'The Power of the Dog' Stars Benedict Cumberbatch & Kodi Smit-McPhee Join the Variety Studio at TIFF

'The Power of the Dog' stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Kodi Smit-McPhee join the Variety Studio at TIFF presented by Canada Goose on not fitting in a masculine box and the joy of working with Jane Campion to create their characters.
Variety Studio at TIFF presented by Canada Goose
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[@paulvoorhies8821]

That one homoerotic scene with the cigarette was absolutely amazing. The tension was through the roof. Extremely well acted and shot.

[@paulvoorhies8821]

@@samsonrao3793 What does the 80s have to do with anything??

[@thebeardedseeker5633]

@@paulvoorhies8821 i think he said that because gayness was invented in the 80s.

[@paulvoorhies8821]

@@thebeardedseeker5633 Ahh. I see now. Makes perfect sense!

[@briangmoh5261]

@@paulvoorhies8821 I think he was implying that you shouldn't be impressed with these subtle gay scenes anymore seeing that we are already in 2022. I do however enjoy this slow-burn sexual frustation over any of the vivid sex scenes in Brokeback Mountain or God's Own Coutry, and I speak for many other gay viewers out there.

[@paulvoorhies8821]

@@briangmoh5261 Well, to be fair, it was set in, what, the 20s or 30s??

[@kdmil2002]

(Spoiler alert) I know that Cumberbatch will win awards for this performance, for sure. However, I hope that Kodi is not overlooked. He played his part with such cunning, like a snake that you never saw coming. His body language and persona seemed so fragile, but when you looked in his eyes, they were like pools of dark water where something was lurking. About half way through the film, I said, "His is going to end up killing that guy." However, I never dreamed the brilliant scheme that would unfold. In the smoking scene, his facial expression showed his complete domination of his enemy. Well done, dude!!

[@Lehmann108]

(spoiler alert) I agree. The first hint you have of Peter's more disturbing nature is when he brings the bunny home and is petting and loving it and then in the next scene he has it flayed open on his desk dissecting it. My reaction was a conflicted "WTF?"

[@crowkid5553]

He won some awards, which is nice

[@michaelgerardgosiengfiao9560]

@@Lehmann108 Yes that’s right. Beneath that seeming simplicity & gentleness lies something sinister about Peter. That later on that smile would turn into a sneer. 😈

[@macducati2304]

He may win an award for worst American accent, similar to Dick Van Dyke's English accent in Mary Poppins. This is a truly awful ,bucket of shit film.

[@crowkid5553]

@@macducati2304 worst accent!? Who do you think he is Keanu Reeves

[@francescaevans9205]

The look in Benedict’s eyes during the rabbit scene. That’s when the movie took a turn. The ending was surprising but foretold.

[@leemcbride8146]

Especially after Peter snapped the poor rabbit's neck.

[@adrielsebastian5216]

@@leemcbride8146 That's the first time Phil (and us the audience) learned that Peter's capable of murder. Well-executed.

[@chandula.perera]

@@adrielsebastian5216 I actually don't think that was the first time (for the audience at least), he killed a rabbit before, to practice surgery, the rabbit his mom loved at least for a moment.

[@ASMRDevourer]

@@chandula.perera As well as, his mom asking of him to slaughter 3 chicken for Phill & his gang's dinner in the very beginning of the movie when they arrive to her "restaurant".

[@qatralnaddia]

Yes its foreshadowing scene for Phil for sure. Pet gently and surprise snap!

[@katherinejanzen9195]

I just watched this movie two days ago and i still can’t stop thinking about it. This film made me appreciate Benedict Cumberbatch’s acting even more and it was my first time watching Kodi in a movie and i was amazed

[@hoover728]

Check out Slow West, The Road, and Let Me In.

[@those.gamers.]

Same. Ben never fails to surprise me with his performance, and Kodi really caught my eye here

[@mariadej.torresdelatorre1345]

No doubt, this movie deserves all the Oscars. Love the Benedict's voice.

[@leemcbride8146]

That's why he does a lot of voice work too.

[@cutzymccall7675]

Kodi Smit-McPhee stole this film. He's meant for stardom, no question about it. I was riveted to his performance.

[@violimo]

Watch Kodi as a child actor with Eric Bana in Romulus My Father.

[@mrhaz8939]

@@violimo Also he’s the main character in the Gallipoli mini series, that’s what I remember him for

[@nukefuel6757]

No doubt, even as child he was an awsome actor, his performance in let me in was really great.

