How Benedict Cumberbatch Brings Intelligence and Vulnerability to Every Role

Benedict Cumberbatch has made a name for himself as one of his generation's most compelling and varied actors.  Whether he's playing a strong sorcerer, a troubled genius, or a clever detective, Cumberbatch's distinct combination of intelligence and vulnerability makes each character seem real and approachable.

 Cumberbatch's ability to effortlessly portray intelligence is one of the performance's most distinctive features.  His depiction of Sherlock Holmes on the BBC's ‘Sherlock’ is a prime example; his incisive insights, fast wit, and sharp language delivery make his character's genius seem plausible.  But more than just his intelligence, Sherlock's emotional depth is what makes him unique.  A delicate, lonely spirit that finds it difficult to connect with others lies beneath Sherlock's brilliance, and Cumberbatch masterfully conveys that tension.

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Cumberbatch played another complex genius, Alan Turing, in ‘The Imitation Game’.  His presentation was intensely emotional in addition to being academically compelling.  By portraying Turing's social awkwardness, mental anguish, and loneliness, he helped viewers empathize with a man whose ideas altered the world but who found it difficult to fit in.

 Cumberbatch's ability to strike a balance between strength and vulnerability is further demonstrated by his portrayal of ‘Doctor Strange’ in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.  Strange is a gifted physician and eventually a magician, but he is also incredibly flawed, and conceited, and gains humility via failure.  This development is brought to life by Cumberbatch, who makes the character's journey both epic and relatable.

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Benedict Cumberbatch's performances are particularly powerful because he demonstrates how vulnerability and intelligence are frequently complementary rather than diametrically opposed.  His characters are never flat; they are strong but brittle, intelligent but imperfect.  Audiences are consistently drawn to his work because of his unique talent.

–Farheen Ali