Cumberbatch is Going Down!

[rusty_armour]

Going down to #5 on my mental list of favourite Sherlock Holmeses. While it's possible that the quote was taken out of context, I'm still not happy with what Benedict Cumberbatch had to say about Jeremy Brett's portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in Sherlock: The Casebook:

"...I think Brett's interpretation, masterful though it is, is always going to be something of its own. It becomes something that isn't Sherlock Holmes."

Now, if Cumberbatch was arguing that there are moments when Brett's interpretation is more Brett than Holmes, I'd be okay with that because, quite frankly, it's probably true. I'd even understand if Cumberbatch was referring to Brett's interpretation in the Granada episodes from 1990 and beyond because they were absolute crap -- though I blame this on the writing more than Brett's performance. Unfortunately, this sounds like Brett's interpretation in general isn't Sherlock Holmes and that's just not on. No, I'm sorry, Cumberbatch, but until my temper cools (or I rewatch an episode of Sherlock), Douglas Wilmer is moving up to the #4 and you're sliding down to #5. If I was angrier (or feeling a bit more patriotic), you might be falling down to #6 and trading places with Christopher Plummer.

My issues with Cumberbatch aside, I'm really enjoying Sherlock: The Casebook. It's worth it for Sherlock's catty post-it notes alone. *g*

Comments

[radiogaga80.livejournal.com]

I'm definitely not as knowledgeable as you when it comes to the subject of Sherlock Holmes, I can see why you decided to put Benedict Cumberbatch a step lower on the ladder.
His comments aside, I'm actually a bit surprised he wasn't higher up in the first place. Who are your #2 and #3?

BTW - whilst on the subject... I still can't get myself to watch the US-version of Sherlock. I tried, but the actor playing SH just doesn't look the part!

[lazigyrl.livejournal.com]

Benedict does sometimes has way of wording things that upsets the fan, which may explain why he does a good Sherlock. ;-)

[maggie-conagher.livejournal.com]

hesitant to weigh in on this because I am new to Sherlock and only know BC's portrayal. Still reading through ACD canon for the first time.

This quote is familiar to me from a longer article I read though.

this is my faulty memory, it was on tumblr sometime in recent past.

BC was being asked about getting lost in the character and I think this quote is talking about how Brett gave himself so fully to the performance that it became a risk for him emotionally and that made it not just about Sherlock but about Brett's sacrifice for his art.

It stuck with me because I worry about actors but at the time I thought how lucky we are to follow a program where all leads seem to be on solid ground emotionally. BC is the only one w/o a steady partner, but he has lots of good friends who keep him grounded.

Since Brett was a friend of his parents, I do not think that BC meant any harm. This was an unfortunate pulling of a quote. BC makes speeches, long articulate answers that don't fit today's sound byte media. Sorry you had to see it this way and be upset. You are always careful and fair.

But number 4 on your list as an afficianado is still high praise.

[karen9.livejournal.com]

I'm not familiar with Jeremy Brett's portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, but Cumberbatch's comment is rather insulting. I quite understand your moving him down a notch!
i'm glad the comment hasn't spoiled your enjoyment of Sherlock: The Casebook.

[njc2007.livejournal.com]

I don't follow Sherlock Holmes in any form and I think I have only ever seen Basil Rathbone's version (aside from Sherlock Hemlock on Sesame Street) so I can't really comment on that. I just popped in to say I really enjoy when you get grumpy about something like this. Your arguments are always very articulate and reasoned.

[puckrobin.livejournal.com]

I think even in the 1980s, there was some criticism that Brett was straying too much from the canonical Holmes. However, it's funny to hear Cumberbatch make it, when all modern performances - Cumberbatch's included - take so much from Brett. There's a tendency for people to denigrate their most obvious influences. And I think that's what is happening here. Jeremy Brett casts a very long shadow.

I think Jonny Lee Miller is entertaining, but he's a bit more House than Holmes. Elementary is better than most shit on American network TV, but it's no Sherlock either.

So, what did you think of the Big Finish Hound of the Baskervilles?

[funkyinfishnet.livejournal.com]

Ah my heart flutters at the mere thought of Jeremy Brett. What a wonderful Sherlock he was, he's definitely my absolute favourite. I suspect Mr Cumberbatch's comment is not as stinging when in context though I well understand your wrath. Poor Mr Brett was so mentally sick by the end of his life and was so intertwined with the character that it's hard to tell in the much later episodes if we're seeing Sherlock or Jeremy sometimes, they were so close together. *hugs* We know Jeremy will always be number one :)

[ext-1780375.livejournal.com (from livejournal.com)]

I love this...I have a list of favourite Holmeses as well, believe me...