So, 2 nights ago I was reminded of when and how I fell in love with Robert Downey Junior all over again. And do not assume that the Iron man had made his mark.
Nope. Not true. It was Sherlock Holmes who did me in. Hook line and stinker.
So many things that worked for me when I saw ‘Sherlock Holmes’ for the 1st time and was just reminded of all that more this time round. Of course, we must also credit our Director Guy Richie for this awesome movie.
That's why, I’ll begin with Ritchie and his penchant for making cool movies. Know of “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” and “Snatch”. Always about cool men, cool moves, the camera movements, massive crane shots, extreme special effects and of course a maddening pace and sequence of events that comes together so brilliantly at the end that there is no way you cannot feel his mind at work.
In his very own unique style, Ritchie has turned Holmes into a rock-n-rolla detective who not only plays mind games but also goes bare chested for fist fights. And what a sight that is – lord help me. But any way. Back to the point.
Ritchie keeps his usual stylistic flourishes in check for most of the film but lets them loose for a couple fight scenes when he slows the film down to show Holmes mentally visualizing his attack then replays it at normal speed as it actually happens. And including some incredibly tight shots and fast editing that leave you disoriented at times. The effect turns out to be brilliant, well at least I think so. Most of the fight scenes are text book Ritchie which is what I just love.
The pace of the movie rarely slackens, the sets are explosive, the backgrounds and setups are a treat, the Victorian London visually cracked to the T and the background score persistently booming.
The surprise package here is Jude Law, playing Dr. Watson. The moustache quite suits him. And while his character here is quite not as stuffy and prim as Conan Doyle created, he deserves much credit. To make his presence felt alongside RDJ who has the audience eating out of his hand pretty much from the start indicates pure talent.
The relationship between Holmes & Watson hints at being homosexual but they nail the chemistry so perfectly that it is one the most endearing parts of the movie. They squabble like a married couple at times and yet it is quite evident that they are inseparable. Which is evident when Holmes keeps trying to dissuade Watson from getting married.
And now, ladies and Gentlemen – Let’s talk about RDJ. I am as good as singing the song ‘Let's talk about..”.
This most quintessential of English characters being played by an American but so flawlessly that you can’t but love him. Loads of panache & spirit and add to that a spot on accent.
An seasoned drug abuser who lives in squalor and yet a master of martial arts & disguise, a brilliant detective who shows off his six pack with so much nonchalance that it makes you want to be him. The fight scene in the boxing ring just goes to show this complete insouciance that he brings on screen.
A constant hangover that presides over Holmes, yet never dulls his senses or skills.
Downey and Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes is just too smart, too capable. He brings order to seemingly random events, he beats up guys twice his size, and he does it all just very easily. He's a man who hears, sees and remembers everything. So here he is in an over crowded restaurant, where he's almost overcome by the sounds of clinking silverware and conversation. You can practically feel his senses at work.
In the same scene, his verbal assault on Watson’s love interest goes from being charming to crass in a matter of seconds delivered so beautifully that one does not even register his insensitivity until the lady upturns her drink on Holmes.
Holmes here is like a chess genius, thinking 3-4 moves ahead and put together with the fabulous CGI, we have for ourselves a big winner.
Some argued with me post the release of the movie that RDJ was a tad too old for this role but he made it more than evident that he has enough boyish charm and tricks up his sleeve to pull it through successfully. And what a score.
I can go on and on but the bottom line is, I’m quite sure RDJ has earned himself a successful franchise with this block buster and if all goes well we shall be seeing him in action quite soon, once again.
Of course, me thinks he’s earned himself 2 big franchises – Sherlock Holmes and Iron Man. I dig that suit ya. So bloody cool. But then again I dig the man so everything and anything about him works for me.
P.S. - there is this old movie with Mel Gibson and RDJ called Air America. Must watch.
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