Third Star
I am going to let you know a little secret of mine. Are you ready? It is really shocking and I hope you are sitting down;
I am a Cumberbitch.
Ok. So if you have hung around me for longer than a millisecond that is nothing really new. After all, I not only proclaimed my love for the man during my Sherlock coverage at I’m With Geek but if you follow me on Tumblr or Twitter, you’d be inundated with little animated gifs and interviews Yes, I am not ashamed to admit it and if I ever met the bloke after picking myself up from the inevitable pool I’d dissolve into, I’d proudly announce it (in all my professionalism.) And I am pretty sure a thousand women are nodding their heads along with me.
Part of me, felt I needed to get it out there, but regardless of where my panties stand on the Cumberbatch scale, I have always respected him as an actor. That respect goes back long before Sherlock and his floppy curls came along. It started with a television movie Hawking. It continued with productions like Forty Something, and Starter For Ten. But it was Third Star that utterly solidified the fact that Cumberbatch was something special, new and unique.
Recently, I gave this to a writer for an experiment to change his stance on Benedict Cumberbatch (the result is here by the way.) And since then it has been on my mind. Third Star revolves around James, a late twenties man who has been diagnosed with an incurable cancer. On the cusp of his birthday, he wants to go to a secluded beach and celebrate with his friends; Davy, Miles and Bill. Soon the trip becomes a quest to complete one final mission on James’ list. Also starring Three Musketeers stars JJ Field and Tom Burke, Third Star turns into a heartfelt, warm and emotional journey.
Yes, ok, so the movie isn’t really the best one. It’s not to say it isn’t good, it just isn’t fantastic. While director Hattie Dalton may utilize the astonishing beauty of the British countryside alongside a sweeping score and fun soundtrack, some moments don’t sit entirely well. It can be overwrought with a desire to provoke emotion or make you laugh and sometimes that makes it a little stale. Nevertheless, there is a pure tenderness in here as the four lads trot along woodlands and beaches carrying their sick, dying friend. And that tongue in cheek attitude, the no passion spared and even the insults thrown at one another feels very real, especially to the English “we take no bullshit” attitude.
While we are here, I’d be a fool not to mention the absolutely stellar performance from Benedict Cumberbatch (after all, this is why we are here, non?) As the dying James, he is able to flit between this pained longing for life to a desperation to seize the little time he has left. While he may seem selfish and self-centred to a lot of people, it is utterly reasonable for him to be. Cumberbatch rounds James with both likeability, empathy and a strange un-likeability too. He plays him with this humanistic depth and it is outstanding to watch; at points, heart-breaking. It showcases his talent and flits between many issues he has to face seamlessly; from a rant on a beach to unable to cope with the pain. Cumberbatch is excellent here and is supported from a great team too.
There may be an overabundance of sentimentality that doesn’t land the way Dalton and screenwriter Vaughan Sivell probably wanted it go. But the picturesque landscapes and the strong performances from all lead to a thought provoking and endearing film. Not to mention, the ending is extremely emotional, which will lead to many blubbing into their cinematic snacks and pyjamas. It’s genuine though and 2010’s Third Star is not to be missed.