MovieChat Forums > Benedict Cumberbatch Discussion > Is BC the go-to guy for roles of vulnera...

Is BC the go-to guy for roles of vulnerable men?


I was watching clips of BC as William Carey in the movie "The Other Boleyn Girl" and it occured to me that almost all the roles he's played, certainly the bigger ones, is of vulnerable men, emotionally, mentally and physically. Even in roles where he's the strongest, like Khan in "Star Trek: Into Darkness" and "Doctor Strange", he gives the impression that power and control is something his character has to work hard to keep in hand. It's definitely one of the things about BC that makes him such a compelling and attractive actor to me.

I'm wondering if this trend is something BC is aware of, if it's the kind of roles he likes and seeks out or if directors asks him to play those roles because he does them so well.



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He does do vulnerable VERY well! Hes got it all, I think. Strength, wit, intelligence, humor, cuddles, singing, dancing, vulnerability, the list goes on. Gosh, he's so brilliant. 😍

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I can't pick one out immediately, but Ben himself has said in interviews that he looks for the complex characters that you cite. He was glad that the writing in Khan showed his vulnerability which explained why his Khan did the aggressive things that he did so the audience could see that Khan wasn't a cardboard cut-out baddie.

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Dude. Nobody does vulnerability like BC. It's hands down my favourite thing about him as an actor, and I've always thought he's at his absolute best when he gets to play really emotionally (or physically) vulnerable scenes.

He doesn't ever shy away from showing vulnerability, but rather seems to relish every chance to give us a glimpse into the naked humanity of his characters, even when it's awkward, uncomfortable or even ugly.

I find it brave and beautiful and incredibly attractive.

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While actresses have often complained, where are the roles that show women are strong? - there isn't a corresponding complaint from actors : where are the roles that show men can be vulnerable? It's almost a given in modern films that if a male character is in touch with his feelings then he's probably written as a gay character.

As for BC, I think he gravitates towards roles that are well-rounded, and often have that soft underbelly. He is asked in interviews about the vulnerabilty he brings to his roles and has said that men do cry in real life and he's just portraying that. He does cry in almost all his roles, so he might be on a one-man mission to bring out the more tender notes in each of his roles. Being a fan, I like to think he's doing this not only because he revels in those roles but also to start a quiet revolution to make a difference to how straight male characters are written. (I'd be ever so grateful if we see more nuanced villains just because of Khan.)

Tldr: He brings the vulnerability to his roles.

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Very true. He's often the Alpha male, but always vulnerable

Respect my Cumberbatch!

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