of Benedict Cumberbatch in the world of cinema. His ability to slip into various roles with such ease and authenticity is nothing short of mesmerizing. From his critically-acclaimed portrayal of Sherlock Holmes that catapulted him to fame, to his recent Oscar-nominated performances in “The Power of the Dog” and “The Electrical Life of Louis Wain,” Cumberbatch has consistently demonstrated his versatility as an actor.

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As a lifelong film enthusiast with a keen eye for talent and a deep appreciation for versatility, I am thrilled to delve into the second installment of the two-part series, “The Many Faces of Benedict Cumberbatch.” Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing this remarkable actor evolve from a young, promising newcomer to an esteemed artist who consistently pushes boundaries and leaves audiences in awe. This week, as we explore the intricacies of his craft and the diverse roles he has brought to life, I can’t help but feel privileged to be part of this journey, sharing in the discovery of the many facets that make up the enigmatic Benedict Cumberbatch.

1) The actor is frequently referred to as the ruler of impressionists due to his talent for imitating various individuals. This skill likely accounts for the wide array of roles he’s taken on during the past two decades. Known for his award-winning portrayal of a contemporary Sherlock Holmes in “Sherlock,” Cumberbatch’s performance has garnered significant acclaim and largely overshadowed his overall acting career.

In many roles, Benedict Cumberbatch has consistently portrayed characters with a distinctive sharpness, making him an ideal choice for depicting intellectually exceptional individuals. With his nominations for leading performances in The Power of the Dog and The Imitation Game, it seems only a matter of time before he takes home the prestigious award statuette.

Here are a few of his most memorable masks…

Alan Turing – The Imitation Game (2014)

Benedict Cumberbatch appears to focus more on embodying his characters authentically rather than undergoing major physical changes through prosthetics or makeup. He values subtle modifications but excels at immersing audiences in the intricacies of his performances. The film “The Imitation Game” showcases Cumberbatch’s pursuit of excellence, as he delivers a remarkable performance alongside the equally impressive Keira Knightley.

As a movie enthusiast, I found myself immersed in the role of Alan Turing, the brilliant British cryptographer. This film unveiled some fascinating insights into the tactics surrounding the Enigma decoding machine’s operation. Benedict Cumberbatch delivered another captivating performance, striking a perfect balance between himself and Turing, making their portrayal feel genuine and rooted in reality.

Dr Stephen Strange – Doctor Strange (2016)

Transitioning from portraying professors, inventors, scientists, and other genius characters to a neurosurgeon didn’t appear too far-fetched for Benedict Cumberbatch, much like how some may have doubted Robert Downey Jr.’s ability to successfully play Iron Man prior to its release. It’s likely that there were a few raised eyebrows when he accepted the role of Doctor Strange.

Any doubts were quickly quashed with Cumberbatch’s performance, injecting life and wonder into the role. Swishing about, it’s refreshing to have an actor of Cumberbatch’s calibre donning a superhero cape and veritable sidekick. While spectacle seems to be trumping star quality in today’s blockbuster world of superheroes and fast cars, this casting decision does show some promise, even if Cumberbatch is best served in a leading role.

Thomas Edison – The Current War (2017)

In theory, The Current War should have been a huge success, but ultimately fell short of its promise despite featuring two highly talented actors, Benedict Cumberbatch as Thomas Edison and Michael Shannon as George Westinghouse. This historical drama chronicled their intense rivalry as they each sought to promote their respective electric power delivery systems in the U.S., striving to determine which one would dominate the nation.

Although Cumberbatch enjoys taking on the role of Edison, who is seldom depicted in modern movies, his performance is weakened by the character’s detachment from both men engaged in war, as there aren’t enough relatable aspects to identify with. Nonetheless, it’s delightful to watch Cumberbatch excel at parts like solving a Rubik’s Cube.

Dominic Cummings – Brexit (2019)

In the context of Brexit, Cumberbatch portrays Dominic Cummings, a pivotal figure who significantly influenced the Brexit crisis and Leave EU campaign. Similar to Sherlock Holmes in his strategic prowess, this TV movie about social networks presents the tumultuous events surrounding Brexit as a sport-like drama where each side is competing to outmaneuver the other.

An engrossing, intelligent portrayal of the backstage maneuvers and digital liberties, this political thriller is captivating. Benedict Cumberbatch delivers yet another stellar and impactful performance as Cummings.

Phil Burbank – The Power of the Dog (2021)

Known primarily for his portrayal of Doctor Strange within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Benedict Cumberbatch might take some fans by surprise when they see him in other roles. Despite being attracted to the financial aspect and a new acting challenge, he demonstrates his enduring talent through the revisionist western and psychological drama, The Power of the Dog.

In a shift towards more light-hearted cinema by playing a comic book character, he silenced his critics with an outstanding, Oscar-nominated portrayal in Jane Campion’s critically acclaimed film, The Power of the Dog. Despite not winning the award for his stellar performance as the complex character Phil Burbank, this role demonstrated Benedict Cumberbatch’s genuine ambition for an Academy Award, garnering him several high-profile nominations.

Louis Wain – The Electrical Life of Louis Wain (2021)

Benedict Cumberbatch is both charismatic, amusing, and quick-witted, a fact demonstrated through his talk show performances. Despite his humor, though, there’s an inclination towards dramatic roles that he often embraces. Known for portraying genius characters, such as his iconic role as the modern Sherlock Holmes, Cumberbatch frequently immerses himself in these types of roles… once more, taking on this part in a captivating biographical and historical romance drama centered around Louis Wain’s fascination with mysterious feline creatures – cats.

In a delightful and humorous manner, “The Electrical Life of Louis Wain” shines brightest when Benedict Cumberbatch’s awkward charm and Claire Foy’s heartfelt performance are combined, creating a unique romantic dynamic. The connection between these lead characters is undeniable, as they navigate an upstairs-downstairs relationship set against the rigid, old-fashioned, and snobbish societal norms of the era.

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2024-08-23 22:43