Guy Ritchie would reduce Arthur Conan Doyle to tears of joy with his adaptation of the classic figure Sherlock Holmes. Ritchie manages to put a modern, cutting-edge twist to an age-old favorite filled with heaping piles of witty humor.
What truly brings this film to life is the brilliant portrayal of Holmes by the more-than-talented Robert Downey Jr. who correctly illustrates Holmes’ extreme investigative abilities and emphasizes his super intelligent character. The humorous, clutter-filled nature of Holmes is rightfully exaggerated as well as his ability to remain one step ahead of his foes.
Mark Strong, who stars as Holmes’ antagonist Lord Blackwood, gives a new name to the term villain. His character screams intimidating. He uses this, along with the element of fear, to attempt to take control of the townspeople of London and eventually the world. He shows no remorse for anyone, including his own flesh and blood, and could probably make a grown man cry with a mere dirty look.
The film itself has an exceptional atmosphere—putting a modernized feeling to old-fashioned 1891 London. The directing style has edge, but still manages to put classic carriages drawn by horses down the streets with ease. The film has an overall darkened, suspenseful feeling, using cool colors and moody lighting to set the tone.
The twists and turns of the plot take viewers to hidden passages and sewers beneath London’s roadways and puts the viewer in the true London underground. It has a grimy feeling without being downright disgusting and brings the viewer to a suspenseful final standpoint atop the still under-construction Tower Bridge.
The film purposely leaves the viewer with questions. Its worldwide gross of nearly $517 million makes the future a bright one. The directors have decided to provide viewers with a sequel, “Sherlock Holmes 2,” which makes its debut in 2011. Case-reopened.
About Kelli Murphy