皆さんこんにちは、ベネディクト・カンバーバッチです。
シャーロック、ドクター・ストレンジ（およびMCU映画）、イミテーション・ゲーム、ホビット、パワー・オブ・ザ・ドッグ、1917、それでも夜は明ける、グリンチ、カレント・ウォー、ザ・ローゼズ、裏切りのサーカス、戦火の馬、ブラック・スキャンダルなどの映画やドラマでご存知の方もいるかと思います。
皆さんの質問にお答えするために来ました！
私の最新作『THE THING WITH FEATHERS』は、ブライアクリフ配給で11月28日に劇場公開されます。
予告編：
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUhsvd_Z_18
あらすじ：
妻の突然の死後、二人の息子を育てることになった父親（ベネディクト・カンバーバッチ）の人生は崩壊し始める。悲しみは混乱と混沌に満ちているが、それが狂気じみた招かれざる客「カラス」の姿を取り、影から彼を嘲る時、事態は制御不能になっていく…しかし、それこそが父親に必要なものなのかもしれない。
追加情報：
この映画は、マックス・ポーター著の批評家から高く評価された書籍『Grief Is the Thing with Feathers（悲しみは、羽根のあるもの）』を原作としています。ディラン・サザンが監督し、今年の初めにサンダンス映画祭でプレミア上映され、11月28日から全米の劇場で公開されます。
Redditの皆さん、何でも聞いてください。今日の午後4時（東部時間）頃に戻ってきて、皆さんの質問に答えます。
コメント
Hi Benedict! As someone who works as both actor and producer, how do you feel about the trend of adopting AI in film industry (like VFX, voice cloning, AI-assisted script tools, or anything you have heard about or encountered)?
Having played Alan Turing, how did it influence your view of AI today?
Thank you!
You became widely recognizable in a relatively short period of time. Was there a moment when it really ‘hit’ you that your life had changed, and what did that shift – from relative anonymity to public fame – *feel* like? What surprised you most about navigating that transition?”
Hello Mr. Cumberbatch！
I am amira, a 19-year-old student majoring in Film Directing. You are my absolute favorite actor. Just a few days ago, during my Film Language class, I gave a presentation analyzing the cinematic techniques in your works.
I also recently finished my very first directing experience. It was exhausting, but incredibly meaningful.
I would love to ask you: What do you think is the most important quality for someone working in the film industry? Also, if given the choice, would you ever consider becoming a director yourself？
If you could go back in time and act in a movie differently, which one would it be and why?
Fans have taken Sherlock apart under a microscope for 15 years now. Just out of curiosity: from what you’re aware of, is there any detail, clue, subtext — or anything at all — that people actually never picked up on about the story or characters?
Your Between Two Ferns was really funny. Can you talk a little about what it was like to film that and what it was like to work with Galifinakis
Mr Cumberbatch, this might get lost in the thread, but I still wanted to ask you something.
When you lived near Darjeeling teaching English to Buddhist monks, was there one moment or lesson from that time that still shapes who you are today as a person or as an actor?
What’s the funniest mistake you’ve ever made on the job?
Hi Benedict, thanks for being amazing in everything you do.
Do you have a fun niche hobby that you don’t get to talk about often?
Is it more fun to play a hero, or a villain? Which is the easiest to inhabit for you?
Out of all the roles you’ve played, which role was the most draining for you emotionally/ physically?
What is the best fake version of your name that you’ve ever heard?
Will you ever play Sherlock again?
Hi Benedict! I was lucky enough to catch The Thing with Feathers at the BFI film festival and thought it was phenomenal. The passion everyone clearly had for the project really came through in an emotional and cathartic way.
My (unrelated) questions for you:
(1) Do you have a favorite quote that you consider meaningful / inspirational?
and (2) I was just reading an interview where you mentioned having a dog – if you could cast her in a canine production of Hamlet, which character would she be?
Mr Cumberbatch, aside from any roles you have sought after and attained already in your career, have you ever considered a specific role, perhaps from a book or stage production that you would just love to portray on the big screen some time in the future?
_________
Also, massive fan since Stuart, A Life Backwards. The company I worked for distributed it and it still makes me cry when hen you’re listening to Stuart’s cassette in his car that he gifted you. Pure masterpiece by Alexander Masters that you and Tom Hardy brought to life beautifully. I have a signed poster in my bedroom and it’s a prized possession.
