"Sherlock Holmes" movie

Year: 2009

Genre: Adventure/Suspense/Thriller/Action

Region: USA

Production Company: Lin Pictures, Silver Pictures

Language: English

Release Date: Friday, November 13, 2009

English Title: Sherlock Holmes

Screenplay: Guy Ritchie / Anthony Peckham / Lionel Wigram / Lionel Wigram / Michael Robert Johnson

Director: Guy Ritchie

Starring: Eddie Marsan / Clive Russell / James Fox / Geraldine James / Robert Downey Jr. / Jude Law / Rachel McAdams / Mark Strong / Kelly Reilly / Robert Mailer / Hans Matheson / Andrew Garlick

Statistics: Subscribed by 559 people

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0988045()

Synopsis:

Sherlock Holmes (portrayed by Robert Downey Jr.), not only was a famous detective in late 19th century Britain, but he was also a violinist, a fencing and boxing expert, and a notorious womanizer. Dr. Watson (played by Jude Law), his assistant, has always had reservations about Holmes' character, yet their mentor-friend relationship kept Watson tolerating Holmes' bad habits. However, despite Holmes' arrogant demeanor, deep down he cherished a great love— Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams).

Another murder case arises, involving Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.), the famous British detective of the late 19th century, who is also a violinist, a fencing and boxing expert, and a notorious womanizer. Dr. Watson (Jude Law), his assistant, has always had reservations about Holmes' character, yet their mentor-friend relationship kept Watson tolerating Holmes' bad habits. Despite Holmes' arrogance, deep down he cherished a great love—Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams). Holmes and Watson are commissioned to investigate this new case, which eventually points to the respected Duke of Blackwood (Mark Strong). Strangely, it seems that Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams) is somehow involved as well. Holmes and Watson continue their investigation and discover a conspiracy threatening the entire security of Britain! This marks the most complex and dangerous adventure Holmes has ever undertaken.

Behind-the-Scenes Production:

The new version of "Sherlock Holmes" is produced by Warner Bros., based on Lionel Wigram's eponymous comic series. Although the original story originates from Arthur Conan Doyle's classic detective novels, this movie adaptation is based on the comic rather than the novels. Director Guy Ritchie gained fame with "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" and "Snatch." The producers emphasized that this Holmes and Watson will be sharper, shedding the stuffiness of the Victorian era seen in previous adaptations. Holmes will be portrayed as a fencing master capable of subduing criminals barehanded. In this new version, Holmes will display an unprecedented dynamic side while unraveling a conspiracy that could destroy the entire nation.

In terms of casting, Robert Downey Jr. plays "Sherlock Holmes," Jude Law portrays "Dr. Watson," Rachel McAdams plays Holmes' love interest "Irene Adler," and Mark Strong plays the villain George Blackwood.

The planned release date for the new "Sherlock Holmes" is no longer 2010; it is currently set for the second major holiday season of 2009—November 20.

Uncovering the Hidden Bohemian Artist and Poet:

The most famous historical portrayal of Holmes was by British actor Basil Rathbone, who starred in over a dozen Holmes films in the 1940s. His handsome looks and gentlemanly manner left a deep impression, becoming the benchmark for portraying "Holmes." However, the creators of "Sherlock Holmes" did not intend to emulate Basil Rathbone. Producer Lionel Wigram (whose comic inspired the film) stated, "The overly polite gentlemen of Edward VII's era are boring; that's not our vision of Holmes." He believed Holmes should be both intellectual and physically skilled, observing details meticulously while also being adept at combat. Another producer, Joel Silver, described the Holmes in this film as the "James Bond of 1891," capable of deducing suspects' movements from shoe dust and delivering a punch when apprehending criminals.

As for whether the new Holmes would stray far from the character created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Wigram, who is well-versed in the original novels, argued that clues such as Holmes' passion for British boxing and Watson's fondness for boxing and duels reveal that Holmes and Watson were not only intellectually superior but also action heroes. Wigram said, "There are many hints in Conan Doyle's writings. Now we have the technology, budget, and means to uncover the hidden sides of Holmes and Watson. We've created a more modern Holmes, whose behavior resembles that of a Bohemian artist or poet, unlike any other Holmes before."

