Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes (2009)

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Original Works 

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle born in 1859 in Edinburgh, Scotland is best known as the author of the world famous novels about the 19th century detective Sherlock Holmes. First appearing in A Study in Scarlet  in Beeton’s Christmas Annual of 1887 Doyle’s eponymous sleuth has become the fodder for countless adaptations and re-boots throughout history. However, it is this same fame that has become a considerable obstacle for filmmakers and adapters around the world as they are continuously plagued with criticism from “sherlockians”–avid, and critically discriminating fans of the novels who come armed with their own knowledge and opinions. The novels follow Sherlock Holmes, celebrated detective and his faithful friend Dr. Watson as they traipse through 19th Century England and solve difficult cases through the power of deductive reasoning and no small use of physical force. Sherlock Holmes is in fact presented to the reader as not only an highly intellectual individual, but also as proficient in many other areas that are unrelated to cerebral pursuits, such as a proficiency in different fighting styles and literary works.

Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes (2009)

Guy Ritchie best known for his works Snatch(2000), and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998) directed the 2009 film adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s eponymous hero. Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes is set in a grimy, gritty, victorian England with Robert Downey Jr in the role of Sherlock Holmes, Jude Law as Dr. Watson, and the beautiful Rachel McAdams in the role of Irene Adler. Ritchie’s film is definitely a postmodern work rather than a strictly faithful adaptation of Doyle’s literary work which is noticeable in the plot of the film which involves elements of horror. The “case” as it is presented in the film is also constructed on a very large scale to the effect than rather than solving a difficult case the film is much more concerned with “saving the world” and casting Sherlock Holmes as a dashing, if erratic, hero.

The Adaptation

Guy Ritchie’s film adaptation of Sherlock Holmes can by no means be considered as a faithful rendition of Doyle’s literary masterpiece, especially considering the fact that the plot of the film is entirely adapted to fit modern sensibilities rather than based on an actual plot from the series. Nevertheless, this does not mean that the film does not do an excellent job at adapting certain aspects of the novel in the film. Indeed, Ritchie’s portrayal of Sherlock Holmes hits spot on with the characterization of the sleuth as a proficient fighter as well as deductive genius. Furthermore, the casting of Jude Law, as a young and handsome Dr. Watson works well to dispel the now common image of Watson as a bumbling, often portly, character that is more often than not a hindrance rather than a asset to Sherlock Holmes. Furthermore, Ritchie also does a great job at portraying the importance of the cases in Sherlock’s life, as in Doyle’s story The Mazarin Stone Watson finds Sherlock Holmes in a state of starvation supposedly to enhance his mental capacities in order to solve a case.

Why, surely, as a doctor, my dear Watson, you must admit that what your digestion gains in the way of blood supply is so much lost to the brain. I am a brain, Watson. The rest of me is a mere appendix

In Ritchie’s film this is translated in the scene where Watson finds Sherlock in a frantic state, supposedly surviving only on some kind of liquid used in medical procedures, in the midsts of scientific experimentation. It is also implied that during his absence Sherlock has also solved numerous cases and now finds himself with nothing to distract him.

Criticism

In “Brains Vs Brawn: The Battle for Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes” author Lyndsay Faye fondly applauds Ritchie’s characterization of Sherlock Holmes as more than just an intellectual, effete individual but rather as one that reflects Doyle’s vision. Faye, self-acclaimed “serious” sherlockian, thus praises Robert Downey Jr’s portrayal of Sherlock as a witty, and yes, physical hero. Despite this fact however, the author also points out that the film does distract in its focus on delivering ” a slap-in-the-ass good time”.

In “Sherlock Vs Sherlock: A Study in Holmes” author Kelly Kawano compares the stylistic impact of Guy Ritchie’s film and the BBC’s hit television series “Sherlock.” Of Ritchie’s film, Kawano praises the characterization of the partnership between Watson and Sherlock as refreshing and true to the original, specially since Watson has often been portrayed as a “bumbling idiot.” Kawano also notices the historical ties to 19th century preoccupations present in the film.

In “Sherlock Holmes, Then and Now: A Comparative Analysis” author Torsten Reitz critically analyses Guy Ritchie’s film in context to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s work. Reitz also favorably notes the partnership of Holmes and Watson in the film as being more closely related to Doyle’s original portrayal. Reitz also applauds the “atmosphere” of the set which masterfully recreated a grimy 19th century england.

Critical Analysis

Despite ample criticism of Guy Ritchie’s “Sherlock Holmes” the film nevertheless does a good job at presenting a refreshing- if not original- characterization of Doyle’s character that despite the numerous complaints by “purists” does reference the source material more closely than other adaptations. Ritchie’s portrayal of Sherlock Holmes incorporates both the physical accumen of Sherlock Holmes that is present in the novels while at the same time never deviating from his high intellectual capacity. This can be most prominently seen in the “brawl” scenes where Sherlock deduces his plan of attack (and its effects) before actually carrying through with them. This marriage of intellect and physical skill demonstrates Sherlock Holmes considerable talent which is not restricted to mere intellect. Thus, while it can’t be said that the film is a stellar adaptation, at least in the portrayal of the famous characters it is successful.

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Primary Source:

Doyle, Arthur Conan, Sir. “The Adventure of the Mazarin Stone.” The Adventure of the Mazarin Stone. Web. <http://ignisart.com/camdenhouse/canon/maza.htm&gt;.

Secondary Sources:

“Sir Arthur Conan Doyle | Biography – British Author.” Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica. Web. <http://www.britannica.com/biography/Arthur-Conan-Doyle&gt;.

Faye, Lyndsay. “Brains vs. Brawn: The Battle for Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes.” Crimanalelement.com. 11 Dec. 2011. Web.
<http://www.criminalelement.com/blogs/2011/12/brains-vs-brawn-the-battle-for-guy-ritchie-sherlock-holmes&gt;.

Kawano, Kelly. “Sherlock vs. Sherlock: A Study in Holmes | Word and Film.” Word and Film.  9 Mar. 2011. Web. <http://www.wordandfilm.com/2011/03/sherlock-vs-sherlock-a-study-in-holmes/&gt;.

Reitz, Torsten. “Sherlock Holmes, Then and Now: A Comparative Analysis.” The Moving Arts Film Journal. 1 Oct. 2010. Web.
<http://www.themovingarts.com/sherlock-holmes-then-and-now-a-comparative-analysis/&gt;.