In the world of cinema, the celebrated actor Benedict Cumberbatch, famous for his iconic portrayal of Doctor Strange in Marvel’s universe, has once more unveiled his unwavering commitment to the art of acting. His venture into Jane Campion’s award-winning drama witnessed the 47-year-old delving deep into the role, underscoring his versatility beyond the confines of superhero narratives.
Benedict Cumberbatch Displayed Exceptional Dedication In The Power Of The Dog
In the vast land of cinema, one can distinguish between mere actors and true artists who submerge themselves entirely into the characters they portray.
Benedict Cumberbatch, without a doubt, falls into the latter category. His rendition of The Power of the Dog transcends the bounds of traditional acting; it’s an exhibition of unwavering devotion to his craft.
During an interview with Esquire magazine, Cumberbatch revealed the extreme lengths he went to inhabit the role of Phil Burbank in the adaptation of Thomas Savage’s Western novel.
His commitment extended to chain-smoking filterless roll-up cigarettes incessantly for the sake of authenticity, ultimately leading to “nicotine poisoning three times.” He also mastered the art of one-handed cigarette rolling as dictated by the original novel.
Cumberbatch’s dedication went beyond smoking, he immersed himself in the character’s world by acquiring skills like ironmongery and woodworking. He crafted a horseshoe as a gift for the film’s director and meticulously carved a set of miniature wooden furniture.
In a pursuit of authenticity reminiscent of method acting, Cumberbatch chose not to cleanse himself, preferring to maintain a layer of filth to authentically embody his character. He revealed in the interview,
“I wanted that layer of stink on me. I wanted people in the room to know what I smelled like. It was hard, though. It wasn’t just in rehearsals. I was going out to eat and meet friends of Jane and stuff. I was a bit embarrassed by the cleaner, in the place I was living.”
He even adopted the persona of Phil Burbank to such an extent that he stopped responding to his name. The actor said, “If someone forgot … and called me Benedict, I wouldn’t move.”
Cumberbatch’s ability to convey intricate emotions and small details on-screen is proof of his remarkable talent and profound commitment to his craft.
However, it’s crucial to note that he doesn’t just excel in this dramatic portrayal but also astonished as a ruthless cowboy in the Oscar-winning film.
Benedict Cumberbatch Astounded As A Heartless Cowboy In Jane Campion’s Film
Within the cinematic masterpiece, The Power of the Dog, crafted by the exceptionally talented Campion, the artist delivered an unforgettable performance that both astonishes and captivates audiences.
This period drama serves as a mesmerizing exploration of male ego and toxic masculinity, beautifully adapted from Thomas Savage’s 1967 novel.
Under the masterful direction of Campion, known for her previous work on The Piano, the film unveils a career-defining portrayal by Cumberbatch, depicting a boorish and domineering cowboy.
This remarkable performance is complemented by the stellar talents of Kirsten Dunst, and Jesse Plemons, and a standout role by Kodi Smit-McPhee.
Campion’s Montana-set drama, The Power of The Dog, has garnered widespread acclaim and numerous accolades, earning a remarkable 12 nominations at the 94th Academy Awards, spanning various categories, including acting, cinematography, and directing.
While the film made history with the most nominations at the Oscars, it secured the Best Director award for the screenwriter.
Cumberbatch’s portrayal in The Power of the Dog reaffirmed his status as one of the outstanding actors of his generation, showcasing an unwavering dedication to his craft.
Source: Esquire Magazine, USA Today
