NOT the Worst Sherlock Holmes Movie I've Ever Seen

[rusty_armour]

This will probably come as a huge shock to some of you, but I didn't hate the Ritchie film. I actually liked it a lot more than I thought I would. Now, I should probably point out that I still can't buy Robert Downey Jr. as Holmes. Well, not in terms of regular canon, anyway. However, I can buy him as an alternate universe Sherlock Holmes. In fact, when I viewed the whole film as a kind of alternate universe, I found I could accept it a lot more easily.

I won't bother addressing the plot as that's pretty much non-existent. As jackycomelately argues, the film is about Holmes's attempt to stop Watson's marriage and, after seeing the film, I agree. As The Sign of Four is my favourite Holmes novel, it was great to see Mary Morstan. Of course, I had to wrap my head around the fact that Mary Morstan was never Holmes's client and that Holmes's first meeting with her wasn't until that disastrous meal in the restaurant. It was around this point that I started thinking of the film as being AU. All the same, it was fun to watch Mary Morstan throw wine in Holmes's face and see through his disguise at the hospital. I was reminded a bit of Sherlock Holmes and the Case of Silk Stocking, as this film also dealt with Holmes having to accept Watson's upcoming matrimony (to a different woman than Mary Morstan).

While the similarity between the Ritchie film and Sherlock Holmes and the Case of Silk Stocking is probably coincidental, the screenwriters have obviously seen The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes with Basil Rathbone as that scene where Holmes is trying to get rid of flies with his violin comes straight from that movie. I would also argue that the writers were influenced by Young Sherlock Holmes with the Ritchie film's religious cult and sacrifice of young women. Speaking of the religious cult, I'm assuming that it's supposed to represent Freemasonry. The Freemasons got a bad rap in Murder by Decree and a recent episode of Murdoch Mysteries, which isn't Sherlock Holmes but is set in the Victorian period.

While I couldn't buy Robert Downey Jr. in terms of regular Holmes canon, I did like the touches of canon that were included. It was great to see Holmes delivering so many classic lines straight from canon. He also had some of Holmes's characteristics and little idiosyncrasies. I got a kick out of seeing him shoot V.R. into the wall of the flat. I also thought it was hilarious that he and Watson had a bulldog named Gladstone, as Watson refers to having a bull pup in A Study in Scarlet when he and Holmes first discuss sharing rooms together. However, the bull pup is never referred to again, so I had always assumed that Holmes convinced Watson to get rid of it. Looking at the Ritchie film as an AU, I have to wonder if Gladstone is that same bull pup. As Watson is much more assertive in this film (going so far as to punch Holmes in the cab when Holmes delivers that classic "You have the grand gift of silence" line), I could easily see him refusing to get rid of the bull pup.

I quite like Rachel McAdams as Irene Adler. My friend E felt that there was too large an age gap between her and Holmes (an age gap that's only four years in canon), but maybe Irene Adler lied about her age (saying she was older to be taken more seriously) much in the same way Holmes pretended to be older in the Laurie R. King universe. Well, age difference aside, I agree with jackycomelately about Rachel McAdams' screen presence and ability to carry off the role. I found it really interesting that Irene Adler was working for Moriarty. It reminded me of David Stuart Davies' The Veiled Detective, where virtually everyone in Holmes's life is working for Moriarty.

Of course, the thing that everyone raves about when discussing this film is the relationship between Holmes and Watson. There is definitely slash appeal, and Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law have some serious screen chemistry. They seem to work almost seamlessly together and they were a lot of fun to watch on screen. I'd say the Holmes-Watson relationship is one of the strengths of the Ritchie film. I was also very impressed with the art direction and special effects. I was pleasantly surprised by how well the film recreated Victorian London. I thought it was a nice touch that Tower Bridge was shown as only being partially built -- and it made a great setting for the final showdown between Holmes and Blackwood.

Well, I could probably say more, but it's getting late and I think I've rambled on enough. To sum up for anyone who skimmed through this post quickly, the Ritchie film was better than I expected and I think it works well as an alternate universe version of Sherlock Holmes.

Comments

[pyrateanny.livejournal.com]

Oh, I'm so glad you enjoyed the movie more than you'd expected. And yes, I think an AU reading of the film is quite appropriate since there's a definite Steampunk vibe to it, particularly Blackwood's secret weapon.

