A contemporary adaptation of the Sherlock Holmes novel 'A Study In Scarlet'.
This is an excellent feature length television episode with a good use of the source material, solid production values and great performances.
The plot loosely follows the concept of the original story but provides enough original material to make it fresh and interesting. Particularly towards the end it gets very compelling, although it's not hugely suspenseful because you know Holmes' life would not really be in danger. You do, as much as Holmes, want to know how the antagonist can do what he claims to do.
What makes it work so well is the star power and charisma of the lead characters. These are two great actors playing two great characters and they constantly entertain thanks in part to the dialogue.
Visually it is excellent, with strong cinematography, editing and art design. I was not completely sold on the amount of title sequences used to help viewers keep up with Holmes' observations, particularly when he explains it a few minutes later, but this is a matter of taste.
Generally, the use of modern technology in place of the traditional devices with the same principle in the books is another strength of the production.
I have avoided this for over 10 years for being yet another Holmes adaptation, but have to admit it surpassed my expectation.
This is an excellent feature length television episode with a good use of the source material, solid production values and great performances.
The plot loosely follows the concept of the original story but provides enough original material to make it fresh and interesting. Particularly towards the end it gets very compelling, although it's not hugely suspenseful because you know Holmes' life would not really be in danger. You do, as much as Holmes, want to know how the antagonist can do what he claims to do.
What makes it work so well is the star power and charisma of the lead characters. These are two great actors playing two great characters and they constantly entertain thanks in part to the dialogue.
Visually it is excellent, with strong cinematography, editing and art design. I was not completely sold on the amount of title sequences used to help viewers keep up with Holmes' observations, particularly when he explains it a few minutes later, but this is a matter of taste.
Generally, the use of modern technology in place of the traditional devices with the same principle in the books is another strength of the production.
I have avoided this for over 10 years for being yet another Holmes adaptation, but have to admit it surpassed my expectation.