Benedict Cumberbatch.Photo: P. Lehman/Barcroft Media via Getty
Benedict Cumberbatchthinks it’s time for men to listen.
The Power of the Dogactor, 45, toldSky Newsabout his perspective on toxic masculinity and explained, “We need to fix the behavior of men.”
“You get this sort of rebellion aspect [from men today], this denial, this sort of childish defensive position of ‘Not all men are bad.’ But no, we just have to shut up and listen,” said Cumberbatch while discussing the themes in the film.
“There is not enough recognition of abuse,” he continued. “There’s not enough recognition of disadvantages and, at the same time, somewhere along the line — maybe not now, but somewhere along the line — we need to do maybe what the film does as well, which is examine the reason behind the oppressive behavior.”
“He had this burning love affair in his youth, which wasn’t tolerated, which wasn’t allowed, couldn’t be spoken of and the tragedy of that is what twists him into this sort of form of masculine toxicity,” the British star told reporters of his character at the New York Film Festival premiere in October.
Taylor Hill/WireImage
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Of the time period, the star said, “I think it speaks to a time of intolerance and a lack of acceptance where people couldn’t live any kind of their authentic self.”
Cumberbatch, who is straight, hasfaced scrutinyin this role. The actor previously played real-life mathematician Alan Turing, a gay man, in 2014’sThe Imitation Game.
“I feel very sensitive about representation, diversity and inclusion,” he said at the Telluride Film Festival regardingPower of the Dog, according toIndieWire. “One of the appeals of the job was the idea that in this world, with this specific character, there was a lot that was private, hidden from view. … It wasn’t done without thought.”
The Power of the Doghits Netflix Dec. 1.
source: people.com
