Greetings from Cumberbatch: £2,649

By Stephanie Tran

161108

Card by Cumberbatch

The numbers breakdown is as follows:
Hiddleston’s sold for £2,850
Cumberbatch’s sold for £2,649
And in third place, Finnemore’s sold for £620.05

Two things about this article stand out to me. First, the title of the article is “Greeting card designed by Benedict Cumberbatch sells for £2,649,” yet when Hiddleston’s card sold for more than Cumberbatch’s.

Yet the article focuses on Cumberbatch, probably intent on riding the man’s perpetual fame wave.

A similar quick search for follow up on Hiddleston yielded no results; it’s as if despite being a popular British icon, Hiddleston isn’t popular enough to merit follow up like Cumberbatch does.

This is odd because Hiddleston’s card raised more money (or stirred up a larger bidding war), a quantifiable value that Hiddleston, at least in this aspect, was superior to Cumberbatch, and yet while Cumberbatch received recognition in the title, Hiddleston was mentioned in a slew of names and pushed aside to make room for a detailed description of Cumberbatch’s card (at least a picture of Hiddleston’s card made it to the article). The quantifiable result, the comparative value of the card, if we assume that the card represents the actor’s ‘popularity quotient’ (it may or may not, but it provides a relative base of comparison), then it would appear that Hiddleston is more popular, yet the qualitative result, this effort placed into following up on Cumberbatch’s card, would suggest that Cumberbatch is more popular. No reason is ever given for this, but the fact that Cumberbatch didn’t even ‘win’ and got his own article speaks volumes about the man’s current trending popularity in the mainstream fandom. That is not to say Hiddleston isn’t as featured in the news, it just seems like Cumberbatch’s fans are a tad more obsessive about anything Cumberbatch related. The numbers are fairly close, after all.

Which brings me to my second point: The card that brought in the third most amount of money was beat by both Hiddleston and Cumberbatch by over 4 times the value of the card. This money game, using celebrities as ways to bring in money for charities, is absolutely fascinating because it takes money to play, an object of great perceived value (especially for a capitalist society – US buyers bought both Cumberbatch’s and Hiddleston’s cards) and while the hours of people fantasizing and obsessing over celebrities cannot be discounted, it takes a certain level of fan to spend actual money on celebrity paraphernalia, especially to the degree the Cumberbatch (and Hiddleston) fans have. It’s not even something related to acting or something Cumberbatch has contributed to; it’s entire value comes from “Cumberbatch is a celebrity and his hands have graced these series of supplies, crafting a card.”

It’s literally a representation of Cumberbatch’s popularity and this makes it beautifully quantifiable (if we look at the ‘popularity quotient’, we can quantify Cumberbatch as over 4 times as popular as Finnemore is, although we are unsure of the variables that differ (eg. audience, appeal, exposure) between the two).

While the results of the auction are being processed in a manner not unsimilar to back of the napkin math, at the very least, one can say that Cumberbatch fans are willing to spend a significantly larger amount of money over other celebrity fans (except Hiddleston fans).

It’s a large amount of money to spend to be able to claim that one has a card Cumberbatch made for charity; it wasn’t even made for the buyer. Everyone else can purchase a replica of the card for a substantially cheaper price. Literally, the only thing valuable about that card is that Cumberbatch made it and its direct connection to Cumberbatch makes it worth thousands more than the copies now circulating sites like RedBubble.

It’s speechlessly appalling the amount of money fans will spend to claim victories like these. I wonder if Cumberbatch even knows who they are.

Cumberbatch Making it Difficult to Make ‘Sherlock’

By Sabrina Zuluaga

On the Mail Online, Sherlock’s scriptwriter acknowledges that Benedict Cumberbatch’s rising stardom is making it difficult to make the show.

His stardom surely is making it problematic in that the fans are growing in their demand to see the latest episodes. Pressure, in this sense, is surely being put on the writers, director, and production.

However, worse outcomes have resulted from shows that were essentially under-appreciated and lacked stars with substantial celebrity statuses. For example, the show Nikita consisted of creative writing and a fitting cast dynamic; however, the lack of stardom surrounding the actors has led to fewer viewership which meant the show ended abruptly.

Furthermore, Cumberbatch does not have the same effect on his roles as Jamie Foxx had in the recent Amazing Spiderman 2. Foxx seems a bit too famous for the part as Max and Electro. His own, confident individual persona dominates his role as the shy, humble and dorky Max Dillon. However, Cumberbatch’s quirky, intelligent and even unconventional looks were fitting to the character to Sherlock’s character since the beginning of production. Therefore, no harm is done to the performances in Sherlock.

