In 2010 we can only uncertainly postulate as to what Sir Arthur Conan Doyle might think of Director Guy Richie’s modern day edition of one of literature’s classic characters, Sherlock Holmes.
But in my judgment it’s safe to say he would at least get a kick out of it. The new Holmes and Watson, portrayed by Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law respectively, are fit, athletic, gritty, and even sexy.
Not to mention that they both seem to have gotten plenty of time away from their sanctuary at 221B Baker St. to take some martial arts lessons.
Along with modern innovations such as CGI, an action-packed plot, and a bit of swagger, Guy Richie has brought newfound excitement into an old character.
We all have our own image of Sherlock Holmes. Most of them involve pipe smoking, a large armchair, and a snotty Holmes condescendingly lecturing a clueless Watson. And some of that is still present. But our images can now be augmented with chase scenes, special effects, and a fantastic martial arts filled showdown atop the unfinished Tower Bridge hundreds of feet above the Thames.
The new tone is set immediately by a superb opening scene, in which Watson and Holmes infiltrate a satanic society attempting to complete a ritual of human sacrifice. From the very start, we begin to forget our preconceived notions about Sherlock Holmes.
Along with an injection of action, the 2009 Sherlock Holmes also gets a bit of sex appeal, most notably in the form of Rachel McAdams as Holmes’ love interest, Irene Adler.
Even Watson, often portrayed as devoid of any romance, has his own damsel. Get some action, mix in a little sex, Robert Downey Jr.’s confident swagger and an English accent, and you get a Sherlock Holmes that bares resemblance to a Victorian James Bond.
Most of the movie is carried by the action-packed plot with twists and turns that bring to mind Jason Bourne. The acting is adequate for the most part. The cast is carried by Downey Jr., who appears to be riding a hot streak since his cocaine covered hiatus from film. Downey manages to upgrade Holmes’ masculinity and sex appeal while maintaining some of his classic complexity and wit. Overall, the cast does its job.
The scenes of the movie bring out the benefits of modern film-making. The modern viewer needs a few more flickering images and fantastical colors. Richie obliges by adding the necessary CGI and rich imagery. One of the high points of the film is its portrayal of Victorian London. The environment manages to mix quaintness with a dark mysteriousness that captivates the viewer.
Some literary purists may condemn Sherlock Holmes as unbefitting Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s masterpiece. However, most viewers will be too busy being entertained to hear their complaints. 