“Meeting” Benedict Cumberbatch

[tarotgal]

Benedict Cumberbatch seems to be everywhere these days, and I’m not complaining. I first took notice of him in BBC Sherlock, where he amazed me with his acting skills. He’s got a distinctive look and certainly a distinctive name.

But then I realized he was in Atonement. I’d seen that. So I guess that was the first time. Such a creepy, wonderful role. But that had to be it; even though I didn’t know he was him, that was the first time I saw Benedict in anything.

Then I saw War Horse. I made it almost to the end before I realized Benedict was supposed to have been in it. How in the world had I missed him? That look, that voice. I’d seen all of BBC Sherlock multiple times; how had I missed Benedict. He’s not the main character, but his role isn’t even a small one. I ended up watching the movie over again, feeling embarrassed and foolish for not noticing it was Benedict to begin with. How does someone so distinctive blend into a movie like that? Cate Blanchett, I understand; she’s like a master of transfiguration. But Benedict?

Last night, I watched Amazing Grace. Despite having bought the DVD the second it was out, I hadn’t watched it since the movie theaters. I love the movie, and Ioan Gruffudd is amazing in it. Plus, there’s Rufus Sewell, Michael Gambon, and Albert Finney; it’s a great cast, and a great look at a part of abolition that (as an American) I’d been unaware of. The second the movie started, I practically screamed. Benedict Cumberbatch was in the movie? Seriously? I checked the DVD case. He isn’t mentioned ANYWHERE on it, not by picture or by name. He doesn’t even play a tertiary character in the movie–he plays William Pitt, one of the main characters’ best friends and the PRIME MINISTER OF ENGLAND. He just wasn’t “known” back when the movie came out the way he is now and so they didn’t bother to mention him on the DVD case or in the posters. Which is a shame, because he’s fantastic in it. And it was a delight to watch the movie again, now knowing Benedict for the great actor he is. The movie still made me feel inspired and made me cry.

So that had to be it. The first time I met Benedict Cumberbatch in a movie and he just hadn’t stuck in my mind. But, just to be sure, I checked IMDB. Tipping the Velvet? He was in Tipping the Velvet? As Freddy?! I’ve seen Tipping the Velvet far too many times to count, and I hadn’t noticed him? Luckily, there is Youtube.

So that was it. Tipping the Velvet. That was my first time seeing him in something.

I think.

This post was originally posted on The Fangirl Project: http://thefangirlproject.com/?p=292

Comments

[smokeycat-430.livejournal.com]

I saw American Hustle today and one of the trailers before the movie was for August: Osage County with both Benedict and Ewan. Neither one of them said much of anything in the trailer as it focused mostly on Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts. Ewan has a big beard so it took me a second to recognize him but I knew Benedict right away.

Oh, and did you by chance see the Kennedy Center Awards last night on TV? Billy Joel got the award and part of his portion of the show had Rufus Wainwright singing a couple of Joel's songs.

[tarotgal]

UGH! I would have loved to have seen Billy Joel and Rufus Wainwright in the same room! Do you remember what songs Rufus did? Oh, wait, the Internets saved me! http://popwatch.ew.com/2013/12/30/kennedy-center-honors-highlights-anna-kendrick/
Thanks for letting me know :-)

I haven't seen the American Hustle trailer! Ewan and Benedict on screen at the same time? The might make my brain explode from the awesomeness.

[tarotgal]

Oh man. I can't make it through ANY version of "Goodnight Saigon" without sobbing, apparently. When Billy Joel played it at the concert I went to he had vets on stage with him (well, it was DC, easy access, I suppose) but I was such a mess; what a beautiful song. There are, like, 4 Billy Joel songs I just completely lose it to listen to, and that's one of them. What a beautiful tribute. And Rufus was OUTSTANDING with his two, especially Piano Man :-) So cool to see everyone singing along!

[wig-powder.livejournal.com]

Heh, for me it was sort of the opposite. When I saw "Amazing Grace," I took note of Cumberbatch solely by virtue of a name almost as insane as "Ioan Gruffudd" (at least Ioan is Welsh; Cumberbatch doesn't quite have that excuse) and so, when he became popular, I was like, "Oh, yeah! The Amazing Grace guy!"

Also, maybe relevant to your interests?: http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m8lzz94Dl61rtd673o1_400.jpg

[tarotgal]

YES! That IS relevant to my interests! *saves to computer so I won't lose it*

So neat that you noticed him there. Awww. "The Amazing Grace guy" :-) I'm so amused by the DVD packaging making NO mention of his existence in the film. No images, no name. He was such an unknown to everyone then. They should totally re-release Amazing Grace now. Everyone NEEDS to watch that movie.

[silverelf.livejournal.com]

The first time I 'met' Benedict Cumberbatch was in The Other Boleyn Girl. Like you, though, I didn't realize who the heck he was until after I watched Sherlock. Same happened with Martin Freeman, who I later recognized as John, the body double for the sex scene/porno in Love Actually.

I hope you've been well. I need to stop disappearing! <3