Benedict Cumberbatch, a world famous British actor, was one of the guests of honor of the 4ᵉ edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIF 2024). During this event, the actor took part in a conversation with the public, where he talked about his career, his personal inspirations, his most significant roles, and his life experiences. This exchange was one of the highlights of the festival, attracting an impressive crowd. The auditorium was packed, and the enthusiasm of the public was in doubt.
An enthusiastic audience
Before his arrival on stage, a video presentation was screened, showing extracts from his most emblematic films, thus retracing the extent of his impressive career. The public was impatiently waiting to be able to hear the actor finally, and when he appeared on stage, he was greeted by a thunder of applause.
A salvation in Arabic and a warm atmosphere
As soon as he entered, Benedict Cumberbatch surprised and charmed the public by greeting in Arabic. A simple gesture, but which immediately established a warm connection with the local audience. This strengthened the idea that this exchange was going to be much more than a simple interview: it was a moment of authentic exchange, when the actor was ready to share more personal aspects of his life and his career.
The beginnings in a family of artists and a dream of a lawyer
One of the first subjects covered by Benedict Cumberbatch was his childhood. Raised in a family of artists – his two parents were actors – he revealed that, against all odds, his parents did not encourage him to follow their traces. “” No, quite the contrary“He said. “” It was difficult, no vacation, a life not structured. They wanted a more stable life for me. They wanted the best for Moi. »»
However, he said that, even without their direct support for an acting career, he grew up in a house ” full of love“, Where art, music, and culture were omnipresent. “” We were a middle -class family, but we were surrounded by art, musicians and culture“He explained. At an early age, Benedict dreamed of becoming a lawyer, more precisely a penalty, fascinated by the world of crimes.
It was only after having matured and took a step back that he decided to turn to the acting profession. “” I am happy today to know that they are proud of me. Without them, I could not have started, “ he underlined with emotion.
A teenager frightened on the stage of the theater
Benedict spoke of his first steps in the theater at the age of 12. “” I was frightened, “ he confessed by talking about his first scenic experience. “” It was at school. We repeated for three to four months, then there were three days of representations. The actor explained that at the beginning, the director of the play made many comments to him. “” She pushed us to be very concentrated, which scared me a little at first. But the second and third performances have gone better.“”
He said he was playing ” All roles, all ages “And even” Roles of opposite sexes“. “” Imagine a 13 -year -old adolescent who was to read an old text with a contemporary accent, or on the contrary, a contemporary text with a period accent”He detailed. The school played a decisive role in his training, helping him to develop his diction and his ease on stage. Despite this early theatrical initiation, he really started his professional career until the age of 26.
A trip to India, a spiritual turning point
Before embarking fully in the acting profession, Benedict spent six months in Darjeeling, India, where he taught in a house held by a Tibetan priest. He gave English and environmental lessons to students of all ages, in often heterogeneous classes. “” It was fascinating to see 12 -year -old students learn alongside adults. They learned from me, but I too learned a lot from them. For him, it was not only a classical education, but also a real immersion in a different culture. “” I learned their traditions, their beliefs. I discovered a very different world. »»
But it was not only the teaching that marked this period. Benedict was deeply transformed by its immersion in local culture and by its meeting with Buddhism. “” I was at altitude, contemplating the world from above. It was an intense spiritual experience, like an inner message that had guided me there. »»
Buddhism, discovered through exchanges with Tibetan priests, has deeply influenced its vision of life. He tells with emotion a week of meditation spent in their company: ” We were a small group, including a German and I. For a week, we prayed, eaten very little and plunged into introspective silence. I learned that God is not something outside but that he resides in us. This idea that we are all connected by waves, these invisible vibrations that unite human beings, was a revelation. »»
This spiritual experience has also taught him to accept karma and to appreciate serenity. “” Buddhism taught me to stay calm in the face of the vagaries of life. This gave me tools to manage pressures and challenges, both personal and professional. »»
After this retreat, he deepened his practice of meditation, a ritual which he continues to follow. “” It helps me to refocus my mind, especially after intense roles. I learned to appreciate the present moment, to be at peace with myself and with others. »»
Theater: an intact passion after 10 years of cinema
Benedict shared his unshakable love for the theater, in particular his practice of ” go from cinema to theater“. “” I love the theater. I’ve been doing this transition for 10 years“He said. But he also admitted that it was not always easy: ” It is difficult, especially when you have to embody roles like Hamlet more than 96 times. He explained that he had evolved over these rehearsals and performance.
