The Complete Sherlock Holmes on DVD: A Review

I have grown up much like others in my generation reading the adventures of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous detective, Sherlock Holmes and his inseparable companion Dr James Watson.
The quality of mystery, intrigue, and drama in all the fifty-six short stories and 4 novels sets them part from any other detective series. The only other writer worthy of that distinction being the acclaimed Agatha Christie and her sweet and amazingly intelligent Belgian detective Hercule Poirot. Other than the remarkable and tightly woven narratives, the secret behind their exceptional success is the instant chord that they strike with the reader. So much so that when Sir Arthur decided to kill Sherlock in The Final Problem, there was such public furor that he was compelled to bring him to life in The Return of Sherlock Holmes (also a part of this series).

Between the period 1878 to the present, when Sherlock made his first appearance and rose to become a household name, several adaptations have been attempted in the form of both plays and cinema. The Guinness World Records has consistently listed him as the "most portrayed movie character" with over 70 actors playing the part in over 200 films. Basil Rathbone starred as Sherlock Holmes, alongside Nigel Bruce as Dr. Watson, in fourteen films (two for 20th Century Fox and a dozen for Universal Pictures) from 1939-1946.

However, Jeremy Brett is generally considered the definitive Holmes of recent times, having played the role in four series of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, created by John Hawkesworth for Britain's Granada Television, from 1984 though to 1994, as well as depicting Holmes on stage. Dr. Watson was played by David Burke and Edward Hardwicke in the series. This original series is scantily available in India, although you can order it from Amazon for a price that is slightly high but well worth every penny. I have always been proud to own the collection and it remains one of my most prized possessions.

It is generally known that an adaptation of a famous writing does little justice to the written plot. Viewers tend to form an image of characters in their mind and when you actually see the characters and incidents on screen, there is a sense of missing link. Having said that, the portrayal of Sherlock by Jeremy is so nearly identical to the original that die-hard fans of the detective are left pleasantly surprised. He has brought out to perfection the different moods that Sir Aurthur’s sleuth was known for. The excitement and passion for detection, addiction to opium, moodiness, long bouts of silence, straight talk often translating as rudeness and loneliness are remarkably depicted. Although, Edward Hardwicke, hailed as the true Watson, was intrinsically more involved with the series due to David taking early leave from playing the character after the first few episodes, he too leaves a daunting impression with his unique addition of a comical dimension to the role. Some stories have been twisted from their original narratives to suit the compulsions of drama but it only adds more punch to the tales.

It comes as a set of 12 DVDs and shall easily leave you occupied for a great deal of time. I would strongly recommend it to even those who have never had a chance to read the stories. If you have a passion and liking for detection and suspense, this is where your money belongs.

Rang De Sans Color

I always take the idea of watching a bollywood movie with a pinch of salt. Only after the movie has received consistently good press, I gather up courage to put my good three hours and hard earned money at stake. No offence or disrespect meant to the film fraternity, my bad experiences far outweigh the good ones. Bollywood rarely produces good films (and I am making a distinction here between a good film and a so called hit film). However, there are exceptions to this. Some films by virtue of their highly acclaimed directors and actors and sometimes great plots are sure winners.

Aamir’s films usually generate such publicity for the great deal of caution and thinking he puts into his projects. Rang De Basanti is one such film. Great star cast, dance to the beats music, and a theme based on youth; everything points to a visual treat. But the film is anything but entertaining. A loose depiction of events coupled with an outrageous message and loose talk (maa ki aankh types) leave you in bad taste.

Looking at a group of beer guzzling unemployed men who live to eat, are always on the move, and make no effort to make a standing for them in life, one can hardly relate them to Bhagat Singh and other great revolutionaries (that the film wants us to believe). In fact, I think it is senseless to even link the cause of our great martyrs to the issue (and the manner in which it is resolved) raised in the film. We were being ruled by foreign forces then and desperately wanted them out of our country. Today, we live in a free India which gives us the undeniable right to voice our opinion, approach the courts, and make a case in public through the much vibrant media. The film undermines all this and instead preaches a theory of kill to avenge.
Aaamir’s terrible use of Hindi and Punjabi in the same dialogues looks superficial and has shades of overacting. This can easily be categorized as one of his most disappointing performances. Others, including Soha Ali Khan fail to get even noticed by virtue of their non-existent characters.

The entire three hour depiction of their pranks and finally act of revenge neither instigates a feeling of inspiration nor sympathy. All it does is make you ponder if the solution presented to potential problems is a viable one. Though, the film scores on great foot tapping music and special effects, this is hardly a consolation for an eagerly awaited movie such as this. The film raises several pertinent issues like corruption in defence deals, petty party politics, and lack of right platform for the young motivated to do something for the country. However, it goofs up on providing valid solutions. Kill if you have been wronged is definitely not one.

For its budget, hype, theme and big stars, the film could easily have inspired and entertained many. Sadly, its only credit has been polluting further the minds of our already directionless youth.