I hadn't remembered the bull pup from canon, but I loved Gladstone. I particularly liked Mrs. Hudson's exasperated line, "He's killed the dog... again."

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

Oh, I'm so glad you enjoyed the movie more than you'd expected. And yes, I think an AU reading of the film is quite appropriate since there's a definite Steampunk vibe to it, particularly Blackwood's secret weapon.

Yes, the Steampunk vibe certainly lends to that AU feeling of the film. I liked the look of Blackwood's secret weapon, though the way it worked seemed about as convoluted as the film's plot. *g*

I hadn't remembered the bull pup from canon, but I loved Gladstone. I particularly liked Mrs. Hudson's exasperated line, "He's killed the dog... again."

Gladstone was absolutely adorable. And it seemed so typical of Holmes to test certain theories by experimenting on him. I also thought it was funny when Holmes and Watson argued over who Gladstone belonged to.

[lazigyrl.livejournal.com]

I have to agree with your friend regarding Irene's age. I think Rachel is a great actress but she is young with a tendence to look even younger at times (which didn't help). It was particularly distracting in the finale because she looked youngest when she was in that tweed suit. Though if Ritchie did have to hire a younger actress for the role, at least he picked one that could actually act very, very well.

For me, in the end, Sherlock Holmes is a story about a friendship and as long as I get that strong, enduring friendship vibe for Holmes and Watson, I am a happy viewer (mind you, if it's slashy, than all the better).

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

I have to agree with your friend regarding Irene's age. I think Rachel is a great actress but she is young with a tendence to look even younger at times (which didn't help). It was particularly distracting in the finale because she looked youngest when she was in that tweed suit. Though if Ritchie did have to hire a younger actress for the role, at least he picked one that could actually act very, very well.

Yes, it's true. Rachel did look her youngest in the tweed suit. At least when she was dolled up, she could appear a bit older. Well, as you say, at least Ritchie's younger actress could act well. :-)

For me, in the end, Sherlock Holmes is a story about a friendship and as long as I get that strong, enduring friendship vibe for Holmes and Watson, I am a happy viewer (mind you, if it's slashy, than all the better).

I'm a little more fussy as I'd like the actors in question to seem like Holmes and Watson. However, I completely agree with you about Sherlock Holmes being a story about friendship. I think if the friendship formula works then you've gone a long way in creating a good pastiche.

[pyrateanny.livejournal.com]

I hadn't really thought about the age disparity btw RDjr & McAdams, but perhaps that was subconsciously part of the reason I was initially dubious about her playing Irene Adler. But, I was pleasantly surprised by how well she carried off the role. And thankfully, they got rid of that skanky red corset from the trailer. She was much more believable and dignified playing the scene in the buff/towel.

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

I don't think I had really thought about it until my friend brought it up. As she's quite the romantic, I think she wanted to see Holmes and Irene Adler as a couple and found the age difference acting as a barrier. Well, like you, I was also pleasantly surprised by how well McAdams carried off the role. I was also very relieved that they got rid of the skanky red corset!

[njc2007.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you disliked the film less than expected.

I found I didn't see this so much as a "Holmes/Watson" movie as a "House/Wilson in an alternate past" movie. I could only picture them as House/Wilson through the whole movie.

[puckrobin.livejournal.com]

But House and Wilson are the modern-day sitcom (yes, I know it's supposed to be a drama but does anyone really watch it for the drama rather than the humour?) version of Holmes and Watson anyway.

I think Brett was pushing his Holmes towards the lovable cartoon side at times, and RDJ is an extension of that.

Hopefully the sequel will have a plot worthy of the charismatic leads and witty banter.

[njc2007.livejournal.com]

Yes PuckRobin, House/Wilson is definitely just a modern day Holmes/Watson. I just couldn't get past that connection to see this as a Holmes/Watson flick. Regardless, I still enjoyed it. I haven't been following it so thank you for the heads-up on a sequel.

Contrary to most people, I actually enjoy Robert Downey Jr as Holmes. He played the quirks really well.

[puckrobin.livejournal.com]

I liked RDJ as this film's Holmes. I think he's very far from the Conan Doyle Holmes in some respects, but still an enjoyable creation.

