Cumberbatch

No.  I am not a Cumberbitch.  I hate the word.  It’s disgusting how it generalises women by one interest.  Can’t I thoroughly enjoy an artist’s craft without my admiration being likened to sexualised worship? Besides, Benedict Cumberbatch himself said “Cumberbabes” would have been a softer option- although, still objectifiable.    

  

I am not a groupie, but I cannot deny that I am mad about Benedict Cumberbatch.  I wasn’t always a fan.  I was first exposed to his acting in the film, Atonement.  He was the paedophile who ruined James McAvoy’s dreams to go to medical school and marry Keira Knightley.  I hated him, because I was all about McAvoy (still am).   Then he played Mary Boleyn’s loser husband in that offensively inaccurate biopic about the Boleyn Girls. 

Of course I was surprised when I heard about the Cumberbitch phenomenon.  I did not understand the hype around this giant British guy and his awkward face.  I had only seen him in supporting roles, and no one remembers those people.  I was keen on watching the BBC series Sherlock until I found out Cumberbatch was the lead. 

But I was young and stupid back then.  One episode of Sherlock and I was charmed by his talented performance, understated good-looks and that British wit.  So much so, I drew up a list of all the things I love about Cumberbatch.  

  

10.  He is British

Thanks to Hugh Grant, we all have a thing for posh British guys.  If Cumberbatch was American, he probably wouldn’t be as-cool.  Also the British gave us cricket, fish ‘n chips, Will Shakes, the Beatles and other cool pop-culture stuff.  Cumberbatch is one of them.    

9. Great looks

At first, I didn’t notice.  But after two episodes of Sherlock, you warm up to that dark hair, those deep blue eyes and kissable lips.  He’s not a poster boy, nor is he a man’s man.  He’s unconventional and that’s attractive.   

       

8.  Bad boy factor

It’s a cliché, but he has mastered playing the role of a villain and a hero.  Bad boy Cumberbatch is different because he’s intelligent.  If he insulted you, that would be a complement.  

7.  Sherlock Holmes

This should have been higher on the list, but I thought it was obvious.  He plays Sherlock  and a bloody good version too.  If you thought Downey was good, you are mistaken.  He is Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s high functioning sociopath incarnate. 

6.  He CAN act

He has this ability to transform himself into the character he’s playing.  He totally immerses himself in the role.  I watched him portray Australian Julian Assange, with the lisp in tow.  He can do a great Western American accent.  His versatility is commendable.  I have seen him do off-the-cuff impressions in interviews, and it is breath-taking to watch. 

5.  Harrison Ford

I watched an episode of the Graham Norton Show with Cumberbatch and Harrison Ford.  Long story short- Harrison Ford is a big fan of his.  Well, that settles it. 

4.  All in the name

Benedict Cumberbatch- say it out loud, it packs a punch.  I bet kids didn’t pick on him at school probably because all the syllables made him sound so cool.  It’s not a superstar’s name, and that adds to the element of surprise.  If it’s not already, it will probably become a catch phrase soon- “What the Cumberbatch?”  or “Check out my Cumberbatch moves”  or “You’re so Cumberbatch”.      

3. New leading man

As stated before, Cumberbatch was cast in supporting roles, before he hit the big time (Sherlock).  Ever since he's starred in Oscar nominated movies, one of the recent ones being August Osage County.  Also, I can’t wait for him to take on Moriarty when the new season of Sherlock returns.

2. Anonymity

I love how he’s not famous.  (He almost turned down his role in Sherlock because he didn’t want to become famous).  He’s only popular amongst certain circles (all the Cumberbatch fans I know are smart people- that’s just a general observation from an objective third party person with absolutely no personal interest in the matter). 

1. Cumberbatch

The Cumberbatch-effect is this phenomenon where this British guy who is just doing is job, gets written about and spoken about by these strangers from all over the world.  They’re not talking about him because he does his job really well, or because of his looks or his personality.  Those things are secondary.  They’re talking about him because he’s novel.  You can’t compare him to the likes of Pacino, Nicholson or Washington.  He's different.  He’s “other”.  He’s Cumberbatch.