Hi Benedict, I’m Berra, a fan from Türkiye. I just want to say how much your work means to me — I truly love and admire what you do. Every project you’re in has inspired me, and I’ve watched all of them over and over again. I’d love to ask you two things:
— Out of all the characters you’ve played, which one has touched you the most on a personal level?
And I couldn’t help myself, so I have to ask — have you ever been to Türkiye, or do you think you might visit someday? Meeting you is one of my biggest dreams, and it would make me incredibly happy if you ever came.
I love you so much I hope you are having a great time!
Hey Benedict, big fan of your work here, particularly in Sherlock, the Hobbit, and the Roses. Actually just finished watching The Roses, your performance was incredible and you could really feel the chemistry between you and Coleman. Thanks for doing the AMA!
Alright so my other questions for you are: What intrigued you the most about the concept of The Thing with the Feathers, what inspired you to be a part of it, and how did you prepare for the role? If you could work with any actor that you haven’t already worked with, who would it be and what kind of movie? What’s something people don’t know about you that hasn’t been shared before? Any fun behind the scenes moments from your films this year that you can share?
I just want to say how much I appreciate what you and SunnyMarch are doing. It’s obvious you’re a person who truly loves film/television and that you’re using your own success to give others a platform to make their voices heard. Whether it’s a female-driven project, something from a relatively new filmmaker, or a project covering difficult subject matter, everything from SunnyMarch feels unique and refreshing. I’ve loved every project I’ve seen (especially The Thing With Feathers). It’s just nice to know there are people in this industry who care and want to make films that genuinely try to better humanity, commercial pressures be damned.
All that said… what are some of the biggest challenges and joys of running a production company? And what’s something you’d still really like to make happen with it?
You mentioned in interviews this year that Martin Freeman was the funniest person you’ve worked with and you miss the camaraderie. Can we expect a possibility for you two to collaborate again in the future? (What? It’s ask anything ;))
Hi Benedict ! Big fan of your work.
Was there a role you really, *really* wanted to get, but didn’t get the chance to ? And in general, as an actor, do missed opportunities happen often ?
What role forced you to rethink your entire acting process, and what specific moment during that project changed the way you work?
Hi Benedict, I’ve been following your work since 2011 and I’m a big fan. Thank you for doing this AMA.
My question is: Are you a big rewatcher? If yes, what films do you find yourself returning to most often?
Thank you!
Hi Benedict! I feel like this could be a long shot, but here goes nothing!
One day (I believe!) in the summer of 2019, I sat down, having just smoked a liiiittle bit of weed, to eat a bagel in Tompkins Square Park in New York and watch my friend play music there. Moments later, completely unbeknownst to me, you, your wife, and your kids came and sat on the bench next to mine. Your wife was wearing these Spring Court tennis shoes that caught my eye, so I said, “Hey, I like your shoes.” She didn’t hear me, but you did. You brought my comment to her attention, saying something like “Honey, this man was saying something to you,” and I sort of meekly reiterated myself. It felt like my comment wasn’t so important, and now I had interrupted y’all’s park afternoon. Not to mention, I was just the tiniest bit stoned and had no clue who y’all were.
Anyway, moments later, your wife and kids went to play in the park, and you turned over to me, saying something like “That’s not a very New York thing of you to do – to compliment a stranger – where are you from?” I replied, “California,” at which point you said something like, “Ah, that makes sense. I love it there.” We probably chatted about California and some other pleasantries for a few minutes before you finally leaned over, removed your shades, and said, “What’s your name?” and offered your hand to shake. I shook your hand, told you my name, and literally said “…and I know who you are!” with a little chuckle.
From there, we talked about a bunch of stuff – making art (I’m a musician), parenthood, and just life in general. It felt like a fever dream. There are some things in particular that I remember, though. I think at one point, you asked what I was doing in the park, and I mentioned watching my buddy busking. You seemed to infer from that comment that I was also a musician and commented on it. I probably shrugged it off and said something to the effect of “Sort of…,” at which point you commented that you felt like musicians were a humble breed. I clarified that I wasn’t trying to be humble, but rather that I simply hadn’t found a foothold in music; it wasn’t yet working out as a career, and I felt a little dejected about it. Hearing this, you mentioned waiting tables (I think!) after being classically trained in theater, and how long it took to find your way. You mentioned something about realizing that people eventually wanted to see you for you, and not you “doing” someone else when you’re acting, which I thought was really heartening.
