Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Silk Stocking (2004)

Watch Jeremy Brett instead

Despite its lavish costumes and good score, this production can do nothing to mask its poor casting. As the title role, Everett is awkward and frenzied . . . not like the cool, calculating Holmes we all know- he seems less like a brilliant (and frightening) genius and more like a raving drug-addict. (Not to mention the terrible violin scene...) The script does little to capture the spirit of the Conan Doyle stories.
Take my advice and watch Jeremy Brett instead. Or better yet, go read the books. August 25, 2008

hoping for some sort of series

i really enjoyed this movie. i do love the jeremy brett films, but they're still.... um... decent i guess is the word. i don't think i ever even heard the word RAPE in the brett series. this was darker, more outgoing with a few twists-but i did feel that since the beginning, the writer wanted you to be part of solving it, and gave the audience clues. i really hope for more movies spark from this with everett. i believe any holmes movie following brett would be tough and and everett pulled it off. i liked the movie and highly recommend for anyone who loves (but not weirdly obsessive) sherlock holmes. June 16, 2008

A Different Take on Familiar Ground

In a radical departure from the usual screen portrayals of Sherlock Holmes, Rupert Everett brings an air of whimsy and debauchery to the role of the famed detective in "Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Silk Stocking". Drug-addled and fey, with his top hat and tux, this Holmes cuts a glamorous swath through London high society as he tries to stop a murderer preying on Victorian debs. Never once do we spy his deerstalker or twill overcoat, although Arthur Conan Doyle made it clear in his famous stories that Holmes was fashion-conscious, utilizing this synonymous outerwear as part of a disguise, and not as part of his daily wardrobe. While not an actor who immediately pops into one's mind as an ideal casting choice for Holmes, Rupert Everett gives an interesting interpretation of the role; for once, his sometimes unbearable class-conscious hauteur works in favor of his character (as it did in "My Best Friend's Wedding"). Not an actor of great depth, Everett still manages to bring a sense of world-weary fatalism to his role, along with a certain amount of good humor and class.

As has been previously pointed out in an earlier review, Ian Hart, as Dr. Watson, has none of the bumbling, well-intentioned loopiness of Nigel Bruce. This Dr. Watson is smart and dapper, a good foil for Holmes. He's also kind-hearted, courageous, and brave, qualities that serve him well as he races through the fog-shrouded streets attempting to stop yet another murder. I'd have liked to see more of his American fiancee, as she also provided an interesting counterpoint to the Holmes character.

In supporting roles, Perdita Weeks and Michael Fassbender stand out as, respectively, a grand lady and her footman. As Lestrade, Neil Dudgeon has little screen time, and there is none of the good-natured banter between him and the detectives that characterized the classic Hollywood films.

All in all, I liked this film. It's a different take on familiar territory, and purists will probably be offended or put off. I found it both chilling and amusing, atmospheric and very suspenseful, especially the climax, which is both creepy and edgy. January 3, 2008

Not Jeremy Brett

This is not Jeremy Brett, and as such it can never be a great version of Sherlock Holmes. But if you have to settle for less than the best it is not horrible. It is also not a story that Doyle wrote; it is an original screen play using Doyle's character. Which is why the plot sort of does this kind of flop on the descent toward the finale. Keeping these things in mind, it's ok. January 2, 2008

Sherlock Holmes and the case of the silk stockings

As Sherlock Holmes go this was okay. Did not like the actors as well as some that I have seen. June 27, 2007

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