Sherlock Holmes: A Study in Contrast

What makes the stories of Sherlock Holmes so intriguing?  Many would argue that it’s the air of mystery surrounding an engaging plot filled with surprise twists and deadly games of wit.  While that is certainly a legitimate case to be made, I believe the true reason goes deeper. 

Bear in mind that I will be making this critique based solely off the two movies that were released from 2010-2011, starring Robert Downey Jr. and co-star Jude Law.  Their style of professional acting was one of the best displays I’ve seen when it comes to contrasting personality traits.  While Dr. Watson is a polished and disciplined military man, well acclimated to social graces, Sherlock’s behavior could not be more of a polar opposite.  He is eccentric, ornery, and disheveled. 

Take their living quarters for example.  When Dr. Watson is present, there is some semblance of order and cleanliness.  If he is gone for too long, then Sherlock begins putting bullets in the wall (of an apartment building at that.) He justifies this for the sake of inventing a device that suppresses the sound of gunfire.  Other times, he’s growing an entire jungle in the living quarters to enhance his skill in camouflage.  It is for this reason that both the landlord and maid bemoan Dr. Watson’s pending engagement and departure. Though neither have any qualms in openly disdaining Sherlock to his face.  Regardless, Sherlock’s experiments go on, varying from how to hang oneself and not die by implementing a corset and series of hooks; how to bring order into chaos with flies and musical theory using an out-of-tune violin; and how many ways to put down and resuscitate their dog – which Dr. Watson finds most appalling. 

The contrast stretches further when considering the women they find themselves attracted to.  Dr. Watson prefers a classy wholesome woman, who desires the stability of home and hearth: namely Mary Morstan.  She is sophisticated and kind, though not someone to cross (as Sherlock found out after she dumped wine in his face for insulting her.)  Despite her general modesty of character, there is an underlying strength which she retains. She displayed this when they were ambushed on a train during their honeymoon.  Mary maintained cool composure while keeping her gun trained on the assassins… and managed not to be emotionally or physically fragile after getting thrown into a river in the middle of the night.

On the other hand, Sherlock prefers a world-class criminal, one who is so clever that she has never been caught.  Irene Adler is one of the ultimate femme fatales: stunningly beautiful and extremely devious.  Being the only woman to outsmart Sherlock, not on one but two occasions, how could he not be fascinated by her?  He hunts her down to bring her to the authorities for her own protection, to escape from her sociopathic boss. What he does not realize is that Irene is already a dozen steps ahead of him… again.  She hears him fiddling with the lock to her room, opens the door, and offers wine.  As he sips the wine and declares his ultimatum, she instead suggests that they run away together.  After refusing, he suddenly finds that he doesn’t have the strength to stand upright, and falls into her embrace.  She laments that she had to drug him as a precaution, and kisses him just before he slips into unconsciousness.  Upon waking, he must face the added surprise of being shackled naked to a bed and at the mercy of an affronted maid wondering by.  Of course, Ms. Adler is long gone.

So if their living habits and choice of women are so vastly different, in addition to their personalities, what ties Sherlock and Watson together as “Brothers, not in blood, but in bond” as the gypsy woman said?  After all, they are constantly arguing with each other, sometimes resorting to physical blows due to their intense dichotomy.  The answer can be wrapped up in a single word: values.  Both Sherlock and Watson share intrinsic values of life, truth, and justice. 

Together, they save a girl in a crazed trance moments before she slides a knife into her own heart.  Sherlock drinks fluid meant for eye surgery so that he can stay up countless nights figuring out who is the true culprit behind a conspiracy theory.  Watson not only gives Sherlock credence in speculation, but also his loyal service for a chance at making a safer city.  There’s even a spot in their hearts for mercy when they attempt to rescue a misled rebel of whom they believe is not beyond redemption. Against all odds, they manage to stop him from committing a heinous crime.

Now when looking at the two main villains in these movies, one cannot help but be struck with how similar they are to Sherlock himself.  Both Lord Blackwood and Professor Moriarty are deranged geniuses.  This is why they represent such a menacing threat and challenge to Sherlock, which by nature is what draws him to them in the first place. 

Why is it that Sherlock’s psyche stands in stark contrast with that of his friend, but aligns disturbingly well with his enemies?  What separates him from becoming the very thing he strives to fight against?  Again, the answer is found in values.  These malefactors value power, regardless of what cost it may have to life, truth, or justice.  Lord Blackwood wants to rule people through fear, and does so by creating elaborate schemes to enforce the illusion that he possesses supernatural power.  After eliminating single targets of political opposition, his finale is to display a public massacre right before the eyes of an entire city, intent on bringing the population to their knees before him. 

However, Moriarty plays a more subtle game, though at an even greater cost.  His goal is to stir up political dissent, hiring radicals with their families at gunpoint so that they bring about mass chaos and uncertainty.  Then, to tie up loose ends, he has them commit suicide or face murder at the hands of his lackey.  All the while, he is becoming dominant in weapons innovation and medical industries.  After setting up an assassination (with a radical he has been able to morph into the appearance of an ambassador) the plan of this final match is to strike a war… and profit from both sides as the prime supplier.

In conclusion, by pitting the personalities of the main protagonists against each other, there is heightened emphasis on what makes each individual unique. Simultaneously, the added benefit provides endless entertainment in even the most mundane of circumstances – such as arguing within a prison cell and waiting for bail due to a misunderstanding at the docks.  By the same token, having Sherlock essentially battle with nefarious versions of himself ensures greater risks and stakes, which makes a satisfying tale!

What do you think? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

**FREE** giveaways are coming soon, so don’t miss out! Subscribe via email, and CONFIRM in your inbox for a chance to win and be the first to see new posts! ♥♥♥

Email address: Name I am 18 years or older Yes

Leave this field empty if you're human:

By clicking “Subscribe” you consent to share your email/name info with the site creator and receive blog updates in the future. We treat your information with confidentiality and respect. 🙂 If you wish, you may unsubscribe at any time.

---