At various times in our conversation, your children would run up to say hello to you. The benches we were on had iron armrests/frames, and you’d always receive your kids so delicately, making sure they didn’t bonk their heads or get hurt running into the bench. It was adorable. Each time one of them came over, I’d think to myself, “Well, that was nice while it lasted,” and then, as soon as they left to go back to playing, you’d turn right back over to me to keep chatting! I felt so seen in a really tender way – like old friends just hanging out. I also remarked on how sweet it was to see you being so caring to your kids. I had just lost my father a year or so prior and was still understanding that grief, which I told you about.
One of the funniest things was that I was ducking a phone call or two from a friend, cause I didn’t want our conversation to end, but on the inside I was practically screaming that we were there having such a normal hangout together. I wanted to share it with someone to… like, believe that it was really happening. At one point, my friend, who was busking, took a set break and came to talk to us. I, being cheeky, said to him, “Hey [friend], this is my buddy Ben,” when introducing you to each other. I thought he’d recognize you and that he and I would have a laugh about my cheekiness later. Funny enough, he didn’t clock it at all! To this day, this story of us meeting and having (for me!) such a nice time is something that only happened between you and me. Truly, a feverdream is about the only way I can describe it.
Finally, at some point, I think one of your children fell while playing and began to cry, so you had to leave. We exchanged some parting pleasantries, and then you stood up and said, “This is going to sound [contrived] (I can’t remember the exact word!) coming from me, but stick with it. It’ll all work out.” It was really remarkable and kind of you to share your time, thoughts, and encouraging words with me. Thanks! 🙂
Obviously, some of the quotes are paraphrased, as our interaction happened years ago. Nevertheless, it has had a profoundly positive impact on me to this very day. Thanks for your kindness.
All this said, does any of this ring a bell for you? Regardless, thanks for all the great work and the amazing hang. I hope you and your family are well!
Hello Benedict!
How are you doing today? I just graduated recently and have been pretty lost and confused on what to do next with my life. Can you give me some insight on how you felt when you first graduated? Is everyone as lost as I am?
Thank you for reading, love you and your work so much!
As an actor, how do you maintain emotional openness and avoid building walls over the years?
Thank you very much!
Cabin Pressure. I am enjoying the hell out of listening to it. Did you have a favorite episode/destination?
What personally is your most memorable role, and also your personal not so memorable role?
My wife is absolutely obsessed with Andrew Scott, and we rewatch Sherlock a fair bit to scratch the itch. Do you have an anecdote or an experience to share on what it was like to work with Andrew and build that dynamic between your characters?
Hello Benedict, I am a big fan of you from Hong Kong.
Have you ever watched any anime/ manga?
Apart from the film adaption of novels and Marvel, would you like to perform in a film adaption of anime/ manga?
If I may, I would like to recommend “Orb: On the Movements of the Earth”, it is very inspirational and thought-provoking. I think you would be great as Badeni or Nowak in this anime.
Hello mister Cumberbatch, you are one very good example of someone who is successful at their craft and therefore as smaller artists, we can think that you have reached the peak of freedom to practice your passion. Do you feel like this is true or do you sometimes feel like you miss the calm of being unsuccessful or not successful yet ? And maybe do you have other forms of self expression that nobody knows about you that gives you this sense of freedom ?
I love your work and am very excited to keep seeing you in your upcoming projects !!
The first place I encountered you was Cabin Pressure. What do you think Martin is up to now? What was it like working with Roger Allam?
We’re all curious, have you learned how to pronounce Penguin yet?
I don’t have a question but I spent 6 hours on the road yesterday listening to episodes of Cabin Pressure. Love that show! You were all fantastic in it.
Hello, Benedict! I wonder whether you have plans to continue working as an actor in future, or you are interested to become a director eventually, as some wonderful actors did. Or maybe both? If so, are there any projects(original screenplays or adaptations) you would love to film yourself?
Who is your favorite MCU costar and who was the funniest costar to hangout with?