Benedict Cumberbatch captivated audiences at the Red Sea International Film Festival with a revealing and thought-provoking masterclass. The celebrated actor, known for his dynamic range and transformative performances, shared intimate details about his career, personal journey, and the art of acting. Held in a packed venue buzzing with anticipation, the session provided a rare glimpse into the mind of one of the most versatile actors of our time.
Cumberbatch opened the masterclass by reflecting on his upbringing in an artistic household. While both his parents were actors, they initially discouraged him from following in their footsteps due to the precarious nature of the profession. “They wanted anything but that for me,” he admitted. Yet, their eventual recognition of his talent was deeply moving. Recalling a pivotal moment, he shared, “My dad said to me, ‘I’m just so excited to support you doing this as a career and can’t wait to watch you fly.’ That gave me the confidence to go for it.”
One of the most poignant revelations of the session was Cumberbatch’s transformative gap year at 19, spent teaching English to Tibetan monks in northern India. “It was a deeply formative experience,” he said. “Living with them, participating in their rituals, and being surrounded by their resilience and humor taught me so much about humanity and connection. It’s something I carry with me to this day.” He described an intense week of meditation training, during which he discovered a profound sense of universal interconnectedness. “The overwhelming feeling was connection,” he recalled, describing it as humbling and magical.
When discussing his craft, Cumberbatch emphasized the unique challenges and rewards of stage and screen acting. “Stage acting is meditative and exhausting,” he explained. “Repeating the same work night after night forces you to find new nuances and growth.” On the other hand, film and television require a different kind of precision and adaptability. Reflecting on his iconic role as Sherlock Holmes, he said, “I loved being him. He was mentally gymnastic, speaking as fast as most people think. I think his quirks and pathologies resonated with so many people.”
Cumberbatch’s range is perhaps best exemplified by his roles in biographical films. From playing Alan Turing in The Imitation Game to Stephen Hawking in Hawking, he immerses himself in the lives of real figures with meticulous research and emotional depth. “There’s something daunting about playing someone real,” he said. “But it creates an incredible connection—both with the audience and with the person you’re portraying.” He recounted an emotional moment while filming The Imitation Game, where he broke down in tears after a scene. “It wasn’t acting anymore; I felt like I was witnessing Alan’s pain and loss.”
The masterclass also touched on Cumberbatch’s collaborations with esteemed directors, including Jane Campion, Steve McQueen, and Wes Anderson. He praised Campion as a trailblazer for women in film and described his experience on The Power of the Dog as life-changing. “Jane pushes you out of your comfort zone in the best way,” he said. Similarly, his work with Anderson revealed a new way of approaching performance. “Wes is meticulous—48 takes for one shot meticulous—but it’s exhilarating. Every frame with him is like a painting.”
Known for his love of voice acting, Cumberbatch discussed how he first developed the skill as a schoolboy. “I used to record myself having conversations with characters,” he revealed with a smile. This passion led him to voice roles such as Smaug in The Hobbit and the Grinch, as well as narrating documentaries, including one about football legend Cristiano Ronaldo. Though he humbly dismissed his knowledge of the sport, he described football as “a theater of dreams” and likened its communal joy to the shared energy of a live theater performance.
As the masterclass drew to a close, Cumberbatch reflected on the impact of recognition and accolades on his career. While he appreciates the validation, he emphasized the importance of the work itself. “It’s about connection,” he said. “Whether it’s with an audience, a character, or a fellow artist, that’s what keeps me passionate about what I do.”
Benedict Cumberbatch’s masterclass at the Red Sea International Film Festival was more than a lesson in acting; it was an exploration of humanity, creativity, and the transformative power of storytelling. For those in attendance, it was a rare and inspiring opportunity to witness an artist who embodies both mastery of craft and a profound understanding of life.
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