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Twilight SagaThe reinterpretation of beloved literary characters is always contentious, and Sherlock Holmes is no exception. Many a fan of Sir Conan Doyle's books, upon seeing the trailer for the new film, decried Guy Ritchie' s directorial efforts as far too energetic and revisionistic. Where is the deerstalker; where is the exquisite puzzling? Where is portly Watson, and why does he kick in the door just as viewers are about to see Sherlock work some proper lock-picking magic? If they were worried the final cut would end up a blend of Fight Club meets James Bond, I can assuage their tormented expectations and reveal that the final product is not only very enjoyable, but also adheres much closer to the Sherlock which Doyle created.
The film starts with the apprehension of Lord Blackwood, a nasty aristocrat menacingly portrayed by the talented British actor Mark Strong. Blackwood gets sentenced to death for his practice of dark magic, and the murders of young girls this drove him to. Sherlock is understandably unimpressed by his handicrafts, and even engages in some idle banter with our villain, mocking his M.O. just before he is lead to the gallows. This prompts Lord Blackwood to warn Sherlock that he should "widen his gaze", as they will meet again, with more ritual murders to follow.
One quick execution later, and we find attending physician Dr. John Watson taking note of Blackwood's lack of pulse, and the convict is ceremoniously laid to rest in his ornate grave. All is well in London, except for Sherlock's obvious resentment that Watson has finally decided to move out of 221b, pending his marriage with the pretty yet vapid Mary. Sherlock is once again roused from his bipolar slump when news breaks that Lord Blackwood has risen again, and is making good on his pre-death promise that more deaths will follow. Blackwood and Sherlock's narrative are cleverly cut together to make ensure that there is never a dull moment.
As Jude Law has pointed out in interviews the common impression of sharpwitted Holmes and bumbling Watson are mainly based upon Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce's portayal of the respective characters in the eponymous 1940s films. Sir Conan Doyle's character was not only an accomplished boxer, but also a manic depressive opium addict. The fact that Robert Downey Jr.'s character is rather visceral and petulant is not such a stretch. He is clearly also not the gentlemen many would expect, with his behaviour at times akin to one of television's well known bad boys, Doctor Gregory House. Producer Lionel Wigram stated that he "never agreed with the idea of the fairly stuffy Edwardian-type gentleman."
For the more cerebral viewers the sleuthing is at times rather, well, elementary, and viewers will have to simply accept the narrative for what it is during certain scenes. That said, for the most part the balance between puzzling and fighting is not distracting and the revelation at the end, however deus ex machina it may be, is rather smart. The supporting cast is excellent, with Rachel McAdams' Irene Adler both intriguing and endearing as Sherlock's girl that got away (quite literally, as she is a master thief). Kelly Reilly as Jude Law's fiancee Mary Morstan, only makes a very short appearance, but really plays her part well. Finally we have Inspector Lestrade, played by Eddie Marsan, who's interaction with Holmes is both amusing and convincing.
Critics who are eager to find fault with the production might note that throughout the first half of the movie it is not exactly clear what type of Holmes we're dealing with. At first it seems like his cunning is mainly related to the martial arts, as we are treated to a slow motion analysis of the fight before it plays out. However, this is quickly supplemented by Downey Jr. and Jude Law's incessant bickering — just like college roommates — which never ceases to amuse. It's clear that the movie makers tried to strike a balance between action and wit, and for the most part this combination works very well. Whether this would have been the case with any other cast is highly doubtful; these thespians' joy d'etre is palpable.
The soundtrack is superb, and although Hans Zimmer has in the past released themes with overly synthesised instrumentation, this time his efforts are highly original and satisfying, comparable to Black Hawk Down and Matchstick Men. They help create the stage, as much as the splendid costume design and brilliant cinematography. Guy Ritchie's work is known for its gritty feel, and this one is no exception. As Sweeny Todd said: "There's a hole in the world like a great black pit and the vermin of the world inhabit it." Lucky then that Downey is more than capable of handling the scum, as demonstrated in a slow motion fight with Sherlock wittily keeping up a rolling commentary of the damage he's inflicting on his opponent: "Physical recovery, six month. Psychological recovery: never."
This film makes for a very engaging watch; quickly drawing you into the story through a host of nice little touches, such as the ravens which herald the imminent prospect of someone dying, or the different tracking shots of 221b's porch every time a scene takes place there. In the end this might not be everyone's Sherlock yet but there's no reason it should not be. The ending is very satisfying, and not only manages to spectacularly close this particular case, but it also sets the stage for a potential sequel. Considering the success of this first installment, and the prospect of further character development, such a sequel is definitely something to look forward to.
8/10
Comments (3) — Add Yours
Well put Ryan, I just saw it today and found it immensely entertaining if nothing else. Excellent cast chemistry in this one.
# Posted by Boydesy on 14:57, 26 December 2009
I really enjoyed this movie, fabulous cast and they loved their roles! It’s got a great fast pace that keeps you engaged, the way they pulled you into Sherlock’s thinking was fabulous, and even the unspoken details of his observation - he goes to dinner for three, but orders one meal in advance…
A very believable Holmes, and one who isn’t dull for a moment! He may smoke a pipe but I couldn’t imagine he’d put his feet up.
# Posted by Phit on 14:51, 6 January 2010
Seconded from the top to the end, but I just would like to add a thing: Zimmer’s work was certainly one of his best, but the Dubliner’s “Rocky Road to Dublin” is the cherry at the top of the pie.
And for the references from the books-there are few enjoyable lines that are simply taken from here and there, which makes the whole more holmesque than ever…Now I expect the only weak side of the movie, the puzzle plot which wasn’t so puzzling as it may have been, to be perfectly solved for the next one…Can’t wait for more Downey jr. (and Law too, obviously)!
# Posted by Lyrael on 20:27, 21 January 2010
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