Sorry about this ladies but...

[vienna1981]

...what is the big deal about Benedict Cumberbatch ? I genuinely don't understand. He seems to be everywhere recently and his engagement garnered a lot of publicity, as well as envy.

Is he a particularly gifted actor ? I'm vaguely aware of some Sherlock Holmes connection. To be blunt he isn't exactly blessed with matinee idol looks.

Standing by for replies and venom .

He's not conventionally attractive, but the things I would do to that man...

I agree that he isn't "selling" the engagement. They don't really seem particularly interested in each other, do they?

I don't get 'it', but I do think he's a good actor and has a great voice.

I forgot Jennifer lawrence, another who seems intelligent but doesn't take themselves seriously.
Skyninja: I reckon it's because they are interested in doing something that they enjoy doing more than the limelight as opposed to enjoying the limelight more than the acting. At least to a certain extent. There is a hell of a lot of luck and strings pulled as to who ends up in big productions too obviously, but I can imagine that those who are "popular" tabloid fodder get chosen for roles because of that over somebody more talented often.

Orange: I'd say my DP isn't classically attractive tbh. We went to school together and he looked very gawky through our teen years (as did i) . Definitely grew into his features imo

I used to not get it too. I saw Sherlock 1 and 2, enjoyed it but didn't really fancy him. Then I watched him in Star Trek. That did it for me. Then series 3 sherlock - blimey. I can totally see that those who haven't seen him in anything don't understand why people fancy him. In fact, he himself said something like "I think the reason I'm making these hottie lists - it's a reflection of the work, so I'm flattered". Charisma through acting I think. Especially since he hasn't done any bog-standard manipulating your emotions rom-coms. And I have tickets to see him in Hamlet!

I really like him, his face is expressive and he was excellent in Parades End,

For those of you who appreciate all things Cumberbatch, may I recommend the BCAS?

He is a brilliant actor, and I think he is mesmerising. Just my opinion. His mum and dad are both actors, and they play his parents on Sherlock. I loved him in Star Trek: Into Darkness, love Sherlock, I haven't seen his new film about Alan Turing yet, but my mum has seen it and said he is terrific in it.