Benedict Cumberbatch on "The Power of the Dog"

A son of working actors, Benedict Cumberbatch rocketed to worldwide fame in the BBC series "Sherlock," and to the heights of the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Doctor Strange. Now, the Oscar-nominated actor is being praised for his performance as a bullying cowboy in Jane Campion's psychological drama, "The Power of the Dog." Cumberbatch talks with correspondent Tracy Smith about filming a period western, family, and gratitude for a stellar career.
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[@juliaelrod2154]

In my opinion Benedict Cumberbatch is one of the top ten actors out there today.

[@sebastianalegria3401]

A few moments ago, I watched The power of the Dog, and I never imagined Benedict as a cowboy in a Western film but, he amazed me. As a result, he didn't disappoint anybody like the rest of the cast, furthermore, I'm glad to know Kristen Dunst is back making new movies, so it's good she can reinvent herself as an actress in Hollywood. Meanwhile, I wish Benedict could get an Oscar, he deserves it, absolutely.

[@d11i37n31]

Awesome actor. I love him. But, to hear his father compliment the way he did;🤗 Now that's a true blessing.

[@pretzeltime3900]

Just an amazing actor in any role.

[@rileyhoffman6629]

This man is what human beings should be: ambitious, humble, generous, hard working, balanced... and a true artist.

[@JeanetteFaith]

over paid...

[@rileyhoffman6629]

@@JeanetteFaith Indeed. Actors and sport stars. But they are not all good guys, and he is.

[@skyavalanche]

Beautifully expressed

[@tiararoxeanne1318]

@@JeanetteFaith Not really. Prices are determined by supply vs. demand dynamics. You may think he's overpriced, but those who really have money (not some broke anonymous internet trolls) apparently are willing to pay his price.

[@MsGoldie05]

@@JeanetteFaith that is rather rude

[@anditobin]

Benedict deserves an Oscar. He's always engaging and convincing because he puts everything into his art.

[@JeanetteFaith]

over paid like all actors..........

[@devorahacts]

He's a master communicator.

[@annsmith7207]

Benedict Cumberbatch is an actor's actor! Truly gifted!

[@benedictcumberbatch4299]

Hello fan ❤️ thanks for the love and support 🙏🏼🙏🏼❤️❤️

[@saragiraldin7953]

@@benedictcumberbatch4299 Ben, is it really you? I can not believe! but didn't you hate social media?

[@tiararoxeanne1318]

@@saragiraldin7953 Most likely it's not him. Check the account. It's new, no subscription with limited engagement. My guess: this is a fake one created to spam. If Ben ever wants to interact in social media, most likely he would not put his own name, all things considered.

[@DrNancyLivingCoCreatively]

Loving parents create beautiful humans. ❤️

[@venanziocalise946]

Not all ways.

[@MsKitcloudkicker]

Benny, my first UK crush since Sherlock. Incredible talent!

[@JeanetteFaith]

ugh......

[@marshamercer876]

He is on of my favorite actors. What ever movie he is in.....he immerses himself in the roll.

[@Historian212]

Just saw the Louis Wein movie. Utterly moving. Terrific performance, as always. And yes, he’s great as Dr. Strange.

[@anavigil7603]

He is the reason I watched a Marvel movie.

[@user-jl7ym4en5b]

I was blown away by his performance as L. Wain. Moreso,as I could not believe it was the same man who portrayed "Patrick Melrose". I haven't seen the Marvel film, ( it's not my thing ), but if I stumble upon it, I'd give it a go. If a film takes in a half a billion dollars at the B.O., & you are the star, ( at a time when your career is hot & you are big draw,), then you deserve a nice piece of the gross! It was @ the same time that he was being paid scale at "The National" doing "Frankenstein" with Johnny Lee Miller.

[@kindabatooni9314]

He’s a master of his craft. A true phenomenal actor that tackled the classic , the character study, the blockbuster, the artistic and everything in between. He deserves to be remembered as one of the best actors ever and definitely the top of his own generation. He should have won that Oscar.

[@annefitz7346]

I was a fan of his from the 1st episode of Sherlock. Brilliant!

[@skreety0455]

Yep!!!!!

[@Alderon2007]

I have honestly never watched anything with Benedict Cumberbatch. I just watched POTD. Stunning performance. Oscar worthy , powerful and thrilling. I will have to check out more of his work..

[@kindabatooni9314]

Do it. He’s amazing. Check out The Imitation Game, The Fifth State, Sherlock, Patrick Melrose, The Electrical Life of Louis Wein, The courier and even Doctor Strange I wasn’t at all a Marvel fan but I watched Doctor Strange because I was interested in his acting skills. He has some amazing theater work as well.

