Sherlock Holmes (2009 version)

[Goodsport]

Anyone else here also looking forward to this film, scheduled to hit theaters this coming December 25th?

IMO, to this point, the late Jeremy Brett played the definitive on-screen Sherlock Holmes. Judging from the trailers, Robert Downey, Jr.'s version certainly seems more action-packed, but will that make his version better, worse or simply different than Brett's (or any other on-screen version, for that matter)?


-G

 

[Richards]

Worse. Far, far worse -- at least to Sherlock Holmes fans who respect the character. I'd be perfectly fine with the movie if they weren't using Sherlock Holmes as the title character, but this "version" of him seems like a travesty.

Johnathan

 

[jaerdaph]

I've been a fan of Sherlock Holmes for a very long time, and I'm looking forward to a new take on the character. I don't want to see yet another Basil Rathbone or Jeremy Brett clone because these have been done already (and done quite well). I'm also interested in seeing Robert Downey Jr.'s interpretation of the Great Detective because of their shared problems with illicit drugs.

 

[Orius]

I'm also interested in seeing Robert Downey Jr.'s interpretation of the Great Detective because of their shared problems with illicit drugs.

Yup, I was going to make a snide remark that Robert Downey Jr. should have no problems whatsoever protraying Holmes' cocaine habit.

But you beat me to it.

 

[Rykion]

I'm looking forward to this movie. If it had been the first ever Sherlock Holmes movie, I'd be wary of the changes, but there are plenty of movies that have done justice to the original form of the great detective. An action movie won't ruin the classic image of Holmes.

 

[Mark]

I'm on board with those who are willing to give this imagining of Sherlock Holmes a shot. I would just as soon leave the Rathbone works as the template and the Brett versions as the highpoint in doing film or television SH works by-the-book. Without a Clue has long stood as the best of comic versions (I'm not sure if I have ever seen much else attempted with a high profile/budget, just some plays) and I wouldn't mind seeing it challenged, though I enjoyed it greatly. This new film is apt to have a much darker take which I think will set it apart enough to give it a chance to be judged largely on its own merit.

 

[Jeremy Ackerman-Yost]

I am frequently bored to tears by literal interpretations of a text. My imagination can do that without any help whatsoever, thanks. And it's been done time and time again with Holmes already, occasionally well.

I look forward to some new interpretation. RDJ also helps allay fears in this regard.

 

[Mallus]

I'm quite looking forward to ass-kicking, ninja Holmes (though I'm less keen on Jude Law as Watson). I enjoy, how shall I put it?... radical reinterpretations of traditional works and characters. My favorite version of The Tempest takes place on Altair IV.

To be honest, I also enjoy travesties. Sometimes I think the worst thing you can do to a beloved character --or work of art in general-- is treat them with respect. Reverence is slavery (or at least, a recipe for tedium).

 

[Hand of Evil]

I'm quite looking forward to ass-kicking, ninja Holmes.

figure it will be more Steampunk Ninja Now there is a character concept!

 

[jaerdaph]

figure it will be more Steampunk Ninja Now there is a character concept!

I'd be down with a Clockwork Mrs. Hudson!