The 2009 film, starring Robert Downey Jr., only features one principal actor portraying Sherlock Holmes. However, considering the context of the year and the broader media landscape surrounding the character, four other actors made significant Holmesian appearances on screen in film or television.
Sherlock Holmes Renaissance: 2009 and Beyond
2009 marked a pivotal year for Sherlock Holmes. The arrival of Guy Ritchie’s visually dynamic and action-oriented Sherlock Holmes, starring Robert Downey Jr., injected new life into the Victorian detective, appealing to a broader, more mainstream audience. However, this wasn’t the only interpretation of the great detective gracing screens that year. The enduring appeal of Holmes ensured a continued stream of adaptations and reimaginings. While Downey Jr. was the central figure in cinematic Holmes lore for that year, several other actors added their own distinct flavors to the character.
The Principal Player: Robert Downey Jr.
Let’s be unequivocally clear: in the 2009 Sherlock Holmes film directed by Guy Ritchie, Robert Downey Jr. is the sole actor portraying Sherlock Holmes. His portrayal was a departure from the traditional image of Holmes, emphasizing his intelligence, athleticism, and eccentric personality. The film, co-starring Jude Law as Dr. John Watson, was a major box-office success, spawning sequels and cementing Downey Jr.’s place in the Holmesian canon. His depiction was lauded for its energy, humor, and nuanced understanding of Holmes’s complex character.
Beyond the Big Screen: Other Holmesian Voices of 2009
While Downey Jr. held court in cinemas, other actors were keeping the spirit of Sherlock Holmes alive on television and in less mainstream cinematic productions. Considering the media landscape of 2009, these actors warrant inclusion in a discussion of “Sherlock Holmes in 2009”:
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Ben Syder: Although his role was in a lesser-known film, Syder played a youthful Sherlock Holmes in Sherlock Holmes and the Baker Street Irregulars, a 2007 British television film that continued to see distribution and availability in 2009. While not a major theatrical release, it contributed to the overall Holmesian narrative that year.
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Rupert Everett: Everett played Holmes in Sherlock Holmes and the Case of Silk Stockings, a 2004 BBC television film that was still actively circulating and being rebroadcast in 2009. This portrayal offered a more traditional and understated interpretation of the detective.
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Jeremy Brett (through reruns/DVD): While Jeremy Brett passed away in 1995, his iconic portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in the Granada Television series, which aired from 1984 to 1994, remained incredibly popular. Reruns and DVD sales meant that his Holmes was still very much present in the cultural consciousness of 2009. His performance is often considered the definitive adaptation by many Holmes purists.
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Basil Rathbone (through reruns/DVD): Similar to Brett, Basil Rathbone’s portrayal from the 1939-1946 series of films was kept alive through reruns and DVD distribution. Rathbone’s depiction defined Sherlock Holmes for a generation and remained a powerful influence, showcasing a more heroic and patriotic version of the character.
While Downey Jr. was the fresh face, the legacy of other Holmes actors reverberated throughout 2009, influencing the expectations and perceptions of the character.
Unraveling the Enigma: FAQs About Sherlock Holmes in 2009
What made Robert Downey Jr.’s Sherlock Holmes so different?
Downey Jr.’s portrayal emphasized the physical and intellectual agility of Holmes, portraying him as a skilled boxer and martial artist, alongside his deductive prowess. This was a significant departure from previous interpretations that often focused solely on his intellectual capabilities and observational skills. He also brought a playful and somewhat eccentric quality to the character, making him more relatable and engaging for a modern audience.
How did Guy Ritchie’s direction influence the portrayal of Sherlock Holmes?
Ritchie’s signature style, characterized by fast-paced action sequences, dynamic camerawork, and witty dialogue, heavily influenced the film’s overall tone and the portrayal of Holmes. He presented Holmes as a more action-oriented and adventurous figure than previous adaptations, appealing to a broader audience.
Was there any controversy surrounding Downey Jr.’s interpretation of Sherlock Holmes?
Yes, some Holmes purists criticized Downey Jr.’s portrayal for being too far removed from the traditional depiction of the character. They felt that the emphasis on action and humor detracted from the intellectual depth and psychological complexity of the original Holmes. However, the film was largely well-received by audiences and critics alike.
How did Jude Law’s portrayal of Dr. Watson contribute to the film’s success?
Jude Law’s portrayal of Dr. Watson was crucial to the film’s success. He presented Watson as a capable and intelligent partner to Holmes, rather than simply a sidekick. Their dynamic and camaraderie were a central element of the film, adding depth and humor to the story.
Why is Jeremy Brett considered by many to be the definitive Sherlock Holmes?
Brett is often considered the definitive Holmes due to his faithful adherence to the original stories. He captured the character’s intellect, mannerisms, and emotional complexities with remarkable accuracy. His portrayal was also praised for its nuanced exploration of Holmes’s personal struggles and vulnerabilities.
How did Basil Rathbone’s wartime Holmes differ from other interpretations?
Rathbone’s Holmes films were made during World War II, and his portrayal reflected the patriotic spirit of the time. He was depicted as a more heroic and overtly moral figure, often assisting the British government in fighting against Nazi spies.
Did other actors attempt to portray Sherlock Holmes in 2009 besides those mentioned?
While no other major film or television production featuring a new actor portraying Sherlock Holmes was released in 2009 beyond Robert Downey Jr., there may have been smaller, independent productions or stage performances. However, these would not have had the same level of widespread recognition.
What lasting impact did the 2009 Sherlock Holmes film have on the character’s popularity?
The 2009 Sherlock Holmes film significantly re-energized the character’s popularity. It introduced Holmes to a new generation of viewers and inspired a renewed interest in the original stories and other adaptations.
How did the film’s costume design contribute to the character’s visual appeal?
The costume design played a crucial role in establishing the film’s unique visual style. Holmes’s attire, while still rooted in Victorian fashion, was given a more modern and edgy twist, reflecting his adventurous and unconventional personality.
What other adaptations of Sherlock Holmes were popular around 2009?
Besides the Ritchie film and the aforementioned examples, the BBC series Sherlock, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, began production in 2009 and aired its first episode in 2010. This series presented a modernized version of Holmes, further expanding the character’s appeal to a contemporary audience.
Where can I watch the Sherlock Holmes portrayals by Brett and Rathbone mentioned above?
These classic portrayals are widely available on DVD, streaming services (depending on your region), and sometimes through television reruns. Many online retailers also offer digital versions for purchase or rental.
Beyond acting, what other factors contributed to Sherlock Holmes’s enduring appeal in 2009 and beyond?
The strength of Arthur Conan Doyle’s original stories, the character’s enduring relevance, and the ability of different actors and filmmakers to bring their own unique perspectives to the role all contribute to Sherlock Holmes’s continued popularity. The detective’s timeless appeal lies in his exceptional intellect, his complex personality, and his ability to solve seemingly impossible mysteries.