[@jeanneratterman4174]

Benedict and Kodi are well matched adversaries, and of equal intensity. Kudos to both. Also, loved entire casting. Huge Wow factor!

[@violimo]

@@jeanneratterman4174 I know the BAFTAS have a casting category, but I think the director has a big say in it. Casting is all as they say. What a dream to have Jesse and Kirsten in their roles.

[@sylvianblue]

I loved the nuances and subtleties in this film. Thought provoking and enticing. I love how Benedict looks directly at Kodi when he’s talking, showing real respect for another actor.

[@xanadark8469]

I adore Kodi. I’ve been his fan since he was in ParaNorman. He’s such a good guy. So talented.

[@futurelc8490]

I absolutely love Benedict Cumberbatch. I really enjoy watching him on the big screen as well as at home. This man has saved me with his talent. 12 years old I became little fan of his I'm 20 now turning 21. I would fall to the ground in tears if I meant him. even though I'm just another fan crossing his path. He played a huge role in my life. I would literally get bullied in school for being such a big fan of his, any given opportunity to mention his name or write it at school. getting T-shirts and poster for Christmas and being filled with absolute joy. I would think I am fan of his just as he is a fan of the one and only Harrison ford.

[@harrietthomas4032]

FutureLC I'm a fan of yours

[@wikastrange8270]

At school everyone laughs that I'm obsessed, that I'm crazy and they know that I would do everything for Ben, that's why they love to call Ben cucumber and it makes me angry and they just laugh at me, but I don't care, they can laugh at me, but I will always support him. After all, this man saved my life.

[@Babesinthewood97]

Oddly I too have faced some abuse for merely mentioning that I like Benedict Cumberbatch. He’s such a nice person people are provoked. Almost violent. I’ve only said it a couple of times to different people when they’ve asked about films.

[@JoJo-mm8sn]

huh

[@macducati2304]

You need to get a life, or see a mental heath professional.

[@ZacheryMartine]

Here after watching the film. It was brilliant. Definitely one of my favorites this year!

[@bm3125]

You know it's a good movie when you can not stop thinking of it days after you watch it

[@helenfullerton5890]

This film is worth watching twice to understand all the nuances of the characters. The music score was a big part of the atmosphere of the movie. At one point, the music caused me so much anxiety as thought it signified something really bad was going to happen to Kodi; I almost turned it off so I would not have to witness a horrific homophobic act. But boy, was I surprised at the way it turned out! Oscars all around on this one!

[@sandracox7731]

Watched it twice! Was more sympathic to Phil second time.... strange.

[@DeepDarkDanger]

it was sneaky pain and turns into such beauty

[@asinyaver]

@@sandracox7731 agree. not so strange once you understand the intricacies of his character

[@2012jaysean]

That’s actually why I watched it. Greenwood made the score for There Will Be Blood, which was amazing.

[@guywatkins5590]

@@samsonrao3793 what? ..what even are you? see yourself out mate

[@ragnarflorida]

I had to watch it twice because of the ending. Wow. A masterpiece. Great acting. The ending was not what I expected

[@adorejunk]

Great haunting story, I watched it last night and I’ve been thinking about it all day.

[@toonkickass]

Same here!

[@christi2993]

It stays with you for so long.

[@Thisworldisagoner]

These two have such beautiful faces that fit so well in period dramas.

[@sslp5762]

Cool to see a positive comment about their appearance because most of the times I just see people shitting on their appearance and calling them aliens because of their eyes. They both have unique faces and are amazing to watch on screen.

[@incharge7955]

Benedicts performance is an all out masterclass - I cannot even convey to it's absolute brilliance!

[@Nomoredrama2000]

I could listen to him talk for hours.🥰

[@sisuguillam5109]

Have you listend to the audio books he has done? Highly recommend!

[@dianemorris9561]

This film stayed with me long after I finished it.

[@kaykaykay6849]

I found the four principal actors fantastic in this wonderful film.

[@go234ko96ts5]

Saw the movie a week ago and the movie held my interest throughout with the ending asking many questions. Oscar nominations are in the cards and the acting was so real and hard hitting. The filming and the scenes were breathtaking. We can't forget Jane Campion the director who certainly is Oscar bound.

[@butterflymoon6368]

Thank you. I feel like female directors 'disappear' whereas if this was a tarantino everyone would be talking about the director.

[@leticiarodriguez9266]

I was ‘emotionally exhausted’ after watching this great movie.. Peter was as they say : ‘dumb as a fox’.. he planned everything so carefully or lured Phil into his web.. Peter made sure his mother was safe… all sons, no matter what age they are, love their mother.

