The character of Sherlock Holmes was created by Sir Arthur Conon Doyle and has starred in many novels and short stories. The character, and his trusty sidekick Dr. Watson, has also been adapted to film many times and in this 21st century effort directed by Guy Ritchie the world’s most well known detective is almost reborn in what is set to be the last blockbuster of the decade.Holmes is played by Robert Downey, Jr. who does an excellent job of portraying a very clever but effortless detective; an accidental genius of sorts. Jude Law plays Dr. Watson and the chemistry between Downey and Law is explicitly visible in the film and works to its advantage. It seems so natural and makes the characters very genuine and also pays homage to the relationship between Holmes and Watson – a bond as close as brothers. Watching them together is like watching a comedy sketch; they do genuinely look like they have known each other for years. The rest of the cast are also very strong, Rachel McAdams plays Irene Adler, a criminal mastermind whose motives are never quite revealed. Mark Strong plays Lord Blackwood and suits his role well; he has a very cold and dark aura about him that makes him perfect for the role of the villain.
The film is set in 1891, and the case to be solved in the film is to be the last case that Holmes and Watson will solve before Watson goes to get married. The pair aim to stop Lord Blackwood destroying London with his ‘black magic’. Lord Blackwood seemingly raises from the dead after being hanged and Dr. Watson himself even pronounced Blackwood dead.
As you’d expect from a Sherlock Holmes film, the film is very clever from all different perspectives. It is also directed in a way that almost insults the viewer’s intelligence to glorify Holmes’ superior intelligence that makes him the fantastic detective that he is. Most clues surpass the viewer and are then exploited by Holmes and then the viewer realises the genius of the film.
Holmes uses violence as a method of solving cases in this film and he demonstrates that he is very good at is, this is a side of Holmes that we’ve never seen before. Add to this the Hollywood style explosions and set pieces you’ve got Sherlock Holmes for 2009. A fight scene in slow motion is another example of Holmes’ genius. Normally slow motions scenes in films are irritating, but this scene is put together so well as Holmes explains what he is doing and why he is doing it move by move to overcome a big bruiser almost twice his size.
Sherlock Holmes is a relatively simple film that doesn’t require the viewer to think too much, all the clues are explained, the viewers do not have to figure anything out for themselves. It’s as entertaining as it is action packed. It’s rich in British wit and subtle humour that fits the setting of the film. In authenticity to the original character, there is not too many similarities, but Ritchie has created his own new 21st century Sherlock Holmes. It’s safe to say that this won’t be the only time we’ll be seeing Holmes on a film screen this century: the film sets up a sequel in typically annoying fashion making the ending dire for the viewer.
The narrative as whole is strong yet predictable, even at the beginning of the film it is clear how it will end. I think there are a few scenes that could have been cut down or were just completely unnecessary. Another little problem with the film is the authenticity to the time when it is set; in some respects it is clear that research has been done well to recreate it, however I can’t help but think that Irene always looks a little too made-up. I’m sure that make up wasn’t as advanced as it is now in the late 1800’s and to be honest there’s no real need to make Rachel McAdams up, she’s sexy enough as it is and plays the role of the femme fatale well.
Although predictable at times, Sherlock Holmes is still one of the better films of 2009. It’s very entertaining and a new take on the Sherlock character. Combined with some action, some humour and case solving detective genius, it’s a must see this holiday season.
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