The Many Faces of Sherlock Holmes, Master Detective
by Paulette Reynolds
February 6, 2014
by Paulette Reynolds
February 6, 2014
Classics never get old - especially in storytelling. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's iconic British detective, Sherlock Holmes continues to fascinates audiences on both sides of the pond, thanks to film and television. Since he first hit the printed page in 1887, countless tales of this renaissance man and Dr. Watson, his softer alter-ego, have entertained devoted generations of mystery fans. Holmes and Watson often clash as their friendship and world views are tested with each new case and Sherlock's eccentricities. This decade Sherlock Holmes is enjoying a Steampunk movie franchise, starring Robert Downey Jr and Jude Law, and no less than three television series (British, American, and Russian).
Our English cousins began importing season three of the BBC version mid-January, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman as the famous duo. Supporting cast members Rupert Graves as Inspector Lestrade, Mark Gatiss (series co-creator/producer/writer) as Sherlock's fussy brother, Mycroft, and Andrew Scott as arch-nemesis, Professor Moriarty continue to exist to alternately be frustrated and frustrate Sherlock's movements . What sets this version apart is the razzle-dazzle editing, convoluted plot lines and Cumberbatch's flawless execution as the brilliant Holmes.
However, CBS's Elementary is far superior in casting choices, edgy storylines, and a truly modern take on all things Sherlock. Jonny Lee Miller brings Doyle's original Sherlock - complete with a drug addiction - into the 21st century with simmering resentments for past mistakes and misgivings. Lucy Liu is a treasure as Joan Watson, the physician who can barely heal herself, but helps Holmes work through his mid-life crisis. Aiden Quinn/Capt. Gregson and Jon Michael Hill/ Dect. Bell have a few personal issues of their own while battling Sherlock's quirky detecting methods. But for sheer ingenuity, the CBS creative team went just a bit farther in their casting of Natalie Dormer as Jamie Moriarty and Rhys Ifans as a more sinister Mycroft. It's refreshing to see the addition of Liu and Dormer to a beloved male-centered franchise like Sherlock Holmes, where in times and productions past women were merely window-dressing. The diversity lends itself to a multi-faceted production that proves - once again - that America can take a British staple and improve on it.
With so many choices, Sherlock Holmes fans - both traditional and trendy - can now breathe a happy sigh of contentment with their cuppa.
Our English cousins began importing season three of the BBC version mid-January, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman as the famous duo. Supporting cast members Rupert Graves as Inspector Lestrade, Mark Gatiss (series co-creator/producer/writer) as Sherlock's fussy brother, Mycroft, and Andrew Scott as arch-nemesis, Professor Moriarty continue to exist to alternately be frustrated and frustrate Sherlock's movements . What sets this version apart is the razzle-dazzle editing, convoluted plot lines and Cumberbatch's flawless execution as the brilliant Holmes.
However, CBS's Elementary is far superior in casting choices, edgy storylines, and a truly modern take on all things Sherlock. Jonny Lee Miller brings Doyle's original Sherlock - complete with a drug addiction - into the 21st century with simmering resentments for past mistakes and misgivings. Lucy Liu is a treasure as Joan Watson, the physician who can barely heal herself, but helps Holmes work through his mid-life crisis. Aiden Quinn/Capt. Gregson and Jon Michael Hill/ Dect. Bell have a few personal issues of their own while battling Sherlock's quirky detecting methods. But for sheer ingenuity, the CBS creative team went just a bit farther in their casting of Natalie Dormer as Jamie Moriarty and Rhys Ifans as a more sinister Mycroft. It's refreshing to see the addition of Liu and Dormer to a beloved male-centered franchise like Sherlock Holmes, where in times and productions past women were merely window-dressing. The diversity lends itself to a multi-faceted production that proves - once again - that America can take a British staple and improve on it.
With so many choices, Sherlock Holmes fans - both traditional and trendy - can now breathe a happy sigh of contentment with their cuppa.
COPYRIGHT 2012/2016. Paulette Reynolds. All CineMata Movie Madness blog articles, reviews, faux interviews, commentary, and the Cine Mata character are under the sole ownership of Paulette Reynolds. All intellectual and creative rights reserved.
