Arthur Conan Doyle’s whimsical sleuth, Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.), returns to the public as charming as ever, and nothing can outsmart our favorite detective, not even practical magic. Director Guy Ritchie reinvents Holmes in his film, set in Victorian London, and it’s nothing short of “dangerously alluring.” Nothing escapes Holmes in this film that combines elements of mystery, action, adventure, drama, and of course, crime, with a touch of romance in the mix.
Holmes and Dr. Watson (Jude Law), Holmes’s “loyal dog”, charm the silver screen with their impassioned yet affectionate relationship. This time they’re out to catch Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong), the bad guy who is executed at the start of the film but rises from the grave to resume his killing spree and carry on his evil plan to propel an ancient secret society to the head of the universe. His high hopes seem somewhat (or completely) impossible to achieve; after all, what villain actually ends up taking over the world? Far-fetched and fascinating simultaneously. And then there is Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams), the femme fatale who is too beautiful to be a cold-blooded criminal and menacing temptress, but somehow you can’t help but fall in love just like Holmes has. Or has he? No sense in worrying, there is sure to be a sequel starring Holmes’s archenemy and criminal mastermind, Professor Moriarity.
Victorian London is Mr. Downey’s natural habitat; perhaps he was Sherlock Holmes in a previous life. He demonstrates the witticism and brilliance of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s original character, and nothing is lost in translation. How is it that he can strategically plan in his head every move he will make to pummel his opponent in a fighting ring, covered in blood and sweat, restless, and execute it perfectly within seconds? Nothing is more dangerous than a scientific mind when you’re Sherlock Holmes. After the opening scene Holmes is all washed up, stuck in 221B Baker Street with nothing but his violin, and apparently pictures of Ms. Adler and a stalker file. However, he cleans up nicely, just in time to meet Watson’s fiancée, Mary, and show his jealous side. He really is an all around normal guy on the inside. If nothing else, this is the Holmes we can relate to.
One case Holmes fails to solve is the case of the missing deerstalker hat and pipe; the literary Holmes’s signature look. This is surprising granted the costume designer is eight-time Academy Award nominee for best costume design, Jenny Beavan. However, the costumes are deeply rooted in the time period, and they suit the actors well. Ms. Adams’s seductive dress and luscious red lips at the start of the film add a refreshing splash of color to an otherwise bleak and gray setting. While Beavan admits in an interview with Vanity Fair that she took liberties and pushed the colors, they are absolutely within the time period. Watson’s crisp tailoring and Holmes’s vintage attire are the least of our worries when Lord Blackwood is blowing up wooden barrels trying to kill our main characters. The clothes catch on fire anyway. All is well just as long as our favorite sleuth is stayin’ alive.
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I like the cheeky tone of this article, especially in the second paragraph. You do a good job of narrating the basic events of the film without giving too much away, and commenting on each element as you mention it, as opposed to listing a plot summary and then commenting. I like that you talked about the costumes and the historical accuracy, specifically your mention of colors. Though I'm a bit confused on whether the lack of hat and pipe was a huge issue for you. It didn't seem like it was, but if so, why was it such a big deal, and why not go further into that?
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your review, it made me want to see the film even more! I found both your plot summary and your own comments to be thorough and interesting. I like how you touched on aspects such as the costumes and the actors (especially how Downey, in your opinion, seemed a good fit for the role of Sherlock Holmes. Or as you said, "perhaps he was Sherlock Holmes in a previous life."). I also liked how you mentioned various similarities and differences between the "signature" Holmes and the Holmes in this film. I would have liked to hear more of your thoughts on these differences though. Did you find that they enhanced or detracted at all from the film? Were these differences important or more trivial? Overall, however, this is definitely a strong review!
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