I think RDJ in an interview said that a sequel was in his schedule. It's the kind of film which if it did well-enough (as I believe it did) would justify a sequel.

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

Well, there are definitely similarities between the Ritchie version of Holmes/Watson and House/Wilson. The Ritchie Holmes purposely tries to antagonize Mary Morstan and sabotage her relationship with Watson, which is very much what House has done in the past. And, like Wilson, the Ritchie Watson seems to be constantly having to look past Holmes's selfish nature and forgive him.

[jackycomelately.livejournal.com]

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[jackycomelately.livejournal.com]

NOT the Worst Sherlock Holmes Movie I've Ever Seen

Hee, I'll take it.

As always I'm impressed with your memory for details. I can't believe you only saw it once and remembered both mine and E's comments.

Yup, I love that Watson is much more assertive in this film. Holmes of course is much more obvious about being an emotional mess. However, I don't think that's really inconsistent with canon. Holmes just sublimated it in his tendency toward melodrama and play acting. Being bad at the play acting is of course a sign of how upset he is at Watson's bedside. Interesting contrast to how good he is at it when chasing Irene Adler. He goes from James Bond to Jacques Clouseau.

I think it should have been shorter, and I'm not much for some of the more farcical scenes. However, I loved the look of it it, the steam punk elements, and their relationship.

So, what? No review of Live Free or Die Hard?

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

NOT the Worst Sherlock Holmes Movie I've Ever Seen

Hee, I'll take it.

LOL! Well, compared to how I felt during my boycotting campaign, I'd say this is amazing progress! *g*

As always I'm impressed with your memory for details. I can't believe you only saw it once and remembered both mine and E's comments.

Well, it helps that I wrote this right after watching the film. If I tried writing it today, I'd probably be floundering a bit. Of course, I managed to forget my lunch at home, so that might give you an indication of what state my brain is in today. *g*

BTW, there's a detail I didn't get right. In my review, I mentioned that the Freemasons were the villains in A Study in Scarlet when it was the Mormons! Isn't that mortifying? I actually turned on my computer this morning just to fix this huge faux pas. Maybe that's why I forgot my lunch. *g*

Yup, I love that Watson is much more assertive in this film. Holmes of course is much more obvious about being an emotional mess. However, I don't think that's really inconsistent with canon. Holmes just sublimated it in his tendency toward melodrama and play acting. Being bad at the play acting is of course a sign of how upset he is at Watson's bedside. Interesting contrast to how good he is at it when chasing Irene Adler. He goes from James Bond to Jacques Clouseau.

Yes, it's refreshing to see a more assertive Watson. I completely agree with you about Holmes sublimating his emotional problems in canon through his tendency towards melodrama and play acting. And I think part of the reason why Mary Morstan recognized Holmes at Watson's bedside was that she was expecting to see him there, so that would have given her an edge in the deductive logic department. And, yes, RDJ's Holmes did a wonderful job of play acting while he was tailing Irene Adler. I should have mentioned it in my review, but it had hints of "Scandal in Bohemia". :-)

I think it should have been shorter, and I'm not much for some of the more farcical scenes. However, I loved the look of it it, the steam punk elements, and their relationship.

I don't know if the movie seemed longer because of the weak plot or if it was because so much was going on in terms of special effects, etc. In any case, it did seem a little on the long side.

I had heard that the art direction was really good, but I didn't really believe it until I sat down and watched the film. It's very rich visually and I appreciate the detail that went into the steam punk elements and certain historical details, such as the incomplete Tower Bridge. Of course, the Holmes/Watson relationship was one of the film's great strengths. :-)

So, what? No review of Live Free or Die Hard?

LOL! It's certainly tempting! I think I could write a couple of paragraphs on that scene with the F-35 alone! *g*

[sublunarfields.livejournal.com]

As you know, I kind of liked the movie - and I also liked The Case of the Silk Stocking, so that makes sense. The comparison with House/Wilson never ocurred to me before, but that too, makes sense. This - the Ritchie movie - was the first time I was more attracted to Holmes. LOL. Usually it's Watson/Wilson for me. (I find House physically attractive - for his age - but in other ways I can't stand him.) I liked the steampunk elements in the movie, and the slash (you know me...). I liked the dog too - but I was horrified that Holmes would experiment on him, though like you point out, it is typical for him. And I can only agree with what someone else has said here - that you have an amazing memory for details. I'd need to watch a movie or episode of a tv series several times before I get all that. Actually, I find that many people are more observant than I am... Hm...