[@alexaales7937]

I'd be so delighted if he would finally earn his Oscar! 'Sherlock' is such an intelligent show, loved it! loved him!

[@SharonCarbine]

Love all of Benedict Cumberbatch's performances. He is superb!

[@furosh118]

I agree! He was an amazing Creature in Frankenstein.

[@benedictcumberbatch4299]

Hello fan ❤️ thanks for the love and support 🙏🏼🙏🏼❤️❤️

[@Lisa-pb3qp]

Much love to Benedict. Good for him. 🌸💗

[@benedictcumberbatch4299]

Hello fan ❤️ thanks for the love and support 🙏🏼🙏🏼❤️❤️

[@the.mystictraveller]

What’s amazing is that how an eloquently spoken Englishman can act and sound like an American cowboy with no hint of who he really is. The same can be said for Kate Winslet who took on the role for Mare of Easttown and spoke in a distinct Delco accent.

[@ratherbfishing455]

Sounds educated for a cowboy.

[@LC-le9ew]

@@ratherbfishing455 his character was very well educated in the movie.

[@Belaugh]

@@ratherbfishing455 Yes, that is because his character, as per the book, was a top Yale student until he turned his back on his education to run his parent's ranch. Simple research to answer your own comment

[@ratherbfishing455]

@@Belaugh Thanks

[@torchsilke7261]

Those two photos of he with his mum & dad as a baby & now, it's rather startling as it felt like a time warp, somewhat unreal. You forget how quickly time passes.

[@hillaryroberts3623]

Enjoy every one of your performances.

[@christinewade5129]

Ask any new mother with a newborn if not showering for a week is so unheard of and she would laugh at you

[@samanthab1923]

That's what baby wipes are for 😂

[@VivKittie32]

OMG, yes! 😂

[@benedictcumberbatch4299]

Hello fan ❤️ thanks for the love and support 🙏🏼🙏🏼❤️❤️

[@joannejohnson7006]

I so enjoy everything he does. Multi talented in every way.

[@benedictcumberbatch4299]

Hello fan ❤️ thanks for the love and support 🙏🏼🙏🏼❤️❤️

[@stardustmagic4716]

I just have loved Benedict for more than 5 years❤️❤️

[@yvonnemurray5537]

First interview I’ve seen with him. Seems very genuine and enjoyed it very much. Would like to have him as my neighbor.

[@jackybluj]

I have been following Benedict Cumberbatch's career since he played Hugh Laurie's eldest son in 'Forty Something'. He was so good I thought I needed to see everything he ever did!

[@kandorstevenson]

He was fantastic in it⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@dorishanoum5573]

I just loved the movie ""AUGUST- OSAGE COUNTY"" great cast,, i think he's one of the best actors to come along in the last 20yrs-- for SURE!👏👏🤗

[@juanubinasjr6739]

Good for him he’s figured out life!

[@pottergirl287]

I'll just say it here: without the fame that Benedict Cumberbatch got in Sherlock, I would never have met my now husband of three years. This interview was great!

[@tootstoyou1]

Say what?

[@kli9005]

Don't leave us hanging! Tell us the story!

[@gsogso3444]

Such a great actor...and so Beautiful

[@pblw4276]

"Patrick Melrose" was fantastic!

[@msmills3030]

Loving that jacket.

[@Beauty_In_Simplicity]

I remember first seeing him in Atonement, and I hated him. His character was awful, but later I saw him in Sherlock and Imitation Game and all I can say is wow. A master of his craft to say the least!

[@yvetteschools4979]

Never had an inkling when I first saw him in Anonymous years ago just how talented he is.

[@benedictcumberbatch4299]

Hello fan ❤️ thanks for the love and support 🙏🏼🙏🏼❤️❤️

[@asrulfarhan7459]

he's 45. crazy. had always thought he's a lot younger.

[@ginny9311]

Loved him in the BBC4 radio production of Cabin Pressure

[@BMrider75]

Captain Martin Crief. Yes! I scrolled through the comments to see if there were any references to his flight deck role with MJN. Smiles

[@michaelscot4816]

This man is what good parenting produces. There would be no elder abuse were all humans raised this way. Sad for 'murika.

[@bzwench]

What does his parenting have to do with America? There are good parents and bad parents on both sides of the Atlantic.

[@Toneloke-3000]

@@bzwench America seems to dwell on the individual ego instead of sacrifice and compromise that is made in relationships. Our last president was a prime example , married multiple times , multiple affairs with awkward abrasive children.