As well, although Steven Moffat and others from Sherlock were concerned with Cumberbatch’s looks, every starting actor on a project usually is not even recognized as being fundamentally attractive in the beginning; the elements of positive reviews and praise for the show add to the admiration for the show’s actors. A great example of this is present among musicians. Many do not seem physically attractive until we see them perform several times. Fame, talent, and art show how beauty is essentially not fixed but varies and is based on perception.

Sherlock to Hamlet: We Love Cumberbatch Not Getting Love

By Sabrina Zuluaga

The Guardian reports that it is likely that Benedict Cumberbatch will play Hamlet for 12 weeks in 2015 at the Barbican theatre in London; this information is still pending confirmation.

The characters of Sherlock and Hamlet seem to exude a kind of trend in their success for admiration: they struggle to sustain healthy, stable romances and are fundamentally single. We pity Sherlock and Hamlet for their visible times of painful loneliness. However, deep down there is an attraction to their lonesomeness.

The case may essentially be that the public –the fans—love single characters. As Jake Halpern acknowledges in Fame Junkies, fans obsess and hold para-social relationships towards celebrities in that they yearn and imagine there to be an intimate connection between them. Fans carry the hope and/or live off of the imagination that they can become romantically involved with Cumberbatch; this passion serves as a sense of escapism.

Therefore, it is no wonder that members of Justin Bieber’s fandom verbally attacked Selena Gomez online. It is no surprise that “Directioners” dedicate countless blog posts of hatred towards any female that is known to be involved with One Direction. Some hysterical fans may even prefer their favorite celebrities dead than romantically unavailable, in which case Hamlet will suffice.

Motors and Motives: Cumberbatch at the Monaco Grand Prix

By Sabrina Zuluaga

Benedict Cumberbatch interviews a series of the race car drivers at the 2014 Monaco Grand Prix.

Besides Cumberbatch’s universal fame and origins from Europe, this is quite a random move to have him host brief interviews with the racers.

Benedict interviewing these drivers of the Monaco Grand Prix is somewhat absurd in regards to the power (or fame) structure. Usually the interviewer is neutral and someone behind the scenes who lacks fame. Instead, however, reporters are interviewing someone of particular specialty thus forming different apparent dynamics of power between the two. Therefore, considering the fame between these racers versus Cumberbatch, these interviews are almost equivalent to Obama interviewing Miranda Cosgrove from iCarly; why would they do that?

Although the Monaco Grand Prix is essentially one of the three most renowned racing events of the world, its notoriety does not merely compare to the publicity and hysteria revolving around Cumberbatch. A few minutes of Google or Tumblr could easily verify this point.

Fundamentally, the monotonous rule applies: any press is relatively good press. As random as the interviews are, Cumberbatch’s image profits from his reporting performance. He appears genuinely concerned for the drivers, speaks humbly, asks detailed questions, and is focused on his subjects. He even asks one of the racers if something is bothering his eye.

Whether or not the match-up was devised to grant the race or Cumberbatch more publicity, it was equally beneficial for both parties. His behavior and interaction gives the public more reasons to, nonetheless, adore him.

Cumberbatch: The Celebrity, The Character, The Ghost

By Sabrina Zuluaga

Cumberbatch: The Celebrity, the Character, and the Ghost

When fans cannot get enough of musicians, models or actresses from their songs, movies, shows, or photographs, the celebrity’s individual life becomes a whole, separate source of entertainment; the star is the character and their life is a show with a unique and apparent intriguing storyline.

The press coverage on Cumberbatch is fundamentally clean and positive material. He is humorous, clean, humble, and thoughtful.

All the latest press has been building his “apparent” charismatic personality. We understood that he is posh and chic due to his appearance at the MET Gala. He apparently was even spending the afternoon with his mother recently. As well, he shies away at the paparazzi by raising his jacket or raising a napkin as a shield.

However, one has to question whether or not we will all be forgiving if Cumberbatch were to ever make a mistake or do something offensive in front of the public eye. It unfortunately seems to be ritual for public commentary to be less harsh towards men than women. Therefore, it is a presumably possible prediction for many of us to still find him likable. Furthermore, age and the severity of any kind of behavior must also be considered. Hollywood and fans can forgive substance abuse, but not necessarily the severe mistreatment of others. For example, Charlie Sheen’s abusive and drug-related behavior was forgiven. Severe, inappropriate behavior from Justin Bieber or Chris Brown was and is being overlooked. As well, age plays a factor. For example, as talented as Mel Gibson was, his outbursts and lack of young, endearing allure made it easy to drop him. Therefore, it is a complex mystery as to what awaits Cumberbatch’s future.

The Zeitgeist myth will always apply and does not exempt anyone – not even the Brits. Publicity and fame is transient. The positive hype towards Benedict is temporary before someone else comes along or if we grow tired of him. Therefore in 3-4 years, what will be next?