One of the fascinating aspects he addressed is the way the actors control their emotions on stage. “” Do you know that we can control our heartbeat on stage? He asked the public, visibly passionate about this technical and emotional aspect of the profession.
Emotionally intense roles: Stephen Hawking, Alan Turing and many others
Benedict discussed some of his most emotionally complex roles, especially that of Stephen Hawking in Hawking: head in the stars (2004) and Alan Turing in Imitation game (2014). He explained that playing real characters is often trying, because he must not only understand these individuals, but also transmit their suffering and their personal struggles. “” When I played Stephen Hawking, I had the chance to meet him in person and to discuss with him the role, which was very difficult. Then when he had to play his illness, I wondered how to see him when he was sick, and he had only 30 minutes to answer my questions “He said.
“” Playing Alan Turing in The Imitation Game was overwhelming. Discover his life, his sufferings, and his tragic end deeply touched me. He was a hero, someone who changed the course of history, but who was persecuted because of his homosexuality. It marked me emotionally. »»
He also shared his experience with The Power of the Doga role which earned him an nomination for oscars: ” This film, inspired by a novel, was shot after the Cavid period. Finding a team after the isolation was very moving. The character I played allowed me to explore dark and complex areas of human psychology. »»
Doctor Strange’s challenge
Speaking of his emblematic role in the Marvel universe, Benedict admitted having felt a certain apprehension: ” Doctor Strange is a complex character, but he is not a god. It is an academician who wants to control events at all costs. I liked to explore this duality. He also mentioned Martin Freeman, his partner in Sherlockwhom he considers as a talented actor and musician.
Emotions management: between therapy and resilience
When he was asked how he managed the psychological impacts of his roles, Benedict replied with sincerity: ” It takes a lot of therapy and a great discipline. Playing tormented characters can be exhausting. But it also gives me incredible life experiences. »»
He explained that meditation, combined with his love for his family, helped him find a balance. “” I remain anchored thanks to my wife and my children. At home, I am above all a father. This is where I find stability, far from the tumult of the sets. »»
Collaborations with renowned directors
Benedict then shared his shooting experiences with emblematic directors, stressing how these collaborations have enriched his career. He talked about his professional relationship with Wes Andersonknown for his obsession with detail: ” I worked with him at 46. He made me repeat a scene 48 times! But it is this perfectionism that makes its work unique. With Wes, we learn a lot. »»
He also mentioned Steve McQueendirector of 12 Years a Slavewho deeply marked him: ” Before I even receive an Oscar, Steve supported me a lot. He is attentive, encourages ideas, and sees things with immense courage. Working with him was a big lesson. »»
Finally, he mentioned his experience with Steven Spielberg, emphasizing the intelligence and control of the latter. “” Spielberg is a visionary, someone who knows exactly what he wants while letting the actors express their creativity. »»
Voice, an essential tool in his job
During the conversation, Benedict also spoke of the importance of the voice in his profession. “” I can imitate voices, that’s something I learned over time. Voice is an essential tool for an actor. There are techniques to use it effectively“He explained. His mastery of the voice allows him to play various roles, with great precision and an ability to captivate his audience.
The passion for football
Benedict Cumberbatch also shared a more personal facet of his life, speaking of his passion for football. “” I’m a football fan. I live in London, but my favorite club has nothing to do with the place where I live, ” He said, stressing the irony of this situation. But that was not all. He said he had three children, and that football passion was also shared with them. “” They also love football, and we play football together”He added with a smile.
He also mentioned that he often supported the British national team. “” I am often the British national team, and I was at the finals of Europe. And to the first goal, the joy of the Italians united all the public. United football people He said, showing the impact of sport on social cohesion and his own enthusiasm during major sporting events. Football, for him, goes beyond the competitive aspect, he sees sport as a vector of gathering and solidarity between people.
A complex and spiritual personality
Beyond his undeniable talent, Benedict Cumberbatch left the impression of a deeply spiritual man, in search of human connections and truth. His choices of roles reflect this depth, mixing intellectual and emotional challenges. Through his exchange with the public of the RSIF 2024, he offered a rare overview not only of his profession, but also of his philosophy of life.
His love for art, his respect for spiritual traditions, and his humility in the face of life make him not only a brilliant actor, but also a personality that inspires.
Neïla Driss
