Benny C Interview
SERIES OF THE WEEK
SHERLOCK: HOLMES SWEET HOLMES
[Translator’s note: everything between [] is by me and not in the original article]
Sometimes the first one is really the best one; when Benedict Cumberbatch auditioned for the main part in ‘Sherlock’, the modern BBC-version of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories, he had convinced Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss in no time. “He was at the top of our list, and we knew from the start: this is our Sherlock. Benedict doesn’t look like a normal human, he’s more an exotic animal (laughs). No wonder he plays one eccentric character after the other.” From this evening turns the charismatic Cumerbatch, [something about RRSS & War Horse & Star Trek], up in the second season of Sherlock on Canvas [channel].
The first season was a huge success. Did you see that coming?
Ben: Yes and no. The production of the first episodes was huge fun for the whole cast and crew. Martin Freeman (who plays John Watson) and I were after the filming sure that it the result would be something special. That confidence you got to have, otherwise you just don’t start: a Victorian detective in the London of the 21st century. But that the audience would have been that enthusiastic about it, no, we didn’t see that coming.
Right now, your Sherlock is a style icon.
Ben: In the stories of Doyle are enough elements you can easily put into our time. The memories of dr. Watson, for example, are a blog in the series (to follow on johnwatsonblog.co.uk) and instead of walking around with a pipe, my character uses nicotine patches.
But what the hell do you give a modern Holmes to wear? Our costume designers spend a lot of time and energy in his look. Especially his long, wool coat was a smart move of them - the gloves and scarf were my idea. Further on I get to wear really nice suits, who are cut that tight that they keep me from breathing or hinder my digestion from time to time. But hey, anything for the show! (laughs)
What’s different in the new season concerning the relationship between Holmes & Watson?
Ben: Because we have moved on a year, the two are a closer team than ever. There are still moments where one thinks of the other: “Oh dear, how did he get that into his blunt/rude [sorry, bad translation moment]?!” But in general they’re much better in responding to each other. John meanwhile knows what’s he’s dealing with with Sherlock: he doesn’t try to change him anymore and just tries to fit/work with him [Sherlock] as best as he can. You’ll see that he’s [John] bringing up more human sides of him [Sherlock].
As ending: did Sherlock change your life much?
Ben: Actually, yeah. I still have to get used to the fact that I get recognized everywhere. A while ago I got out of the pool whilst a group of young girls were just getting in. They all got together, giggling and screaming, to quarrel whether it was me or not. On which I started laughing very loudly and yelled with an high-pitched voice: ‘It is him! It’s him!” Very strange experience, because I’m not Sherlock Holmes whatsoever - I’m Benedict Cumberbatch!”