Cumberbatch Exercises Power Even Before His Role as Richard III Begins

By: Sabrina Zuluaga

At The Hay Festival this weekend, The Radio Times reports that during an open questionnaire session with Jude Dench and the audience, Benedict Cumberbatch was among the crowd and asked he she would be in Richard III with him.

If Dench and Cumberbatch’s agents were looking for a loud, profound way to announce her involvement in Richard III, than this stunt was effective.

This, however, must have been a planned stunt because as famous and adored as Cumberbatch is, he is not Richard III (at least not yet); he does not have the authority over the casting list.

This move does, however, still hint at and represent the power at Cumberbatch’s fingertips. He has essentially developed into a force in the acting world. He has accumulated a grand fan-base, is surrounded by positive publicity, and is understood as a talented actor. His presence in any place or participation in any project can result in positive, fruitful consequences. Celebrities do carry their own reign.

Cumberbatch Making it Difficult to Make ‘Sherlock’

By Sabrina Zuluaga

On the Mail Online, Sherlock’s scriptwriter acknowledges that Benedict Cumberbatch’s rising stardom is making it difficult to essentially make the show.

His stardom surely is making it problematic in that the fans are growing in their demand to see the latest episodes. Pressure, in this sense, is surely being put on the writers, director, and production.

However, worse outcomes have resulted from shows that were essentially underappreciated and lacked stars with substantial celebrity statuses. For example, the show Nikita consisted of creative writing and a fitting cast dynamic; however, the lack of stardom surrounding the actors has led to fewer viewership which meant the show ended abruptly.

Furthermore, Cumberbatch does not have the effect that Jamie Foxx put on his role(s) in the recent Amazing Spiderman 2. Foxx seems a bit too famous for the part as Max and Electro. His own, confident individual persona dominates his role as the shy, humble and dorky Max Dillon. However, Cumberbatch’s quirky, intelligent and even unconventional looks were fitting to the character to Sherlock’s character since the beginning of production. Therefore, no harm is done to the acting performances of Sherlock.

As well, although Steven Moffat and others of Sherlock were concerned with Cumberbatch’s looks, every starting actor of a project usually is not even recognized as being fundamentally attractive in the beginning; the elements of positive reviews and praise towards the show attribute to the admiration of the show’s actors. A great example of this is present among musicians. Many are not physically attractive until we see them perform several times. Fame, talent, and art show how beauty is essentially not fixed but varies and is based on perception.

Three Cheers for Cumberbatch….’s Voice

By: Olga Murillo

As the year comes to a close I start to think about when I was first introduced to Benedict Cumberbatch and where I stand with him now. The first time I watched AND took note of who Cumberbatch is was when my little brother made me watch Sherlock. Then it was like baader-meinhof I remembered watching him in other stuff. I had seen him in a movie and other British related stuff. It was hard to get over his face first. I was not sure if he was attractive or weird. I decided that what I was feeling for Cumberbatch was more like what one feels for a not-so-good-looking, borderline creepy rock star. I wanted him, but I didn’t know why. I was attracted, but repelled. It was not until I saw him in action (after season 1 of Sherlock) that I felt that connection that Halpern refers to as “Para-Social.”

My interest furthered when I saw how of a “gentleman” he was. I was not aware of everything we had learned in class yet (I was not in class). I didn’t know that the US media had shined this British gentleman light on him, that is not the way the British view him in the UK. I didn’t know where I stood in this vicious cycle of tabloids and paparazzi. I found out that the way I got over his unconventional face was the same way the media got over it, HIS VOICE. I mean I know some (just two really) British people that don’t sound as sexy as he does. It’s like a gentlemen thing. Colin Firth has it going on, but (as much as I like him) Tom Hiddleston doesn’t. It’s the gent image and that VOICE!

The BBC has recognized that Benedict Cumberbatch’s voice is becoming a thing, almost like JLo’s butt. For more on his voice please see my Jaguar post. Cumberbatch has recently read radio warning of 1944 news for the BBC. Jumping on the boat, getting the United Statsian interested. Of course we melt for the voice. It’s funny how other videos for BBC shows won’t load because we are not in the UK (yes – I have tried. There are some UK shows that are really good), but this video plays without any problem. I believe that they have signed up Cumberbatch to read in order to commemorate the release of the news of The Imitation Game, which, needless to say, Cumberbatch is starring in. The UK is making a big deal about the Royal Pardon to Alan Tuning and the movie. Slowly releasing clips, photos and making Cumberbatch do these extra activities.

That’s him dancing because summer is around the corner.

Cumberbatch vs. Hiddleston: It’s the Final Showdown

By Elnaz Hamedani

Upon searching for some intriguing Cumberbatch news, I came across an article by MalayMailOnline entitled “Benedict Cumberbatch goes to war with Tom Hiddleston,” which immediately caught my attention. Now, maybe it’s due to my desperate yearning for excitement before the inevitable start of Final Exams week, but I was hoping for a classic celebrity feud.

