Reviews

Benedict Cumberbatch, Transition Completed: Films, Fame, Fans, by Lynnette Porter

katieb94's review against another edition

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4.0

The first one looked at the start of his career- this one, although shorter, focused on later ones and had much more to it, from individual projects to some not so perfect behaviour in the eye of the paparazzi.

That being said- these books are written in the academic style by someone who works in an academic background. There are quotes and reviews from various sources all back up with references. Obviously there's been a lot if research done during the writing of this book. I like that it's not very fangirly.

You can tell that Porter is a fan bit the fact is never obviously stated. It's not just someone writing a book to fangirl over Benedict. It's an informative piece of writing that looks at his work in more depth.

This book looks at his work post - Sherlock and his rise in Hollywood through various blockbuster films (Star Trek, The Hobbit, 12 Years a Slave...) as well as other mediums such as radio and theatre. He has a wide range of skills making him a very diverse actor.

The way this book is written and laid out demonstrates that. Using chapter titles as links to make the book flow as well is a subtle way to compare his work without being too critical.

A transitional biography is a clever way to look at an actors life in the premise of work rather than personal life- yes there's hints, but the main focus here is Benedict the actor not Benedict the man.

I'll definitely flip through it again, to reinform myself of various films.
4/5 stars. I did prefer the first one but I'd also like her to write more as he continues to act.

I'm sure we haven't heard the last of Benedict Cumberbatch just yet.
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