Benedict with Martin Freeman

If you weren’t in love with him already, this AMA conversation that The Fifth Estate actor had would ensure that you did. At least a little bit. Benedict Cumberbatch is serious when he is talking about his latest film but is also full of sass, a welcome addition to the earnest guy we’ve grown to love.

Here is Benedict being earnest:

Julian Assange’s open letter to you criticising The Fifth Estate is very intense. He even goes so far as to call you a “hired gun” for distorting the truth.... Did this affect the way you portrayed him or even make you second guess your role at all in this film?

Benedict: Yes, of course it did. To have the man you are about to portray ask you intelligently and politely not to do it gave me real cause for concern. However, it galvanised me into addressing why I was doing this movie. He accuses me of being a “hired gun” as if I am an easily bought cypher for right-wing propaganda.

Not only do I NOT operate in a moral vacuum, but this was not a pay day for me at all. I’ve worked far less hard for more financial reward. This project was important to me because of the integrity I wanted to bring to a provocative, difficult, but ultimately, timely and a truly important figure of our modern times. The idea of making a movie about someone who is so far removed from my likeness or situation, who brought about an ideal through personal sacrifice that has changed the way we view both social media [and] the power of the individual to have a voice in that space, and be able to question both the hypocrisies and wrongdoings of organisations and bodies of powerful people that rule our lives.... This resonated deeply with my beliefs in civil liberty, a healthy democracy, and the human rights of both communities and individuals to question those in authority.

I believe that the film, quite clearly, illuminates the great successes of WikiLeaks and its extraordinary founder Julian Assange. As well as examining the personalities involved and what become[s] a dysfunctional relationship within that organisation....

I wanted to create a three-dimensional portrait of a man far more maligned in the tabloid press than he is in our film, to remind people that he is not just the weird, white-haired Australian dude wanted in Sweden, hiding in an embassy behind Harrods. But a true force to be reckoned with, achieved the realisation of the great ideal. I’m proud to be involved in tackling such a contentious character and script. There is only personal truth in my opinion, and the film should provoke debate and not consensus. It should be enjoyable and ultimately empowering to realise that Julian has spearheaded a movement that is the foundation stone of The Fifth Estate, people journalism and what that is capable of, including finding out the “truth” for yourself.

Of course, this (very lengthy) reply immediately led to the following observation:

And this is the proof against a Benedict Twitter account.

Benedict: Julian complex important proud to have attempted an interpretation. Film out Oct. 18 #FifthEstate

How’s that?

Is fame different from how you imagined it would be?

Benedict: You can’t imagine fame. You can only ever see it from an outsider and comment on it with the rueful wisdom of a non-participant. When it happens to you, it doesn’t matter what age or how, it is a very steep learning curve. The important thing to realise in all of it is that life is short, to protect the ones you love, and not expose yourself to too much abuse or narcissistic reflection gazing and move on. If fame affords me the type of ability to do the kind of work I’m being offered, who am I to complain about the downsides. It’s all relative. And these are obviously very high class problems. The way privacy becomes an ever shrinking island is inevitable but also manageable and it doesn’t necessary have to get that way....

Has there been a time when you’ve been completely starstruck meeting someone famous but had to play it cool because you’re famous too?

Benedict: Uhhhhhhhh. Every time I’ve met someone famous who I’ve been in the audience of. I have the same butterflies and inability to be cool. I approach them as a fellow member of the human race as the next person in their audience does. I’ve been doing this for 10 odd years, and so, to meet people who thrilled me with their work for my entire life in such a concentrated manner as has happened over the last few years, has been mind-blowing. One of the many perks of my job, I guess.

And then here is him being cute:

What’s the weirdest encounter you’ve had with a fan?

Benedict: Ted Danson at a pre-Oscar party screaming across a floor of people like Leonardo DiCaprio, Ray Liotta, Kristen Stewart, Kirsten Dunst, et al while pushing past them and knocking their drinks. “OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! IT’S FU****G SHERLOCK HOLMES!”

There are millions of reasons as to why I watch Sherlock and your perfect comedic timing is most definitely one of them!

Benedict: Thank you. I learned from the master, Martin Freeman [John Watson].

Where has your favourite place been so far to visit?

Benedict: On an untouched New Zealand glacier via helicopter where I stepped out in trainers, jogging pants, and got out and danced. Or touching the earth after my first skydiving jump in Namibia. Or a balcony in South Africa where I felt the sun on my face after the night I was carjacked.

What are a few of your favourite comfort movies that are nostalgic to you and you never tire of?

Benedict: Ghostbusters. Loads of John Hughes classics. Annie Hall. Annnnnd 2001 Space Odyssey!!

He said Ghostbusters!

And then, of course, he turned into the king of sass:

What was your favourite prank, done by you or to you, on or off set?

Benedict: Neutron cream. Come on, people!

P.S.: Anytime you’re in a restaurant with a group of friends and one of them goes to the restroom or bathroom (presume there are many nationalities involved in this AMA), tell the waiter that it’s that person’s birthday. Not only is it fun to embarrass the hell out of the poor victim, but you get free cake in the bargain.

AMA put up this picture (above):

And the response?

My wife would sincerely like to know if you are wearing anything under your robe..... please respond, this is important for our mental well-being.

Benedict: You should be asking who’s naked under it with me.

How did you survive the fall?!

Benedict: Haven’t you seen winged suits on YouTube?? I told you I was into skydiving. How many more clues do you need people?

What do you think of your fans calling themselves ‘Cumbercookies’? That way when we all come together, we’ll be the ‘Cumberbatch’.

Benedict: It’s great! You could call yourself the Cumbergirls, and then when you come together you’d be a flock. Or you could call yourself the Cumbertadpoles and that way you’d be the Cumberspawn...Wait!...Ew! Don’t do that.

Has your sass increased since working with Martin Freeman, or were you always this sassy?

Benedict: Well of course Martin will be furious unless I say I owe it all to him. And believe me, his wrath is more fearsome than any dragon’s.

And then this is how the Internet broke with one innocent question on doctor Who & Loki

Do you, Matt Smith, and Tom Hiddleston have cheekbone polishing parties?

Benedict: We like nothing better than buffing our Zygoma. And imagining a horny time travelling long overcoat purple scarf wearing super sleuth nordic legend f*** fantasy. Get to work on that, Internet.

We assume there was a minute of shocked silence and then the Internet went... splatch! On the left is one of the fan arts posted immediately. His response?

Benedict: Phenomenal. Why does Matt have the hammer? Sure it’s the wrong household tool? Shouldn’t it be a sonic toothbrush with a screwdriver on the end of it? And what’s Simon Pegg doing staring at my abundant locks? And where’s his right hand?