Mr Holmes
Starring: Ian
McKellen, Laura Linney, Milo Parker, Frances De la Tout, Hiroyuki Sanada
Written by: Jeffrey Hatcher (from the novel by Mitch Cullin)
Directed by: Bill
Condon
Rated M 105 minutes
I wonder what it is that makes Sherlock Holmes so endearing
as a character in film, theatre and TV (even radio in the past)? So many dramas
with him as either the central character or part of an ensemble. Why the name
‘Sherlock’ is even part of the vernacular (‘No Sh*t Sherlock’ is one of my
sarcastic favorites). I would venture that very few people today who love the
character or know the name at least have never read any of the books. I have
managed halfway through ‘Hound of the Baskervilles’ but bailed.
The latest incarnation of Holmes is in this Ian McKellen
star turn. We see a 93 yr old Sherlock
at the end of his life, getting his last story down in his own words – we learn
John Watson has been the author of all previous Sherlock stories. His memory is a bit skewed so he needs to get
the story done soonest. He revisits a case that came late in his career. He is
helped with the encouragement and possible hero worship given by the son of his
housekeeper in the delightful seaside cottage in Sussex he spends his days in,
writing and tending his bees. I guess if I read the books I’d know if that
enterprise was something I’d have known (or not).
The plot is actually quite convoluted but terribly
intriguing and entertaining. I’m not sure why it’s a story about Holmes rather
than Conan-Doyle. This might have given the story a different edge or
perspective that could have overcome some of the ‘oh dear’ moments but
nevertheless we have this film and
not another. I know the Holmes’ estate made an attempt to stop or at least edit
the film but I don’t know the full objections or where that all ended up.
I very much admire the Sir of McKellen but I think he was a
bit over the top in this and perhaps given too much free rein to roll out some
acting ‘tricks’. His highly pronounced speech patterns, the somewhat mannered
gestures and the arch pauses or delivery of lines was a bit much frankly.
That’s not to say it was unbearable or awful just a tad grating and I did have
a few ‘oh come on luvvy’ thoughts. Of course the character of Holmes is a bit
OTT but the trick is to make him seem eccentric or skilful but human rather
than caricature I think. We need to be
engaged by him not want to move away.
Laura Linney as the housekeeper Mrs Munro is baffling frankly, very
good but baffling. I’m not sure if something is missing in the final edit or
it’s simply a ‘let’s not spend time on that part of the story’ but she waivers
from surly and sulky to sad and angry. We know she’s grieving her husband but
she just seems a bit too pissed off with something and on the verge of
exploding either in rage or tears and I don’t know why. Is it something Holmes
represents, something he’s done or just that she’s a dreary, sad old thing?
Let’s not be mistaken, Laura Linney is one of this generation’s great actors
but her characterisation in this was a mystery to me and it bothered me – a
lot.
On the other hand as the young boy Roger, maybe protégé Milo
Parker was sensational. I’m soooo tired of these perfect child actors that crop
up continually, it’s a disgrace that they are so convincing and so spot on and
so watchable at such a young age. Maybe we’re just wrong to think they would be
anything but what they are, maybe that’s the gift of being young, not the
surprise. Whichever, I thought he was a-mazing.
The cleverness of the script is testament to the skills of.
It is beautifully directed (apart perhaps from the loose grip on the Linney
character and the excesses of McKellan)and shot, the locations are wonderful
and the period is brought to life and nicely realised.
This is a delightful film, odd to be sure but worth a visit.
3 ½ out of 5
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