Creators: Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat
Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman and Andrew Scott
‘A Spectacular Show’
Not many actors in Hollywood have ability to catch the attention of audiences like Benedict Cumberbatch. Ever since his rise to fame amid the 1990’s, Cumberbatch has become a bold icon. Whether it’s bold political leaders, strong sorcerers or action heroes, Cumberbatch has portrayed several bold characters. Arguably, Cumberbatch’s strength as an actor has often been his commitment to his craft. His is one of those rare actors which has always poured his heart and soul into every role. Even when he is not the main focus of a film, Cumberbatch has left a lasting impression. Through his ability to portray strong characters that are compelling, Cumberbatch has created a legacy which has been lasting. A British icon, Cumberbatch has become an iconic actor audiences cherish. By his abilities to play strong characters, Benedict has proven an actor audiences treasure. Throughout a career, Cumberbatch has made memorable movies which are absolutely worth taking about.
I’m a huge fan of Cumberbatch and adore all the films that he has made in his career. However, “Sherlock” is definitely his most iconic role. Released in 2010, Mark Gattis’ television series offered a towering tribute towards a legendary detective. Packed with breathtaking production design, engrossing storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the best television shows ever made. At the centre of it all is a fantastic performance by Benedict Cumberbatch, who embodies a detective facing a rough patch. Ultimately, what makes “Sherlock” a great show is its universal appeal. Viewers don’t need to be familiar with the history of Sherlock Holmes to appreciate it. A spectacular show about a legendary detective, there are many strong reasons why “Sherlock” is absolutely worth watching.
Based on beloved literature, “Sherlock” tells the story of a detective in danger. Benedict Cumberbatch portrays Sherlock Holmes, a detective seeking to resolve crime in homes. Accompanied by his partner in crime John Watson (Martin Freeman), Sherlock seeks to resolve crime causing tension. However, his life forever changes when Sherlock finds out the consequences of being a detective that causes disaster. As all the odds are stacked against his favour, Sherlock questions if it’s truly possible to be a detective that evades danger. Searching for crimes to investigate, Sherlock questions whether it’s possible to become a detective that people are able to appreciate.
Mark Gatiss has always been fascinated by lives of detectives. A world-famous English screenwriter, Gatiss has often made strong shows about heroes that face danger. With “Sherlock”, however, Gatiss created his first ever murder mystery series. It was Gatiss’ first attempt to celebrate the legacy of a detective which is legendary but he pulled it off successfully. Emulating David Fincher’s “Se7en”, Gatiss successfully uses low-key lighting to capture tensions that detectives are enduring. For instance, low-key lighting enhances the murders investigation scene. During this unforgettable scene, Sherlock strives to investigate a gruesome murder that causes tension. Using lighting, Gatiss creates a portrait of a detective which is engaging. Low-key lighting is complicated to use in movies. As Morten Tyldum’s “The Imitation Game” suggested, low key lighting elevates historical dramas. Nevertheless, it works immensely. Through stunning visuals, Gatiss captures tensions which detectives are facing.
Another strong aspect of “Sherlock” that merits appreciation is production. From a technical perspective, it’s one of the best shows you will see. Inspired by Jonathan Demme’s “The Silence of the Lambs”, the filmmaker successfully uses costumes to capture tensions that detectives are facing. Throughout the film, Sherlock’s costumes showcase his transformation into a smart detective. For instance, costumes enhance the detective meetings scene. During this unforgettable scene, Sherlock has a tense meeting with his brother following years of separation. Through captivating costumes, Gattis creates a portrait of a detective that is compelling. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. Michael Price’s music is key to the success of the show. It gives the series a tense atmosphere capturing the burden that detectives bear.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Sherlock” is a series that is engaging. The show is beautifully written, and effectively uses dramatic monologues to capture the tensions that detectives are facing. Evoking Roman Polanski’s “Chinatown”, Gatiss deftly uses dramatic monologues to capture tense hardship faced by a detectives in a doomed town. For instance, dramatic monologues enhance the murder analysis scene. During this unforgettable scene, Sherlock seeks to analyze a gruesome murder which causes consequences. Through monologues, Gatiss crested a portrayal of detectives audiences can relate to. Monologues are tricky to use in shows. As Steve McQueen’s “12 Years a Slave” proved, monologues elevate slavery movies. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this show. Using a strong screenplay, Gatiss captures detectives that experience a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Benedict Cumberbatch delivers one of his greatest career performances as Sherlock. Cumberbatch first earned appreciation for playing inventors in historical dramas. With “Sherlock”, however, he took upon his most complex role. It isn’t simple to embody the personality of a legendary detective but he succeeds immensely. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, bold and emotional in his most memorable role. With riveting expressions, he captures the angst, bravery and grief of a detective that seeks to engage in murder investigations. It’s a phenomenal performance from one of the finest actors today.
Martin Freeman is magnificent as a smart detective that seeks to inspect a gruesome murder investigation. While Cumberbatch gets the showier role, Freeman is equally excellent and worthy of appreciation. As Watson, he does an incredible job playing an iconic character in literature. Whether he is arguing with Sherlock over his personality or disclosing secrets about his life, Freeman uses body language to create a portrait of a detective that’s compelling. It’s a powerful performance from one of the finest actors in Hollywood today.
Finally, “Sherlock” would earn appreciation of everyone for honouring a detective that’s iconic. Unlike most TV shows, it discusses bold themes everyone would relate to. The series tackles compelling subjects such as mental health, leadership and ambition that would definitely resonate among everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with legacies of Sherlock to enjoy it. Therefore, “Sherlock” is one of those rare shows that everyone would adore.
Fans of Benedict Cumberbatch will enjoy “Sherlock” and so would audiences which seek exhilarating entertainment. A riveting television show, it honours an actor which has dreams to follow.
Nearly 20 years after release of an iconic television series about crimes detectives seek to investigate, it’s a bold reminder of an actor that has never lost his abilities to captivate manufacturing memorable films which audiences have grown up to always appreciate.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 