[@bzwench]

@@Toneloke-3000 Always some idiot who has to bring up politics. Glad that Trump is still living in your head rent-free. Our current President has a son who is a degenerate drug addict but nobody ever bothers to mention that.

[@Toneloke-3000]

@@bzwench rent-free that's a good one. Not saying I love everything our current president is doing but at least is remain married to the same very intelligent woman for decades and his other deceased military son seem like a nice guy.

[@bzwench]

@@Toneloke-3000 Actually he's currently married to the woman who was his kids' babysitter. I'm sure you knew that, right?

[@lizannewhitlow1085]

TPOTD is an immaculate film. There was never a false moment.

[@genelong1940]

OMG the 1st scene where he's commenting about the handmade flowers. I didn't recognize him as the bully.

[@randalllaue4042]

His parents were his real parents in Sherlock...

[@kli9005]

I so loved that!!

[@saliha23]

I thought he is cocky and arrogant but after watching Sherlock I changed my mind. He is brilliant actor and I love his sense of humour. I hope he will do another season of Sherlock and can’t wait to see Dr. strange II.

[@millsykooksy4863]

Phenomenal actor

[@mariadelourdes3380]

Benedict é um ator extraórdinario!!

[@NastyDaddyWatson69]

Awww Benedict love you ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@marcoantoniocastrocuenca6597]

Me encanto como actúa cuando crezca voy a ser como el. Es un actor .uy equilibrado lo conozco desde que era pequeña en codigo encima sherlo doctor strange ect, se merece el oscar

[@anaperez5442]

Absolutamente que se merece el Oscar! Y se lo robaron cuando lo nominaran por "The Imitation Game" y se lo dieron a otro actor.

[@janetmcguffey1394]

I adore him.....such a talent..

[@benedictcumberbatch4299]

Hello fan ❤️ thanks for the love and support 🙏🏼🙏🏼❤️❤️

[@elizabethmills8667]

Wow A Cowboy Exciting to see him act on this one And Must find the one where he portrays a painter painting cats..

[@tdelphia1]

It’s an Amazon Prime movie.

[@2011Ecstatic]

Yeah it’s on Amazon right now & was very interesting!

[@tootstoyou1]

Oh awesome! Will look forward to this one. What’s it called again? The cat one? Don’t worry. I’ll find it 😅😂

[@2011Ecstatic]

@@tootstoyou1 The Electrical Life of Louis Wain

[@tootstoyou1]

@@2011Ecstatic Awww 😊 thanks!

[@calb7595]

Omg, I love this guy!

[@sharonhall1067]

Lovely interview. I'm just surprised that it wasn't even mentioned that it took place in a gorgeous setting. Where was this filmed?

[@zyzzyvacation]

It was filmed on location in New Zealand, director Jane Campion’s homeland.

[@sharonhall1067]

@@zyzzyvacation Thank you.

[@sharonhall1067]

@@zyzzyvacation Thank you.

[@benedictcumberbatch4299]

Hello fan ❤️ thanks for the love and support 🙏🏼🙏🏼❤️❤️ hope to see your response soon my beloved ❤️❤️💜💜

[@benedictcumberbatch4299]

@@sharonhall1067 knock knock ✊

[@joniheisenberg6691]

At first, I thought this was based on Don Winslow’s book. Was not aware of the book by Thomas Savage. Looking forward to seeing it.

[@susansisson366]

On a completely different note, where is this interview taking place? It looks like the rugged mountains behind Santa Barbara, but does anybody have a more precise guess?

[@samanthab1923]

That was my first thought

[@Historian212]

Someone above said New Zealand, on location.

[@NolaChick82]

I learned a new word today. Peripatetic: traveling from place to place, in particular working or based in various places for relatively short periods.

[@reinadegrillos]

A great British actor, and that says it all.

[@pharisj1]

I love the interview. Can you tell me the location of the interview please?

[@skreety0455]

This man gives me a lump in my throat!!

[@skreety0455]

Jane Champion is one lucky director to get Ben to join her team!

[@jamesschott2870]

love that jacket....!!!!

[@paulpeterson4216]

Daddy Cumberbatch is a really good looking man.

[@zachjohnson4530]

Khan from Star Trek

[@skreety0455]

Like Kate Middleton, lots of opportunities in childhood. And knowing later how to use them to advantage. Very smart! And they do what they like to do!

[@BR5499a]

Remember, you can mute ads.

