Mr. Holmes – a movie review by Tony Baksa 7/26/2015
Rating – 4 Suns
Summertime moving going can present problems for the serious
cinephile. With the abundance of sci-fi
and superhero blockbusters, the serious minded film goer must wait out the
summer for the fall and winter explosion of erudite offerings. Well, hidden in
the pile of populous bill of fare is a movie that seems so out of place for
this time of year – thankfully so. I admire the usual bombastic summer fun at
the movies but “Mr. Holmes” is a welcome relief from the noise.
Sherlock Holmes has to be one of the most filmed literary
characters ever. However, it seems, we never tire of him. He has been portrayed
in diverse ways by many fine actors. One of our finest actors working today has
now taken the old sleuth on. In “Mr. Holmes” the prolific Ian McKellen (Harry
Potter & Hobbit movies) presents Sherlock as you have never seen him. In
retirement, battling serious health and aging issues, Holmes is haunted by his
last case which if not resolved professionally has never been resolved
emotionally. It doesn’t help that his memory or lack thereof, has become his
enemy. With dignity to spare, McKellen portrays a proud, realistic and
compassionate man at the end of his days trying to make sense of it all.
The case in point is a fascinating one involving a young
married couple’s tragedy, marital unrest, mysterious strangers and psychic
forces. This complex scenario stirs in parallel plots involving a concerned
house keeper (Laura Linney) and her brilliant young son (Milo Parker), a Japanese
admirer (Hiroyuki Sanada) and bee keeping. Parallel lines meet at the end, of
course, as all good mysteries demand. It’s the getting there that makes or
breaks a good mystery.
“Mr. Holmes is a warm, wise and wonderful film based on the
book “A Slight Trick of the Mind” by Mitch Cullen. Moving at a pace that should work against
interest, director Bill Condon (Dreamgirls, The Twilight Saga) wisely chooses a languid
momentum to mirror Sherlock’s elderly reveries. McKellen gives an Oscar worthy performance
with unblinking honesty as a man facing the end of his remarkable life. Laura
Linney is solid as always. The miracle here is 12 year old Milo Parker as
Holmes’ young protégé. His strong performance has depth and uncanny understanding
for someone so young. We are seeing hints of what Sherlock Holmes might have
been like as a boy. The relationship is a classic one between an old man and a
young boy. It is the heart of the movie.
Set in rural Sussex, England, we are treated to lovely misty
pastel landscapes. Director Condon mixes the many plots with such ease
employing flashbacks galore – yet, never cumbersome or confusing. The story
remains intriguing to the very end. An added treat – we go away learning some
very interesting facts about bees.
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