[@fionagao8364]

off topic but I love Kodi's outfit

[@NinaC]

His entire fashion this awards season is just so good! What a fashionable kid! (I say kid because Im older than him 😂)

[@Mr762308]

Yep just watched it, and I tell ya it was very good story telling, and the ending was not what we were expecting, the wife and I had to think about and put together all the scenes on how the ending played out, it was so well written that one could not predict the last act.

[@syfrenee6486]

sameee, but I was wondering if benedict really did hit the horse. It looked so real ;(

[@kennethschwartz9351]

Extremely boring. I could take an ambian or watch this mover again

[@johnny-vu6rl]

@@kennethschwartz9351 go watch a marvel film, it should be more your thing

[@sisuguillam5109]

@@kennethschwartz9351 it's okay that you didn't like it. You do not have to.

[@Weirdkauz]

I have not been grabbed by a film as much since… very long. It just stayed in my head for about 15 hours straight in which I barely slept, and as I slept, I dreamed … luckily of those young, innocent cowboys. I'm going to dare another visit to the cinema, that camerawork!!! If this movie isn't just showered with Oscars, I will be truly surprised.

[@parrotpirate9648]

Peter was fucking incredible in this film. Kirsten played is mother to a damn T as well very very good acting the movie is fucking great!!!!

[@kirkreid743]

I just watched this film last night. It was a very intense, Gothic thriller. Brilliant performances by the entire cast, especially Kodi Smit-McPhee.

[@rebecca2401]

To the person responsible for the sound here: thank you.

[@vironworks5952]

Their smoking scene in power of the dog was sexually intense

[@gogo-vt2sx]

That scene was so amazing and intense. I loved it.

[@kllwc7772]

As is the scene where they’re making the whip …

[@ozbrizzie8869]

After you see the ending, re watch that scene and and you will view it differently. One character is experiencing intense sexual feelings, the other is experiencing power and satisfaction in knowing he is achieving what he has set out to do.

[@vironworks5952]

@@ozbrizzie8869 i haven’t had the chance to rewatch the movie but thank you for that!

[@sw9618]

@@ozbrizzie8869 yes!

[@phyllisbrowne147]

The performances in this production were truly phenomenal. For me, this says it all.

[@cubefarmerhkc9105]

These 2 are amazing

[@devanmoran]

kodi is beautiful amazing actor

[@Jaleelk0]

I love the subtlety of the entire film. It's patient and lets each moment breathe.

[@ceciliaquinteros1495]

Kodi Smit-McPhee is such a brilliant actor, I adore him since Romulus my father, so talented since he was a little boy.

[@justthinking526]

The subtilty of the actors' delivery was incredible.

[@decaf77]

This movie looks wonderful I can’t wait to see this one

[@thembelandesi4741]

Excellent movie. I would encourage people to watch till the end, it will be worth it.

[@biomanization]

Loved him in The Imitation Game, love him here. Like Daniel Day Lewis, he can take any part

[@nayr7085]

I’ve been a big fan of Kodi Smit-McPhee since “let me in” !! He’s so talented

[@Noemieorokia]

I remember that film ! He was so good in it. Haven’t seen him in a lot of project since

[@BloodyCatastrophee]

@@Noemieorokia He was also in 2067, I believe it's called? Futurist film with time travel.

[@DendyJungle]

@@Noemieorokia he was in the X-Men films as nightcrawler. I hope he returns for that role

[@valleyofthedolls]

same

[@melaniekarel9610]

Benedict's deserves all of oscar.❤ he is the best!

[@AyuzawaTutu]

I am listening to the audiobook, and I do really enjoy it.

[@darlaespinel2431]

I love these kind of thought provoking movies. Great acting all around!

[@murrayspiffy2815]

Peter's majestic strut through the cowboy camp - will be a lasting memory.

[@shobhakumari6523]

Amazing Film & Benedict Cumberbatch is Insanely Talented.

[@Nina-oi1qk]

Love Benedict!! So looking forward to this one.

[@anishas9431]

I mean i can hear him talk for hours,literally gave 2 interviews in this same outfit n same studio..my god benny😭❤

[@shabrinaz9877]

I fell asleep all smiling yesterday listening to an audiobook read by Benny 😊😊

[@sisuguillam5109]

How lovely! Which one?

