Sitting on this creaky mattress teleports me back to first grade. I am sitting in front of a bookshelf, perusing the titles of the ever-illusive author: Carolyn Keene. My 7-year-old self could barely make sense of the idea of a novel, but I knew what I wanted. Nancy Drew was a beloved detective whose stories had been passed throughout my family. So while reading was a new phenomena to me, I knew I had to be a part of this great thing my Grandma had discovered. I remember distinctly filling out a check out card and asserting my will to the librarian that I could indeed read this book. My inner detective was born.
Back to the mattress. My friend and I are sprawled out in a dimly lit room, squinting over the intensity of the unfolding story. Sherlock Holmes, in his ancient glory, is exercising his furrowed brow over his final case. Murder, musicians, and oddly enough, bumble bees join forces for the riveting tale of "Mr. Holmes." Here's what I liked:
The cinematography.
Characterized by brilliant flashes of color and countryside, anyone with a love of photography can really appreciate the skill behind the camera. Like pieces of a puzzle, scenes are presented to viewers in a timely fashion, as if they too are the ones wrestling with this mystery. And when Mr. Holmes pauses to remember what happened next, the faces outside the television screen are remembering too. The power of film craftsmanship is so elegantly portrayed within this film that audiences young and old will be captivated in their seats.
The setting.
What causes the cinematography to leave such an impression, though, is the setting. Filmed almost entirely in England, the seaside cottage where Mr. Holmes resides is enough to make a viewer wish he could develop an accent overnight and leave the country. The neighboring bee farm adjacent to the house also adds a very natural aspect to the movie. Rolling countryside only increases the argument that this film would not have been as influential had it been shot in an urban setting.
The man vs. self conflict.
Detective stories typically deal with an antagonistic murderer lurking in the shadows. But this movie deals more primarily with the reality of aging. Yearning to remember, Mr. Holmes, at times, must drop the case for awhile in order to recollect his thoughts. The man-versus-self struggle is an engaging and very human barrier. Deeper than man to man combat, the internal war leaves viewers urging on the hero, as memory loss is applicable to anyone.
Little can be said in regards to the negatives of this film. Some may argue that the acting of the mother in "Mr. Holmes" is too extreme or exaggerated. Others may find the ending too predictable. But for the most part, those who spend an evening watching "Mr. Holmes" will not be disappointed. The beauty is breathtaking, the story intriguing, and the characters satisfying. So find a fellow mystery lover, photography aficionado, or travel guru and go appreciate the genius behind the movie, "Mr. Holmes." You will not regret it.
