The device of sudden flashbacks using high speed editing are used to explain how the great detective has anticipated, and then performed a series of clever moves that result in a violent triumph. There is not, however, too much time in this dynamic narrative for the development of the character. The character of Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams) who played a major role in the previous Sherlock Holmes film as Holmes’ lover appears to be less involved in this film as she is replaced by Dr. Watson’s wife, Mary (Kelly Reilly): in a major part if the film which makes the audience draw a breath and laughs Holmes throws his best friend’s new wife off a train into a viaduct that they are crossing at night. This scene is full of both seriousness and laughter. The general conversation between the doctor and Holmes is amusing while the situation they are faced with sheds a more serious aspect in the severe predicament they find themselves in.
Music is often used in the background of the action scenes of the film which adds both tension and anxiety that are felt by the audience. This tension and anxiety plays a key part in both the development and overall image of the characters. Not only does the music play a key role in the link between the film and the audience, but so does little things that the audience may not pick up on immediately but will realise them later on. Ritchie often uses anchorage to engage the audience. Throughout the entire film, Holmes focuses on little things that make up his character. These are shown as quick flicks on screen, which means that the audience doesn’t really see them but remembers them unconsciously until later on in the film when the purpose of the shot is revealed. It is these tiny details that alongside the bigger, more noticeable features that give this film a unique atmosphere.
However it is not only music, which adds to the effect Ritchie, has created; the mise-en-scene also does this. Both the film’s arts and costume designer give us an attractive version of the late Victorian society, but with a modern slant. Holmes’ stubble is not usually associated with the Victorian fashion; however its presence along with his “smart casual” clothing is there to represent Holmes’ personality as an eccentric detective who acts far beyond his time. Every scene is thought through to the last detail. One scene in particular, shows Ritchie’s attention to detail. This is the scene when Sherlock and his comrades are retreating from a gun factory. Guns are firing everywhere which gives Ritchie to play his favourite trick- bullet time. Bullet time adds to the effect of the scene in making the audience feel closer to the character by showing their feelings. By not fully focusing on the character in the shot and also showing where the bullet lands adds emotion and suspense for the audience. However, when the camera does focus on the character it is always their facial expression, which brings out feelings in the audience. The pain and sufferings that are seen in these facia; expressions give an element of seriousness to the film that is otherwise quite humorous. These expressions show the quality of acting in this film which makes the link between the actors and the audience. Again in this scene, music plays a big role in creating the atmosphere for the scene. The bold and dramatic music in the background adds to the character’s feelings and emotions as well as creating tension and concern for the future of the character, as they try and escape their fate.
The screenwriters, Michele and Kieran Mulroney, have used qualities from Conon Doyle’s novel “The valley of fear”, for Moriaty’s character and background. They have done this very cleverly by concealing Moriarty in the previous film, to build up the suspense in awaiting his entrance. By revealing him early on in the film, the Mulroney’s’ achieve their aim of revealing part of Moriatiy’s character, but only a glimpse so the audience is still shocked by some of Moriarty’s acts of terror. Another resource for the Mulroney’s is the story of The Final Problem for the film’s climax, in which Holmes and Moriarty, in which Holmes and Moriarty encounter at a 2summit conference2 beside the Reichbach falls.
In my opinion, this is Guy Ritchie’s best film and one of the best films of the year. Its humourous side shows an element of fun, while its seriousness comes through as an undertone, giving the film depth and structure. This film is amusing and intriguing all rolled into one. The continuous line of clues stretches both the audiences mind and imaginations as they strive to keep up with Holmes while he discovers more clues and find out their significance to stop Moriarty. Overall, this film provides a thrilling, action-packed, interesting and mind-boggling view on the traditional Sherlock Holmes.
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