Folk‑Tale Fever: Benedict Cumberbatch Every‑where‑you‑saw‑his‑cow‑horse‑vibes
Benedict Cumberbatch went from a “Sherlock” mastermind to a rugged ninety‑s
see? He didn’t just crank up his character on the set – he actually lived like a 1920s rancher while filming The Power of the Dog. The whole shoot was a “character‑in‑a‑cell” marathon, and the British star didn’t leave a single scene without looking like a real cowboy.
Jane Campion Gets Back in the Saddle
The director, who hasn’t directed a feature since 2009’s Bright Star, finally takes the helm again. The trusty Lake Placid producer bagged the Silver Lion for best director at Venice, so everyone knows she’s back in business.
Phil Burbank: Turf‑Tamer Turned Turf‑Troll
- Phil is the quintessential ranch boss – think big‑eye, hard‑nose.
- His world gets wobbled when his brother George introduces a brand‑new wife and a teenage son.
- Yep, Phil’s next move? A one‑handed rampage of bullying to prove he’s still the king of the ranch.
“There is just so much to understand about Phil and he’s very far from me. It was a very immersive experience. I was allowed to be him for the whole shoot,” Cumberbatch told Reuters.
In the studio, Campion tossed a pillow‑shot: “You’ll meet Benedict later.” The star wig‑gated, and the costume team let him juggle a life‑scale rancher. Fun fact: he had the raw permission to be gritty all month long.
Prep Like a (Real) Cowboy
The actor turned into a master of the west in more ways than one. He spent time learning:
- braiding and roping – no instant cinematic aid, just good‑old muscle.
- cattle management – how modern ranching works, which is basically a techno‑tough version of the old dusty drama.
- banjo tricks – because a country tale deserves a few sweet chords.
- taxidermy level art – a closed‑own corner where he made a horse shoe for Jane.
- whittling aim – from a seasoned iron‑mongery to his own craftsmanship overhaul.
- whistling – he kept blasting it for authenticity.
“I…learned …” he clicks. “…and keep practicing my whistling – so, basically, a full cowboy package.”
Jesse and Kirsten: The Franchise‑Dad Couple
The real‑life couple Jonas & W; actually Jesse Plemons and Kirsten Dunst. They’re co‑stars in Jane’s film as George and the newcomer Rose, providing a genuine “family” vibe on set.
“It was great to have them together as a family. That’s how we first bonded,” Dunst confessed. “I love that Jane wasn’t afraid of putting us together in a film.”
The Curtain Call
Grab your popcorn because The Power of the Dog officially hits cinemas next week and, on Dec 1, it lands on Netflix’s streaming shelves. Get ready to watch Cumberbatch swap his Doctor Strange cape for a cowboy hat in this anxiously awaited drama.