[@jsheekey1]

Kodi was the Stand out Star of this film he was Great 💕

[@hayleycomet8029]

such a brilliant performance from these guys, what a movie

[@Canuckmom128]

Hubbie and I watched it last night. SO, so good. A real head twister. Outstanding writing and Directing by Jane Campion. Benedict Cumberbatch is, as usual, 100% committed and on point, Kirsten is Fabulous and heartbreaking and Kodi is scary good (but as a Mom and Nana, I wanted to sit him down and put a plate of pasta in front of him, and say eat this, sweetie. Absolutely nothing to do with his stunning performance as Peter - he's just so thin.). TIME WELL SPENT watching this. I understand the Oscar Buzz - well deserved.

[@cagurl9113]

Quite an emotional movie & had to play ending twice as how Peter got rid of Phil was ingenious but he knew how to get rid of the evil that was a true threat to his mother & himself. Oscar buzz all around Cumberbatch!! Campion is back!!

[@PolGara0139]

It took me a couple of minutes to realize what happened at the end. It was like the ending to The Sixth Sense, your like, “Wait, what?, How!!??”

[@edmey]

It was obvious from Peter's initial declaration that a man had to save his mother - and visual hint that Peter wore rubber gloves to handle the rope made from hide that killed Phil - the same gloves that he wore to cut up the dead cow.

[@bryanmckinney1098]

I think you guys are missing something. The fact that he was doing Phil a kindness. By "putting him out of his misery" like the rabbit. When his mother asked him early in the film (after the dissection) Peter says he loves rabbits. Killing Phil may have been to save his mother. But I believe he also did it to put Phil "out of his misery."

[@smallla1514]

I was so shocked and sad, I thought we were going to get a gay romance 😢😩

[@cagurl9113]

@@smallla1514 sorry that was brokeback mountain!! You are 15 years too late.

[@karenacton3854]

Just watched it! It’s an incredible film, enjoyed it immensely.

[@Frenchylikeshikes]

All actors are actually pretty amazing. I really liked that movie.

[@NastyDaddyWatson69]

Benedict is looking beautiful ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Helumelowho]

Loved the film. Writing to acting, chefs kiss in all the departments❤. Everything came together really well on this gem.

[@jmcmontanheiro]

Ben's got an intense tan here, all that time down under got him looking completely different. I'm still extremely attracted to him of course.

[@lennarthagen3638]

Merry him then.

[@creativemindplay]

Ok

[@oscarmcnulty4307]

Lmao get a life

[@parrotpirate9648]

@@oscarmcnulty4307 sorry gal but we are laying on the beaches right now discussing quantum theorie!

[@sisuguillam5109]

@@lennarthagen3638 eh?

[@noel2x]

when i saw benedict for the 1st time in atonement, i knew that he is a great actor.

[@kaygee4691]

An absolutely wonderful, haunting and thought-provoking film.

[@grettageragi9598]

these two actors were absolutely awesome in their roles! so believeable! i loved the movie and they’re the reason! outstanding work!

[@snuffpappy]

The point at 2:00 was one I never really clued into, seeing only meanness and kindness as the dynamic. Very interesting that comfort in ones' own skin is the more relative theme. Gonna watch this again.

[@AyuzawaTutu]

I cannot wait!

[@zoiroum6589]

I am so excited for this movie! I haven't read the book yet and I am trying to keep away from spoilers as I really want to experience the movie when it comes out with as little info as possible! I am a huge Cumberbatch fan and I think this role will elevate him even more as an actor and in people's appreciation as well as an artist!

[@barbaraaraneda8971]

I really recommend you to read the book first. The movie is good, but Jane doesn't include one of the most significant motives regarding the end, so the movies feel just a little empty without it. Read it, it is sooo good!! Only 220 pages!!

[@leftyspade]

Amazing interview- Damn!!!

[@SuperSkandale]

Awesome movie really. Benedict Cumberbatch is an amazing actor.

[@sn0wbunnny]

Love their accents

[@leticiarodrigues2264]

Benedict lindooooo🤧🤧🥰🥺❤

[@heretics25]

I get that Kodi and Benedict are getting so much attention for this, but even as a queer man, the MVP is Kirsten Dunst for me. She's the fulcrum for each of these 3 men, all of whom are failing and entrapping her (yes, her son included-his patronizing, condescending "protection" of her is the opposite of what she wants for him, so it's a deeply tragic ending). She was heartbreaking. All 4 of them were fantastic imo, but Dunst was......oh boy.

