My, 'Memoirs', of Sherlock Holmes:
After thoroughly enjoying the BBC series 'Sherlock' (2010), alongside watching the recent films-I finally decided to fulfill one of my life-long desires; to read the works of Conan Doyle and traverse the colourful mysteries of our favourite 'consulting detective'. Back when he emerged from the page for the first time, capturing the nation in the 19th Century and who continues to do so even now.With the re-emergence of the character it set me to reminisce of my youth in which the 'Basil Rathbone' films were bestowed upon me-passed down from grandparents to parents, and considered 'their' Sherlock Holmes. One memory that sticks out is that of the sinister man who had a club foot in;'Sherlock Holmes and the Pearl of Death', his sinister footsteps echoing out into the night. I will never forget the fear and intrigue that was instilled in my heart by the eerie black and white films which kept you hanging at every breath with it's subtlety. In the centre of it all was a man; Sherlock Holmes. He was an unusual fellow, lacking many 'normal' human qualities and yet carried a charm and piercing wit which audiences and readers alike fell in love with.
I must confess I never truly saw any others between those and the most recent bundle of adaptations-due to family bias-but I would probably agree that Jeremy Brett does not strike me as a perfect Sherlock, but is still simply brilliant to watch. Benedict Cumberbatch on the other hand, feels as if he could have been transported from the 19th century and fits both the modern and Victorian stereotype-with chiseled and piercing looks, very much fitting what I imagine in my mind when the description in the book is presented. The portrayal of his character in the most recent BBC series is also not far off the original characterization of Sherlock.
‘His very person and appearance were such as to strike the
attention of the most casual observer. In height he was rather over six feet,
and so excessively lean that he seemed to be considerably taller. His eyes were
sharp and piercing, save during those intervals of torpor to which I have
alluded; and his thin hawklike nose gave his whole expression an air of alertness
and decision. His chin too, had the prominence and squareness which mark the
man of determination.’-A Study in Scarlet.
This leads me on to a brief synopsis of 'A Study In Scarlet' to whet your appetite, with a study comparing modern and classic to follow:
A Study in Scarlet has everything to set off a successful set of novels, mystery, love, action, betrayal, revenge and even a little bit of controversy on the way. It proves to be so much more than a detective novel; Sherlock Holmes' 'powers' are almost other wordly to his new found companion Dr. Watson when a seemingly straightforward murder case results in an incredibly thrilling chain of events. We uncover the sinister 'Avenging Angels', a secret society among the early Mormons, in a shocking tale with twists at every turn. Truly a must read!
-Emma-
