Sunday, January 03, 2010
"Sherlock Holmes" (2009)
I am not a Baker Street Irregular; I have no detailed knowledge of the life and adventures of the consulting detective Sherlock Holmes. I only know the basics. I know he lived on Baker Street in 19th century London; I know his friend and companion was one Dr. Watson; I know his lifelong enemy was Professor Moriarty; and I know Holmes valued logic and observation above all else, taking such to extremes that we find almost supernatural today. Bits and pieces, here and there. Drug abuse. His brother Mycroft.But I know enough to identify some creative additions in Guy Ritchie's and Robert Downey Jr.'s interpretation of "Sherlock Holmes".
First, in the modern movie, he's far more physical than I recall him being in the past. A rough-knuckled, manic-depressive, substance abuser. Can't remember the last actor who had to have a six-pack to portray the detective.
Second, from what I remember, Watson was nearly always much older; a harrumph-ing white mustached sort of chap. So having Jude Law play him feels like a change. A change for the better, I think. It puts the two characters' friendship into the realm of bromance.
I gotta be honest with you, Marge, I would watch Robert Downey Jr. in anything. He's one of a handful of actors that I find captivating. So it was a forgone conclusion that I would enjoy "Sherlock Holmes".
But Guy Ritchie's direction gives London such a gritty, realistic look, and the proper bantering between Holmes and Watson, and even the addition of a love interest for Holmes, the scandalous Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams)… The movie was great fun, even if the actual mystery, involving a Satan worshipping nobleman, was a bit of a letdown.
Still, if you dig brass-and-glass fittings, and Victorian clothing, and cobblestone streets, this is the movie for you.
Labels: movies
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