“I also feel slightly like, is this a thing where our dance card has to be public? Do we have to explain all our private moments in our sexual history? I don’t think so"- Benedict Cumberbatch
https://t.co/Wn6FTZOLo9- ET Canada (@ETCanada)
September 6, 2021 Benedict Cumberbatch’s “The Power Of The Dog” has had great reception in Venice but it also has raised questions about straight actors playing LGBTQ roles.
“The Power Of The Dog” is adapted by Jane Campion from Thomas Savage’s novel, about a 1920s crude and cruel cattle rancher named Phil. Phil soon develops unexpected chemistry with Peter (Kodi Smit-McPhee), his step-nephew. Peter is the stepson of Phil’s brother George (Jesse Plemons), after he marries widow Rose (Kirsten Dunst).
Cumberbatch spoke with IndieWire at the Telluride Film Festival:
“I feel very sensitive about representation, diversity, and inclusion,” Cumberbatch said. “One of the appeals of the job was the idea that in this world, with this specific character, there was a lot that was private, hidden from view.”
According to the IndieWire, Phil’s sexuality isn’t obvious but Cumberbatch said he took many things into consideration after portraying Alan Turning.
“It wasn’t done without thought,” he said. “I also feel slightly like, is this a thing where our dance card has to be public? Do we have to explain all our private moments in our sexual history? I don’t think so.”
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