I’m ready–Let the fighting commence!

Unfortunately for me (albeit fortunately for Cumberbatch and Hiddleston), this was not the case. Once again, I had fallen victim to an exciting yet misleading celebrity headline.

Sigh…MalayMailOnline, why must you tease me with these headlines?

Apparently, Benedict Cumberbatch and Tom Hiddleston are rumored to be in an adaptation of the World War I play “Journey’s End.” Since this summer is the 100th anniversary of World War I, this adaptation could not come at a better time. Cumberbatch is rumored to play Captain Stanhope, a strict yet inspiring war hero. Meanwhile, Hiddleston and fellow British actor Eddie Redmayne are rumored for roles in the adaptation as well.

Redmayne (left) and Hiddleston (right) are both rumored to act alongside Cumberbatch.

As a fan of World War I and II inspired films, I am very much intrigued to see this adaptation, especially since “Journey’s End” has faced production challenges in the past, and has been delayed for years. However, as much as I love historical films, the reason that I clicked on this article was because I was expecting a Cumberbatch-Hiddleston scandal. This article is a great example of how the media twists celebrity news in order to attract the public’s attention. After all, which of these two headlines sounds more appealing:

“Benedict Cumberbatch and Tom Hiddleston in new film”

OR

“Benedict Cumberbatch goes to war with Tom Hiddleston” ?

I’m sure the majority of us would choose the latter. The second title is filled with potential as it hints at a juicy celebrity scandal between two very popular British actors. Of course, this article is an example of good writing and celebrity journalism as the writer tries to lure the reader in with an exciting title, however it is also an example of how we tend to distort and over glorify celebrities.

What is Benedict Cumberbatch really doing? He is working like the majority of people on this planet. Yet, why is his “rumored” role in this upcoming film so important? Because he is a celebrity and the public is obsessed with all aspects of his life. Cumberbatch could sneeze at any moment, and it would be in the news. In fact, I can see the headline now…”Cumberbatch succumbs to internal tremor: the Sneeze debacle of 2014.”

It is also important to note that all facts in this article are “rumored” and none of the above mentioned actors (including Cumberbatch!) have signed on to these roles. Essentially, we are all getting excited over a trivial piece of celebrity news that might not even happen. Yet, as much as I like to dismantle the celebrity industry and critique our Cumberbatch obsession, I am essentially feeding the same beast by writing this blog post…and that my friends, is the Catch-22 of writing about celebrities.

The Cumberbatch Effect

by Silvia Jiang

Last weekend, at the end of the Hay Festival, when dame Judi Dench was open to answer questions from the audiences, she got one from Benedict Cumberbatch asking if she would like to play a role with him in his new TV show, Richard III. Judi Dench acted like very surprised at first and, of course, said yes to Cumberbatch’s invitation. She then asked the actor to go to the stage with her to do a mini performance.

“It’s rumoured Cumberbatch has been trying to get Dench on board for a while – keen for her to take on the role of Queen Margaret in director Dominic Cooke’s re-imagining of the play.” – Radiotimes

We wouldn’t know if the whole thing is a fine publicity stunt or really Cumberbatch’s trick to have her hard to say no in front of the crowd. What we know for sure is Richard III has already grabbed the media and the audiences’ attention even before the shooting. The crew first invited an A-list actor, and then had the actor to persuade Judi Dench to join the team in such a dramatic way.

In any case, the incident once again reflects Cumberbatch’s fame. It is possible that it wouldn’t be such a big deal if it was someone else send the invitation instead of him. It is also possible that Judi Dench said yes because the person who asked her is, right now, one of the most popular celebrities in the world. Most of the websites emphasized Cumberbatch when they were reporting about this.

Despite what happened between him and Judi Dench, Benedict Cumberbatch himself was pretty busy during the festival as well. If you google the actor’s name, there are lots of article tittles say something like “Benedict Cumberbatch Reading Kurt Vonnegut’s Letter.” Almost everyone likes his reading. It was videotaped and got many compliments.

“It’s almost enough to make the wait for “Sherlock” Season 4 a little more bearable.” – zap2it

It seems to be that the image of Benedict Cumberbatch is constantly growing since the moment he became famous. The press has an undeniable contribution on it. To the majority of the people, the only way they get to know what celebrities are doing is through media. At the same time, the media would need the celebrities, like Cumberbatch, to attract the readers.

It reminds me of what Cumberbatch did back to the Oscar. He jumped into the picture when he saw the other actors were taking selfie. How funny is that! He is a hard working actor who knows the way to hook the audiences. That’s why we love him, and the press loves him more.