Join us as we dive into the extraordinary world of Benedict Cumberbatch’s latest Netflix show, “Eric,” where the acclaimed actor surprises fans by dressing as a monster on screen! But that’s not even the most shocking part – wait until you hear what he had to say about this daring role!
When it comes to versatility, few actors can match the range that Benedict Cumberbatch brings to the screen. But even he was pushed to the limits in his latest role in the Netflix thriller series Eric. Picture this: Cumberbatch jogging around the busy streets of New York City in a seven-foot monster suit. Yes, you read that right. The highly acclaimed actor opened up about this unforgettable experience that left bystanders utterly bewildered.
A 7-Foot Monster in New York
Benedict Cumberbatch revealed in an interview with BBC News that running through New York dressed as a monster was one of the most ludicrous activities he’s ever done. “It was one of the most ludicrous things I’ve ever done – and I’ve done a few,” he explained, adding that it was both “fun” and “painfully funny.”
In the series Eric, Cumberbatch portrays Vincent, the troubled father of a missing nine-year-old boy named Edgar. The show, set in the 1980s, captures Vincent obsessively trying to recreate a real-life version of Eric, a monster his son had imagined and drawn.
The Psychological Exploration in Eric
Created by Abi Morgan, the series delves deep into the psychological aspects of Vincent’s character. Cumberbatch described Vincent’s journey as a “chaotic guy on the edge,” explaining how his traumatic upbringing turns him into a complex and sometimes destructive individual.
The monster, Eric, stands next to Vincent throughout the series, poking fun at his ego and making wisecracks at his expense. According to Cumberbatch, the character of Eric represents Vincent’s “shadow self,” a concept developed by the psychiatrist Carl Jung. This shadow self comprises parts of our psyche that we often hide, such as trauma and resentment.
The Challenges of Wearing the Monster Suit
Playing a seven-foot monster wasn’t all fun and games; Cumberbatch found it humbling and quite illuminating. He shared how challenging it was to navigate while wearing the 20kg suit, which required goggles to help him see through four fixed cameras inside it. “You can’t see at all, as we would, with periphery – nothing,” he revealed.
Cumberbatch was deeply moved by Olly Taylor, who donned the suit for most of the series. “It was beautiful to act opposite Olly; he gave him so much life and character,” said Cumberbatch, describing how it felt to momentarily step into Taylor’s shoes, or rather, into his monster suit.
A Multi-Layered Look at Society
Eric does much more than just tell a story about a father searching for his son. The series navigates through complex themes like addiction, family breakdown, mental illness, homophobia, racism, corruption, homelessness, and even the Aids epidemic. Writer Abi Morgan used her own experiences, growing up in a theatrical family and working as a nanny in 1980s New York, to add depth to the show.
- Exploration of addiction
- Family breakdown
- Mental illness
- Homophobia and racism
- Corruption and homelessness
- Aids epidemic
The Resonating Messages
One of the key messages of Eric is that “little monsters become big monsters.” Morgan explained that the series isn’t just about parenting on a personal level but also how a city, as a larger entity, “parents” its people. The show holds a mirror up to society, asking important questions about our times and the underlying issues we face.
Mark Your Calendars
If you’re intrigued by this complex, multi-layered narrative, don’t miss Eric when it releases on Netflix on May 30. With Cumberbatch’s astounding performance and a storyline rich in psychological and societal explorations, it’s bound to captivate audiences everywhere.