So, after the thrilling conclusion of BBC 1′s excellent second series of ‘Sherlock’ (of which the final episode was a fantastic, enthralling drama worthy of the Baftas), I thought I’d list my personal favourite three adaptations of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s (ACD’s) deducing detective.
This list is taken from my lifetime (after 1986) and is of course open for debate, write a comment if you’d don’t agree, It’s elementary.
Number Three: Robert Downey Jr. (Sherlock Holmes, December 2009)
Less aloof genius and more arrogant show-off, Downey Jr’s interpretation of the great detective took an altogether more gritty outlook of the character – but what else would you expect from a Guy Richie film.
While still capable of the genius-level deductions for which the character is famous, instead using them mainly in fist-fights, Downey Jr’s more athletic, fist-fighting private eye is as quick to end an investigation with a fist to the crotch as he is to call in the ever-inept Inspector Lestrade.
Taking on the black magic of the dodgy-looking ‘Lord Blackwood’, Downey Jr’s Sherlock nevertheless relies on science and deduction to solve the mystery, while uncovering a deeper plot along the way.
More action movie than crime drama, Sherlock Holmes nevertheless manages to hit the mark.
Number Two: Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock, 2010–2011)
Steven Moffat, the writer of the later (and better) Doctor Who episodes, and his co-creator Mark Gatiss took ACD’s character and dragged him into the 21st century, replacing black cabs for horses and microscopes for magnifying glasses – and my goodness does it work.
Cumberbatch, an actor of some repute who was just waiting for his lead role, is amazing as Sherlock, drawing in ACD’s original observations and adding his own spin. Although he somewhat plays up Sherlock’s anti-social tendencies, describing himself as a ‘high-functioning sociopath’ at one point, he manages to bring a huge amount of character to the role.
Sherlock, as a genius, has a natural dislike for the ‘normals’ which inhabit London and simply do not see as he does. Despite his genius, however, he’s totally lacking in social skills, and puts his foot in his mouth almost every episode – and doesn’t notice.
Much like the original character, his passion for cases can drive him to excess – although, in keeping with the setting, this Sherlock craves cigarettes as opposed to opium (as far as the viewer knows…). He also makes great use of the modern technologies available to him in a series of cases modeled on ACD’s work. There are also a pleasing number of in-jokes for Sherlock fans like myself: “It’s a three-patch problem…”
The ensemble cast includes a great number of brilliant actors, and the series deserves the many awards it’s received – and is bound to receive in the future.
Number one: Jeremy Brett (The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, 1984-1994)
Described by many as ‘the’ Sherlock Holmes series, Jeremy Brett’s ‘The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes’ is the closest, most accurate and indeed the best adaptation of ACD’s work I’ve ever had the pleasure to enjoy.
I discovered the series through my father, a big fan of the character – and of Brett’s work – and over the years my family and I have watched all of the long-running series, and have been enthralled by every one.
Looking at Sidney Paget’s original illustrations of Holmes, Brett’s portrayal is eerily similar to ACD’s original detective, true to both form and actions. He achieves what other Holmes’s have not – an intense arrogance, bordering on a superiority complex, and yet a depth of humanity which shows between the iron will that drives the character.
Dogged in his work, Brett’s Holmes faces down danger as if he doesn’t realise it’s even there, and his relationship with Dr Watson (played brilliantly by both David Burke and Edward Hardwicke) allows for an exploration of the pipe-smoking detective which other outlets have been sadly lacking.
Brett, who sadly died before his time, has a firm place in my memories for his outstanding adventures in the gas lamp-lit streets of old London town – and an exploration of a a character that still stands as a beacon of literary genius even today.
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