Film has the capacity to reveal, entertain, and question certain practices. Long has the battle been raged between religion and science, one fighting for centuries-old theological beliefs, the other for mathematical and formulaic answers to man’s existence. And long has the battle between religion and science been discussed amongst scholars, and common folk. But it was in film that I came across an unexpected plot that drew uncanny parallels to this very battle.

Sherlock Holmes, Detective Extraordinaire. A curiously quirky individual (played by the appropriately able-bodied, yet unexpectedly quirky Robert Downey Jr.), Sherlock Holmes is a film bringing to life one of the most fabled of detectives in literature. The anthologies and tales of Sherlock Holmes to this day sit on my bookshelf, tucked away in the lower left-hand corner, though largely un-read and admittedly dusty (it failed the white glove test miserably).

What is it about this man, this character, that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle so brilliantly captivated generations of readers, enthused detectives, and the curious amongst us all? His “intellectual prowess, astute observation, deductive reasoning and forensic skills” for lack of a more perfect summation (thank you Wikipedia for formulating the inner-goings on of one Sherlock Holmes). When all resources have been exhausted, and all methods utilized, there lies the consultive genius of Sherlock Holmes that finds answers using science to prove the illogical as logical, the magical as mathematical and chemical.

Guy Richie may not have intended to direct a film that not only pits religion against science, magic against showmanship, but it would be inappropriate to not discuss this centuries-old debate. We live in a world that has succumb to the advancements of science and technology, a world of (hold all fanatical and even reformatory remarks on religion and beliefs as that is a discussion for an entirely different forum, and blog) decreasing belief in organized religion. But despite one’s beliefs, (I am trying to make a conceited effort to remain non-denominational and respectful to the beliefs of others, thought admittedly I am more atheist than my Jewish blood would have) science can provide logical answers to our way of living, to our being.

As we watch this masterfully crafted film portray the witty work of a consulting Private I, we discover, (SPOILER ALERTS, be forewarned), that the magic of the villainous Lord Blackwood was not magic as Webster would define it, but a magic that other films have so often revealed as stage work, entertaining performances that juggle the logic of the human mind with the powers of deception and camera tricks (The Prestige comes to mind). That which lies in the depths of dwelling 221B is more than a lunatics thinking factory of toys, notebooks, and discoveries. It is the laboratory of scientific fact, a brewery of knowledge. Ok, done with the ridiculous clichés, I promise.

Sherlock Holmes (2009) is one amazing movie. Now, for full transparency, I, like many men, were partially drawn to it because of the beauty of Rachel McAdams. But, despite my desire for more Rachel McAdams in the film being my only (albeit selfish) criticism, from art and photographic direction to casting and post-production, Warner Bro’s and Co. put together one great film. The inseparable duo of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson (Jude Law) are the Jack Sparrow and Will Turner of police detective work, bridging comedy with action and mystery. Much like Johnny Depp in Jack Sparrow wardrobe, Robert Downey Jr. acted in a manner befitting of such a witty genius. His boyish and giddy demeanor, mixed with an utter curiosity for all things illogical, draw Holmes to solving the mystery of black magic and defeat those who practice it.

My apologies to Rachel for seeing this without her. It was a late development in a far away town (namely Rancho Santa Margarita). I’ll make it up to ya.

[image courtesy of Warner Bros]

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