Director: Guy Ritchie
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law and Rachel McAdams
‘A Captivating Classic’
Not many actors have created movies which inspire awe like Jude Law. Ever since his rise toward fame in the 1990’s, Law has become a beloved icon in the film industry. Whether it’s magical school teachers, wealthy aristocrats or detectives solving murders, Law has played many interesting characters. Arguably, Law’s finest strength as an actor has often been his powerful screen presence. He is one of those rare actors with a strong presence which has elevated every movie. Even when he’s not the main character in a movie with limited screen-time, Law has always left a lasting impression. A British icon, Law has become a star whose iconic movies audiences cherish. Despite his age of retirement, Law has never lost a strong passion for making compelling entertainment. Throughout a commemorated career, Law has made countless memorable movies which are definitely worth talking about.
I’m a big fan of Jude Law and adore the films he has made in his career. However, “Sherlock Holmes” is my absolutely favourite. Released in 2009, Guy Ritchie’s movie honoured legacy of a renowned detective in history. Packed with breathtaking production, engaging storytelling and bold acting, it’s one of the best detective movies ever made. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Jude Law, who portrays a detective that seeks to investigate a grim murder. Ultimately, what makes “Sherlock Holmes” a timeless classic is enduring appeal. Unlike most films about the iconic detective, it tackles strong themes which everyone would relate to. An engaging detective masterpiece, there are many strong reasons why “Sherlock Holmes” is a commemorated film that’s worth seeing.
Set in Victorian England, “Sherlock Holmes” tells a story of a detective seeking to inspect murder that’s burdened. Robert Downey Jr. portrays Sherlock Holmes, a clever detective with an aptitude for solving murders. Assisted by his longtime partner in crime John Watson (Jude Law), Sherlock has often thrived solving murders without any flaw. However, Sherlock’s life drastically changes when he’s tasked with investigating a gruesome murder. As he faces a new nemesis, Sherlock is forced to wonder whether it’s possible to become a successful detective that people cherish. As all the odds are stacked against his favour, Sherlock soon wonders whether it’s possible for him to solve a murder. As he faces gruesome crimes which are committed, Sherlock questions whether the gruesome murders can be thoroughly inspected.
Guy Ritchie is a newcomer towards the stories of detectives. A strong filmmaker, Ritchie had never made a movie about detectives solving murder. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to honour a legendary detective’s legacy but he succeeded deftly. Using bold cinematography, Ritchie captures a detective upon a journey to inspect murders causing adversity. Emulating David Fincher’s “Se7en”, Ritchie expertly uses low key lighting to capture murders detectives are investigating. For instance, low key lighting elevates a murder investigation scene. During this memorable scene, Sherlock and Dr. John Watson investigate a gruesome murder scene. Through low-key lighting, Ritchie constructs a portrait or murders that’s compelling. Low key lighting is a complex technique. As Anthony Minghella’s “The Talented Mr. Ripley” claimed clearly, low-key lighting enhances commemorated films about con artists. Nevertheless, it works immensely. Through breathtaking visuals, Ritchie captures tensions which detectives investigating crimes are facing.
Another strong aspect of “Sherlock Holmes” which merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the film is very well made. Ritchie expertly uses costumes to capture detectives that face a transformation. Throughout the movie, Sherlock’s costumes showcase his transformation into a detective that conducts a serious murder investigation. For instance, costumes enhance the business argument scene. During the memorable scene, Sherlock has tense meeting with Watson over his life responsibility. Using strong costumes, Richie creates a portrait of detectives that is compelling. Furthermore, the musical score is magnificent. Hans Zimmer’s music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the movie a tense atmosphere capturing the burden which detectives bear. Through gorgeous production, Ritchie captures detectives conducting a tense investigation.
Storytelling is one of the central reasons why “Sherlock Holmes” is a detective movie that’s compelling. The movie is beautifully written, and effectively uses voice-over narration to capture detectives in a murder investigation. For instance, voice-over narration enhances the boxing scene. During this haunting scene, Sherlock expresses his opinions on how to go about winning wrestling competition. Through narration, Ritchie crafts a portrait of detectives that audiences can easily relate to. Narration is a tricky technique to use in films. As Steven Spielberg’s “A.I. Artificial Intelligence” claimed, narration enhances iconic films about artificial intelligence technologies. Anthony Minghella’s “Cold Mountain” suggested narration is suited to period pieces about doomed love. However, it works immensely in this film. Using a strong screenplay, Ritchie captures detectives facing a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Jude Law delivers one of his greatest career performances as Dr. John Watson. Law first earned appreciations for portraying wealthy billionaires in con-artist films. With “Sherlock Holmes”, however, he took on his most tricky role. It isn’t easy to portray a legendary sleuth in history but he succeeds tremendously. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most complex role. Law has often excelled playing emotional heroes that are under pressure, and “Sherlock Holmes” showcased his strength as an actor. With riveting expressions, he conveys the angst, dedication and fierce commitment of a detective planning murder investigations. It’s a phenomenal performance by one of the best actors today.
While the movie is mainly a stunning showcase for Jude Law, the supporting cast is also stellar and worthy of appreciation. Robert Downey Jr. is remarkable, capturing authoritative nature of a detective seeking to resolve a gruesome murder. Mark Strong is magnificent, capturing the strong nature of an evil lord that seeks to plan world domination leaving a lasting mark. Lastly, Rachel McAdams merits appreciation. As a mistress, she brings sexual tension to the movie.
Finally, “Sherlock Holmes” would earn praise of everyone for honouring an iconic detective. Unlike most movies about the iconic detective, it tackles themes that everyone would relate to. It discusses strong themes including angst, mental health and trauma which will resonate among everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with the history of detectives to enjoy it. It delivers a meaningful message regarding childhood trauma which would resonate with everyone. Therefore, “Sherlock Holmes” is one of those rare mystery movies that everyone will adore.
Fans of Jude Law would definitely appreciate “Sherlock Holmes” and so would movie-goers that seek exhilarating entertainment. A riveting period piece, it celebrates a detective which is inspiring.
Nearly 20 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about a legendary detective with strong skills seeking frightening crimes to investigate, it’s a dazzling reminder about a commemorated actor that hasn’t lost his abilities to captivate manufacturing unforgettable movies which audiences commonly appreciate.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 