[@kathrynjones6328]

After seeing this and noticing BC's striking resemblance to Lee Marvin in VOICE, not appearance. I wondered if he'd studied Lee Marvin in movies, especially Cat Ballou, to get an American tough guy sound. THEN I googled some to see if anyojne else had noticed a similarity, and other people have. THEN I found out he and Lee Marvin are something like 17th cousins, removed however many times. WOW! Amazing how his voice let me guess the connection!

[@Queen16333]

Love this man! Work harder Benedict, we want more movies!!! Having said that, I really didn’t like “Power of the Dog” or him in it. I didn’t even finish it. Extremely disappointing!

[@glnnchrstphr9717]

I've always been a fan of his but I don't think I want to see him as a bully. I'm sure he does it as well as all his other parts and that's what scares me. It may ruin my perception of him.

[@marla591]

You read my mind.

[@Serenity113]

I felt the same way with David Tennant. lol

[@anavigil7603]

Yes, not sure if I want to watch a toxic male movie yet he is one to watch as he is so talented.

[@tiararoxeanne1318]

But it what differentiate great actors than the rest! The ability to immerse in their roles and become an entirely different personality than the real one. He's taken roles of villains before, a bully, a rapist, a cheater, a drunkard, etc. He was great in any roles and will be great in this one too. When you watched Van Helsing or X-Men movies for the first time, could you imagine Hugh Jackman singing and dancing? But look at the success of The Greatest Showman! That is a great actor.

[@yvonneplant9434]

@@anavigil7603 Spoiler It does not end well for his character.

[@rock-n-rollfoodie]

Osage County he was good!

[@tomjones2121]

Stunning , that CBS excluded the movie that made him a star in the U.S , the character Khan , in the Star Trek movie Into Darkness.....shameful omission

[@iriscraig307]

I was thinking the same thing

[@glenhardy4770]

I am glad he is such a genuine person, like Daniel Radcliffe, because , initially, every time I hear his name I think of Benedict Arnold. I have to replace Arnold with Cumberbatch every time.

[@skuddleduck]

Does anyone know what kind of coat he is wearing? It is glorious and I love it.

[@samanthab1923]

I'm going to take a guess & say vintage Ralph Lauren

[@buckhart]

KAPITAL Chino x BOA Fleece NORDIC Anorak - Camel US$641.70

[@skuddleduck]

Thanks so much. I appreciate your help.

[@benedictcumberbatch4299]

Hello fan ❤️ thanks for the love and support 🙏🏼🙏🏼❤️

[@shirleynitka5030]

this man never disappoints. He's gorgeous, talented & so funny, not to mention sexy.

[@josephhuether1184]

Peter goes from being sort-or awkward dweeb to full-blow art school cool. Watching Benedict, Daniel Day Lewis is probably thinking “whew…they finally found my replacement”.

[@ezwalker]

I wish my parents would have been like his. My dad was like Phil, only a lot meaner.

[@GG-qe4cf]

Omgg. I hope you are doing well now. Keep shining 🌟✨

[@allishabordelon4411]

May I ask when this was made, please?

[@kiha6702]

I like his acting so much. I don't think I can stand watching him as a bully🙈🙈🙈

[@pam0626]

He and Kirsten Dunst will be Oscar front runners.

[@gogo-vt2sx]

Kodi Smit-Mcphee should too, his performance is just as mesmerizing.

[@pam0626]

@@gogo-vt2sx can’t wait to see this movie.

[@margomalik181]

he is smart and distinguished....

[@christopherberry3036]

2:26 Some hidden shade at those celebrities who think not bathing is beneficial.

[@bzwench]

I love that jacket he’s wearing in this interview. Anyone know who makes it?

[@benedictcumberbatch4299]

Hello fan ❤️ thanks for the love and support 🙏🏼🙏🏼❤️❤️

[@AnnieWarbux]

❤Benny!! (This thread has quite a few who have no clue. What's up with that??🙄)

[@RDStudios]

Masculinity is not toxic. Bullying (male or female) is toxic.

[@xXbubbelXx]

You know how adjectives work, right? There's masculinity and there's toxic masculinity. The latter framing bad treatment of others, abusiv behaviors and a neglect of their own needs and true interests as necessity to be considered a "true man". That's why people talk about toxic masculinity as bad, not masculinity in general.

[@molester2375]

When we're using the word toxic masculinity, we're not referring of masculinity as a whole. When I say that there are toxic relationships, I'm not saying that "relationships" as a whole are toxic; for example, there are so many "healthy" relationships, but there are also so many relationships that are not "healthy", and that's what I mean when I used the word "toxic relationships". When we talk of toxic masculinity, we're talking of men who supress their emotions of sadness, because they feel weak, and they feel that the only emotions that they can show between other people are emotions of anger. I understand that some men don't like the word "toxic masculinity", but the word is important to express some current problems that some men have. There's also the word "toxic femininity" but that doesn't mean that femininity as a whole is toxic. Both words "toxic masculinity" and "toxic femininity" are important to show us the problems that we have as men and women, and how we can try to solve some of these problems.