The screenplay for "Sherlock Holmes" was co-written by Michael Robert Johnson, Anthony Peckham, and Guy Ritchie. Wigram explained, "The film covers much more content than any single story written by Conan Doyle, with a more intricate plot."

Guy Ritchie Steps Out of Divorce Shadows:

After concluding his divorce proceedings with Madonna, director Guy Ritchie fully immersed himself in the filming of "Sherlock Holmes," often strumming a guitar for leisure on set, seemingly unaffected by the marital upheaval. Known for his distinct style through films like "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" and "Snatch," Ritchie has consistently impressed Hollywood peers. His works have even prompted high-paid Hollywood stars to lower their salaries to secure roles in his films. Crime noir, characters with humble backgrounds, rapid dialogue, and swift scene transitions are Ritchie's trademarks, evident in "Sherlock Holmes" through scenes filmed in sewers and prisons.

Ritchie, known for his high standards, expressed satisfaction with the production process, saying, "Whatever I need, the crew can deliver." The actors also praised Ritchie, with Jude Law stating, "You know, Victorian London was like the cesspool of the world, full of criminals and villains. Ritchie brought energy to this movie and provided professional guidance on the action sequences."

As a director, Ritchie resembles a gambler, and sometimes he loses, as seen with last year's "RocknRolla," which garnered good reviews in the UK but only $5.7 million at the US box office. Nonetheless, this did not affect the producers' trust in Ritchie. Producer Silver said, "We believe Ritchie can direct a captivating blockbuster, especially with Robert Downey Jr. starring."

Holmes "Fights" and Watson "Fashionable":

Initially, Ritchie intended to replicate British director Christopher Nolan's revival of the Batman series by setting the storyline during Holmes' transition from youth to adulthood. However, after watching Robert Downey Jr.'s performance in "Iron Man," Ritchie decided to portray Holmes as an "action hero" equally agile in combat and intellect.

There is often an intrinsic connection between actors and their roles. Like Holmes, Robert Downey Jr. once struggled with cocaine addiction; Holmes excelled in British boxing, while Downey Jr. was fascinated by Chinese Wing Chun martial arts. Additionally, both Holmes in the film and Downey Jr. in real life are 43 years old. At 43, Holmes enters the peak of his detective career, and at 43, Downey Jr. unexpectedly transitions from a fringe Hollywood actor to a top-tier star. "My movies and my life always have a strange connection. In the first 22 and a half years of my career, my characters were often abandoned children, and then my life became as terrible as my characters. But sooner or later, once you decide to step away from the gambling machine, your chances of winning wealth are not far off."

After understanding the creative team and reading the script, Robert Downey Jr. decided to take on the role of Holmes, with his wife eventually becoming one of the film's producers. Although Downey Jr. views Holmes as a "perfect perfectionist," he did not deny the film's commercial nature, "Yes, the current trend in filmmaking leans towards big-budget blockbusters, but 'Sherlock Holmes' did not sacrifice quality for commercial gain."

The film's other lead, Jude Law, transformed Watson's image from "fat and old" to a fashionable British gentleman. Law offered a unique interpretation of Watson: "He's a war veteran, so he reacts quickly in crises. Although Watson's personality is more reserved compared to Holmes, he is equally brave."

Like "The Dark Knight," the antagonist played by Mark Strong in "Sherlock Holmes" is also quite distinctive. Wigram revealed that the character is based on a real historical figure—Aleister Crowley, the infamous magician and mystic scholar of the Victorian era, who claimed Hitler stole the swastika symbol from him. After being hanged, Blackwood claims he will return, reigniting evil—a major suspense element in the film.

Fun Facts:

- Before Jude Law was confirmed to play Watson, Colin Farrell was originally considered for the role.

- Over 75 actors have portrayed Holmes throughout history.

- "Sherlock Holmes" will be the first Holmes film released in the U.S. in 20 years; the last one was the comedy "Without a Clue" starring Michael Caine in 1998.

- Robert Downey Jr., who plays Holmes, learned more about the role by watching the 1984 TV series "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes."

- "Sherlock Holmes" is Guy Ritchie's first film in the U.S. not rated R.

- "Sherlock Holmes" is not adapted from Arthur Conan Doyle's novel series but rather from Lionel Wigram's eponymous comic work, with a style entirely different from the original.