Movie: Sherlock Holmes
Production Companies: Silver Pictures, Wigram Productions, Village Roadshow Productions
Director: Guy Ritchie
Producers: Joel Silver, Lionel Wigram, Susan Downey, Dan Lin
Scriptwriters: Michael Robert Johnson, Anthony Peckham, Simon Kinberg
Main Cast: Robert Downey Jr, Jude Law, Rachel McAdams, Mark Strong, Eddie Marsan
Release Date: 25th December 2009 (UK)
Running Time: 129 minutes
Certificate: 12A
Introduction
Well this is unfortunately timed if you’re a fan of Robert Downey Jr. With the news, he’s set to star in a Vertigo remake, why not look back at what is certainly a better performance and film: 2009’s Sherlock Holmes? Now, while there have been many, many Sherlock Holmes films, Guy Ritchie’s 2009 approach did definitely set it apart. Whether it was the more Hollywood action film feel or RDJ’s horrible British accent, Sherlock Holmes was an interesting watch. So without further ado, here is my review of the film.
Synopsis
Sherlock Holmes follows the titular detective (Downey Jr) and his partner Doctor Watson (Law) in 1890s London. They are attempting to stop the murderous, and definitely supernatural, plot of Lord Henry Blackwood (Strong). Now naturally, there’s plenty of obstacles between Holmes and Watson and Blackwood like Holmes’s on/off enemy Irene Adler (McAdams). Oh also the tease of his most iconic foe: Moriarty. Not only do Holmes and Watson have to deal with trying to stop Blackwood’s murders but they’ve also got to contend with his possibly supernatural plot to kill Parliament. And something about restoring restore the British Empire to its former glory. Wow, that’s a lot to deal with. Especially since I haven’t mentioned Holmes’s continued efforts to definitely not murder his dog, Gladstone. So, with the mad plot aside let’s get into the analysis part of my review.
Analysis
Robert Downey Jr’s Performance in Sherlock Holmes
To begin my analysis of Sherlock Holmes, I’m going to discuss the elephant in the room. Yes, I’m referring to Robert Downey Jr’s performance as the iconic detective: Sherlock Holmes. Now, besides his hilariously terrible British accent, Downey Jr’s performance is pretty great. And that’s mostly because of three elements. The first is his constant weird eccentric actions. Whether it’s constantly poisoning his dog, attempting to work out how Blackwood survived a hanging or the mathematical way he fights, Downey Jr deserves immense credit for bringing out the weirder side of Sherlock. I mean why compared to Henry Cavill’s Sherlock, Downey Jr is arguably truer to the books because of those random quirks so fair play there.
The second element that makes his performance brilliant is his chemistry with Jude Law’s Watson. Even just taking the scene where Holmes is trying to make a silencer and Watson shows concern for the fact that he hasn’t left the flat in weeks which shows off their effortless chemistry. Also, for more evidence look at the fight scenes against Dredger where Downey Jr and Law bounce off each other effortlessly with them communicating well to take down the giant henchman. Furthermore, the third element is how he brings the Hollywood action star to Holmes. By this, I’m simply referring to the bigger action sequences like in the boathouse or on top of Tower Bridge. This just helps distinguish his performance from others. If only his English accent wasn’t hilariously bad because it’s the only blemish on a solid performance.
Fight Scenes in Sherlock Holmes
Speaking of the aforementioned fight scenes, you can definitely tell Sherlock Holmes was directed by Guy Ritchie. Why do I say this? Well, because of the sheer energy they have. This is merged with the over the top action style all of which feels somewhat grounded. For a great example, take the scene of Holmes in the fight club. Oh god, I’m breaking the first rule again… Basically, this is a great example of Holmes’s mathematical fight style where he calculates everything in advance and Ritchie’s hard hitting action style.
All of this is aided by great sound design as it sounds horribly painful to listen to as well as good cinematography which telegraphs every hit as it happens thus enhancing the quality of the fight scene. Now, as well as these more surgical fight scenes there are a lot of very silly fight scenes. Take for example the fight scene between Holmes and Blackwood on top of Tower Bridge. The massive advantage of having these sorts of fights is they fit the far sillier aesthetic of the film at times. Because after all who doesn’t want to see Holmes and Blackwood sword fighting on top of Tower Bridge? And yes that death scene is utterly brutal…..
Set Design in Sherlock Holmes
To conclude my analysis of Sherlock Holmes, I’m going to discuss the film’s set design and general aesthetic. And firstly, it’s really good. This is especially true of the under construction Tower Bridge and other famous landmarks which immediately grounds the film in London. Also, a lot of the tracking shots of Holmes and Watson walking through London help to show off the set design. This is evident with the narrow streets and general feel with them utilising the streets to make it seem like Holmes and Watson are slowly being trapped in by Lord Blackwood’s plot.
Furthermore, the great set design really helps to elevate the danger of the fight scenes, especially the aforementioned one on top of an under construction Tower Bridge. This is because there’s just something inherently dangerous about two men sword fighting on top of an under construction over some very volatile chemicals in the balance. Come to think of it, I can’t work out why the set design of Tower Bridge would enhance the danger of this fight. Anyway, to summarise, the film’s got great set design.
Summary
To summarise Sherlock Holmes, this is a wacky, dark yet fun attempt to bring Sherlock Holmes into the tradition of Hollywood action films. Whether it’s Downey Jr and Law’s chemistry or the feel of the film there’s plenty to love about the film. However, the less said about Downey Jr’s accent the better….
Overall Rating: 6.5/10 – Okay
Target Audience: 12+
Content Warning: Mild Sex and Nudity, Moderate Violence and Gore, Mild Profanity, Mild Alcohol, Drugs and Smoking, Moderate Frightening and Intense Scenes
Recommendation: Yes