[@zciwonapo]

@@xXbubbelXx then why don't we ever hear the term 'toxic femininity'?

[@xXbubbelXx]

@@zciwonapo The very short, simplified answer? Patriarchy. The more detailed, a bit convoluted answer: E.g. because it doesn't often result in violence or emotional pain; because a lot of it already has been addressed, since women had to think about and remodel their places in society several times; because being considered less/not feminine usually only appears to be a problem in connection to dating/marrying (e.g. concerned mothers) or by men; because currently it's more about finally getting rid of the "I'm not like other girls"-trope/idea. Toxic masculinity feeds from the disdain against everything that's "too girly" and insists on a very strict separation. Femininity throughout history got labeled as vain, weak, easily overwhelmed, not capable of complex thoughts, pure and delicate, always in need of guidance and protection. Hardly ever was it something you really wanted to lean into, so women and feminist movements still try to broaden the term and give it a more positive spin. Not to mention simply utilizing masculinity/masculine things often results in more advantages and freedom. The other way round not so much. But I'm happy to hear what you consider toxic femininity, and how it's being reinforced and/or by whom. Maybe I'm missing something we really should talk about.

[@gracerodgers8952]

I wonder what it's like to be a genius 🤔. Jus' watchin' Benedict.

[@MiTmite9]

No, no, no. Ask him to say "penguin" and also show clips of him as Patrick Melrose.

[@alyteima4185]

Don’t be petty. He’s amazing but he’s human

[@lindildeev5721]

Yeah, he still cannot pronounce this word correctly while SpideyTom now can say "croissant" instead of "quackson".

[@sleepy580]

Playback speed 1.25 is much better.

[@jamesward3859]

Why

[@jermed2001]

45 WHERE?

[@steveconn]

No matter how bad times get, always dependables like Benedict (met the screenwriter of Imitation Game at a festival). He doesn't seem convincing as the western bully, though.

[@suevialania]

💚❤️🇵🇹👍🏻🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@altonhumes5782]

#CBSSundayMorning #RespectBenedictCumberbatch. #DecodeHisSuccess. #ActorsGottaGrow. #SuccessComesOvernight.

[@kathrynjones6328]

Too follow up about him sounding like his distant cousin Lee Marvin ... when I looked back at some Lee Marvin performances, I can see the physical resemblance too.

[@praxy2601]

James Bond .

[@RobertF-]

Some guys think they have to act like an animal, to prove they're a man.

[@barrykearney482]

It’s definitely a first. The first thing I’ve seen him in that sucks. Guess everyone has one movie etc that is below their usual standard. No fault of his own though - the movie in general is horrendous. No doubt he’ll be back stronger with the next one 👍

[@bkpathr]

I love his movies, but this one I cannot see him as a cowboy. He's totally british!

[@whatiwasgoingtosay]

Well, you haven’t seen it yet.

[@Historian212]

He’s played US characters before, with great success.

[@brianbell564]

Masculinity is not toxic. People who want to treat others badly is toxic.

[@xXbubbelXx]

You know how adjectives work, right? There's masculinity and there's toxic masculinity. The latter framing bad treatment of others, abusiv behaviors and a neglect of their own needs and true interests as necessity to be considered a "true man". That's why people talk about toxic masculinity as bad, not masculinity in general.

[@saliha23]

He has 3 kids, I thought he has 2.

[@venanziocalise946]

Pepsi generation that are not lazy.

[@jramsey9690]

WTF is the deal with Jane Pauley’s arms?

[@chrisp1355]

Looks like a great movie character. The interview could have been much better. What a wasted opportunity.

[@jamesbondlegal2g564]

👌🏽🐜👌🏽

[@kathrynjones6328]

Lee Marvin. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iH-ulGWantl_fsk

[@joanettemurch9040]

I think the interviewer was ignorant

[@benedictcumberbatch4299]

Hello fan ❤️ thanks for the love and support 🙏🏼🙏🏼❤️

[@georgeyounts9391]

Not buying him as a cowboy. And even less so as American Cowboy Bully in the 1920s. His wheel house is big of what he can play but that is not in his wheel house or in his actor's blood history.

[@cherylreitz4779]

lol blood history????? what????

[@jillmortlock8439]

Are you saying you know his family tree?😁 He's an actor, who don't have to have the same experience as the character to portray the character.