[@paulvoorhies8821]

I think it’s possible that this film will get 3 acting prizes: Lead Actor, Supporting Actor and Actress, though I strongly suspect that Cumberbatch will fall to Will Smith.

[@paulvoorhies8821]

Bring it on!!

[@Joyski-nm5ep]

@@paulvoorhies8821 Knowing the academy, there might be another upset with Andrew Garfield in tick tick boom boom. You'll know why if you saw the film... But I agree it, should be between Benedict and Will

[@archraskal]

@heretics25. What bearing does your sexual orientation have on the elements that you appreciated in the film? That question is rhetorical because anybody making a statement like that I can't expect to come up with a respectable answer. What's with identifying yourself as "queer" rather than gay? Not really a rhetorical question there, but doing that fits in with the reason for needing to bring it up.

[@heretics25]

@@archraskal Because I relate deeply to the self-loathing Phil Burbank feels.

[@veraluciacarneirosoares524]

Excelente em tudo, 2 talentos q desempenharam o trabalho de forma brilhante, impressionante, sinistro

[@andrewlampe6116]

Almost none of you posters mention Kodi. I think that will change once you see the film

[@dianeharvey3951]

Wonderful interview and thanks. Saw the film top notch, intense

[@devanmoran]

cant wait to see this movie

[@allwaysamarine6528]

Ending blew me away.👏

[@cnoelad83]

This movie was so raw and twisted. I loved it!

[@roddyc7435]

I thought the last 15 minutes of the movie seemed rushed compared to the rest of the movie which is very slow moving overall. Wonderful acting & scenic shots which added to the brooding atmosphere. I really enjoyed the movie.

[@janinechansons]

You should read the book. The ending appeared rushed, too. I had to re-read it thinking I had missed something.

[@Harkart59]

Loved this movie So much it was my favorite of 2021!!!

[@emptynight6377]

Just a fantastic film. I'm reading the book now.

[@gloriahornes4743]

Maravillosa película felicidades a Jane su directora

[@saintsaint_]

Beautiful, a very special movie

[@sherylsimmons8111]

Kodi was in the "Road" with Viggo Mortenson. Excellent movie and one of my favorites! My first time seeing him in a long time since he was younger in that film. I want to see this one. 😊

[@ballet07]

Great film. Great work from everyone involved.

[@emonmustafa9605]

Both are incredible ❤️👍

[@Downloadeodeo]

Kodi Smit-McPhee, I loved you in Seth Larney's "2067" (2020). It was lovely to have met you for that fragment of time. You're a genius.

[@lulugoulart5014]

The movie is outstanding! Nothing new to praise Benedict's acting but Kodi is an amazing revelation. Jane Campion brilliantly knows what she's doing! Kirsten and Jesse were brilliant as well.

[@NinaReviewsThings]

Absolutely beautiful film! That payoff was amazing.

[@MultiSUPERLATIVO]

Bravo for these incredible actors! I sensed so much of Brokeback Mountain's Ennis del Mar in Phil Burbank! So much pain that he cannot control, just because he keeps hiding who he is.

[@janicereidlinger9957]

Great job, Kodi! Well done, owning who you are. God bless

[@lolabitch99]

Fantastic movie!

[@aliceninelovegazette]

still remember watched little kodi in that apocalyptic movie with viggo mortensen. i'm old..

[@kaylouisecook366]

which was that? Viggo was at SIFF a few yrs back & I think he is a tremendous Person!

[@kn7615]

BRAVO to you, Kodi; so brilliant; thank you :-)

[@Andrewclovis]

Good film. And both are great

[@kaamkmca]

Great movie!

[@ximenaacevedo5011]

Kodi es un actor que llega al alma con sus actuaciones , es un actor grandioso

[@autumn_inthemoonlight1301]

Loved this movie, Bravo 💫💫💫💫💫

[@gloriamovies4296]

Great actors

[@campari4467]

Brilliant movie.

[@elebgf]

What a great Movie!

[@asmallsandstorm4686]

Ohhh boy, I'm so excited. The book is amazing and I have faith everyone involved did a great job in this adaptation.

[@IndieRockerHippy]

How did you feel about the movie? I really enjoyed it but there were a couple of scenes that i felt were a bit OTT and not needed.

[@firsttimeisawjupiter1031]

I can't wait for this movie to come out

[@donna25871]

It’s coming to Netflix.

[@rrjrenon5201]

i love kodi smith mcphee..his a great actor..

[@Dorotaipieski]

I loved the movie!

[@gloriamovies4296]

This movie is beautiful