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    Benedict Cumberbatch Says That Men Need "To Shut Up And Listen" When It Comes To Toxic Masculinity

    "We need to fix the behavior of men."

    Benedict Cumberbatch is taking a stand against toxic masculinity.

    A close up Benedict at an event

    In his new The Power of the Dog, the actor takes on the role of domineering rancher Phil Burbank, a man who inspires fear in all those around him.

    When Phil's brother arrives at the ranch with his new wife and her son, he responds with mocking cruelty, and his attitude becomes a central point in the plot.

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    In a new interview with Sky News, Benedict discussed how the film depicts gender and power — and how it pertains to real life.

    A close up Benedict at an event

    "We need to fix the behavior of men. You have to kind of lift the lid on the engine a little bit," Benedict told the outlet.

    A close up Benedict at an event

    He continued, "I think it’s ever relevant, and in a world that’s questioning and ripping into and finally pointing out the inadequacies of the status quo and the patriarchy, it’s even more important."

    A close up Benedict at an event

    Benedict added that men often become defensive around the subject, when really they just need to listen.

    A close up Benedict at an event

    He went on to discuss abuse, which is also prevalent in the film, and the fact that although survivors now have a platform, there is still not enough recognition of the subject.

    A close up Benedict at an event

    "There is not enough recognition of abuse, there’s not enough recognition of disadvantages and, at the same time, somewhere along the line — maybe not now, but somewhere along the line — we need to do maybe what the film does as well, which is examine the reason behind the oppressive behavior to fix the men," he said.

    A close up Benedict at an event

    You can listen to all that Benedict had to say here.