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

Hi, sublunarfields! Yes, I remember you saying that you kind of liked the movie. It could be because you also liked The Case of the Silk Stocking. As with the antagonism between Holmes and Watson's fiancée in Silk Stocking, the animosity between Holmes and Mary Morstan was rather fun. *g* It sounds like the steampunk elements, the slash, and Gladstone the dog were among the most popular features of the Ritchie film!

I can understand why you're attracted to Hugh Laurie. He's a rather handsome man who has aged well, I think. I've actually had kind of a thing for him since the early nineties. Well, him and his good friend, Stephen Fry. :-)

To be honest, I'm only observant when it comes to things that really interest me. If I'm interested in a particular book or movie, I'll remember certain details. However, I'm too right-brained to be truly observant. Oh, and if it makes you feel any better, I made a really embarrassing mistake in my review that I had to fix this morning. I spoke about the Freemasons being the villains in A Study in Scarlet, when it was the Mormons! Talk about embarrassing! *g*

[sublunarfields.livejournal.com]

>I spoke about the Freemasons being the villains in A Study in Scarlet, when it was the >Mormons! Talk about embarrassing! *g*

Oh, now that you mention it, I do remember about the Mormons. But wasn't there another story with Freemasons too? Maybe I'm mixing that up with some other writer's story. They are creepy, aren't they? Freemasons, I mean. LOL.

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

That's a good question, sublunarfields! As I couldn't remember whether any of the original stories featured Freemasons, I did a quick search online. However, most of the results that came up referred to the Ritchie film, as part of it was shot at Freemason's Hall. I wasn't able to find anything referring to canon, but maybe I didn't dig deep enough. I'd be surprised if the masons weren't mentioned somewhere. I do seem to remember Holmes deducing that one of his clients was a mason, but I can't remember if that was in an original story or a pastiche.

[sublunarfields.livejournal.com]

Oh, another thing about Stephen Fry. Maybe you've found it already, but I just thought I'd mention that there's a role play on Twitter, called #Frys. My sister was there for a while and had some fun, but eventually, some of the less nice people there made her leave. She played a fake daughter of Stephen Fry. That's pretty much what the role play is about. He's 'married' to 'MrsStephenFry' and they have lots of kids. What you might appreciate, is that he sometimes drops by, when they have what I think might be referred to as a chat.

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

Oh, wow! I had no idea there was a roleplaying game called #Frys on Twitter! Somehow, I'm not surprised that Stephen Fry sometimes drops by to have a chat. *g* I do follow Stephen Fry on Twitter when I have time and/or actually remember to check my Twitter account. I'm sorry that your sister was driven off #Frys by some not very nice people. There's always someone in a group that has to ruin things, isn't there? :-(

[funkyinfishnet.livejournal.com]

Glad you enjoyed it hun. It's definitely one of my happy films, something I'd watch to make me feel good and bouncy :) I agree with your assessments, it could absolutely work as an AU take on the Holmes canon. The Holmes-Watson relationship is insanely good, I think. They seem more like equals and clearly friends and people who've spent a greal deal of time together.

I agree about Rachel McAdams, I thought she was really good. I'm hoping we see more of her in future films. And I really wanna see who will be playing Moriarty, it was a nice touch having hime cloaked in darkness :)

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

I was sure that fans would take exception when I announced that Ritchie's film only worked for me on an AU level, so I appreciate you (and other people) saying that the movie could be an AU take on Holmes canon. :-) And whether I believe that Downey Jr. is Holmes or not, he did turn out a great performance. He and Jude Law have amazing chemistry, and I could easily believe that they are equals, friends, and people who've spent a lot of time in each other's company.

It would be nice to see Rachel McAdams return for the sequel. And, like you, I'm really curious to see who will be playing Moriarty - if they do show his face. A part of me thinks it would be cool if they kept him shrouded in mystery. However, the rest of me is curious to see what he looks like and learn more about him.