About this episode
Benedict Cumberbatch joins the show to talk about his performance as Phil Burbank in Jane Campion's much anticipated film, The Power Of The Dog. Set in 1920's Montana, the film follows rancher Phil and his brother George (Jesse Plemons). When George brings home his new wife Rose (Kirsten Dunst) and her son Peter (Kodi Smit-McPhee), Phil responds to the pair with mocking cruelty, until the unexpected happens. In this interview, Cumberbatch reflects on the personal significance and excitement of meeting Campion for the first time, explains his deep fascination with his character Phil, and describes the intense physical preparation he went through to bring him to life. Cumberbatch also gives insight into Campion's directorial style, speaks frankly about the challenges of the two-month Covid lockdown that halted the film's production, and tells listeners why he's been feeling fearless lately.