Sherlock Holmes (2009 film)

Sherlock Holmes

Company type	Film
Industry	Motion picture
Founded	2009 (2009)
Key people	Guy Ritchie (director), Joel Silver (producer), Lionel Wigram (producer), Susan Downey (producer), Dan Lin (producer)
Products	Sherlock Holmes (2009 film)
Parent	Warner Bros. Pictures

Sherlock Holmes is a 2009 historical mystery action movie featuring Robert Downey Jr. in the role of the legendary detective created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The film was helmed by director Guy Ritchie and produced by Joel Silver, Lionel Wigram, Susan Downey, and Dan Lin. The screenplay, crafted by Michael Robert Johnson, Anthony Peckham, and Simon Kinberg, was inspired by a story from Wigram and Johnson. Alongside Downey, Jude Law appears as Dr. John Watson. Set in the year 1890, the narrative follows Holmes and Watson as they investigate crimes connected to Lord Blackwood, a mysticist believed to have come back from the dead. Rachel McAdams portrays Irene Adler, Holmes' former rival, while Mark Strong takes on the role of the antagonist Lord Henry Blackwood.

Released by Warner Bros. Pictures, Sherlock Holmes premiered in cinemas between December 25 and 26, 2009. It garnered predominantly favorable reviews from critics and achieved a global box office total of $525 million, making it the eighth highest-grossing film of that year. Downey received the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy for his performance. Additionally, the film earned two Academy Awards nominations for Best Original Score and Best Art Direction. A sequel titled Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows was released in 2011, with plans for a third film directed by Dexter Fletcher underway.

Plot

In 1890 London, detective Sherlock Holmes and his partner Dr. John Watson thwart Lord Henry Blackwood, a nobleman who claims supernatural abilities and is linked to five ritualistic murders, from committing further crimes. Following his arrest by Inspector Lestrade and the police, Blackwood ominously predicts three additional deaths before his execution. Despite this warning, Blackwood is hanged and declared dead by Watson. Subsequently, Holmes is approached by his former adversary Irene Adler, who requests assistance in locating a missing individual named Luke Reordan. Holmes uncovers that Adler is employed by a professor who exerts control over her.

When Blackwood’s tomb is desecrated, Reordan’s body is discovered inside. Holmes and Watson investigate Reordan’s laboratory, where they find experiments combining elements of science with magic. Holmes is then kidnapped and taken to the Temple of the Four Orders—a clandestine magical organization led by Lord Chief Justice Sir Thomas Rotheram. Alongside U.S. Ambassador Standish and Home Secretary Lord Coward, they commission Holmes to stop Blackwood—who is revealed as Rotheram’s secret illegitimate son and an ex-member of the Order. That evening, Rotheram mysteriously drowns while Blackwood observes. Coward appoints Blackwood as leader of the Order; Blackwood unveils his scheme to dominate the British Empire and reclaim control over the United States. When Standish attempts to shoot him, he suddenly bursts into flames and dies.

Holmes examines the Order’s ceremonies and realizes that Blackwood’s murders correspond with their doctrines, with Parliament as his ultimate target. With Lestrade’s assistance, Holmes surrenders but quickly escapes after deducing that Blackwood performed a ritual beneath the Palace of Westminster. In the sewers below, Holmes, Watson, and Adler confront Blackwood’s followers guarding a device invented by Reordan designed to release deadly cyanide gas within Parliament—intended to kill all except those loyal to Blackwood who possess an antidote. Blackwood announces Parliament’s imminent destruction but fails when Adler disables the device through a controlled explosion and secures the cyanide containers. Coward and his allies are arrested while Blackwood escapes.

Holmes pursues Adler to the still-under-construction Tower Bridge, where Blackwood incapacitates her before engaging in combat with Holmes. During their struggle, Blackwood falls through scaffolding and becomes trapped by chains suspended from a collapsing crane. Holmes reveals that Blackwood’s purported supernatural powers were merely illusions facilitated by Reordan’s scientific inventions. After being revived, Adler discloses that her employer is none other than Professor Moriarty, cautioning Holmes against underestimating him.

As Watson departs 221B Baker Street, a constable arrives reporting a deceased officer found near Blackwood’s device. Moriarty exploited these events as a distraction to steal a critical component based on early radio technology from the machine. Holmes acknowledges that this case remains open.

Cast

• Robert Downey Jr. portrays Sherlock Holmes, an unconventional scientist and eccentric detective-for-hire who becomes a fugitive while pursuing Lord Blackwood, all under the looming threat of Professor Moriarty. Downey became involved in the film after visiting producer Joel Silver's office alongside his wife, producer Susan Downey. Although director Guy Ritchie initially questioned Downey’s suitability due to his age for a younger Holmes, he ultimately embraced Downey’s unique take on the character’s patriotism and eccentric traits. Both Downey and Ritchie share an interest in martial arts, drawing inspiration from the Baritsu fighting style referenced in Doyle’s works. To embody a more gaunt Holmes, Downey slimmed down following guidance from musician Chris Martin.
• Jude Law plays Dr. John Watson, Holmes’ trusted companion, surgeon, and veteran of the Second Afghan War. Law’s interpretation reflects Doyle’s original vision of Watson as a capable partner rather than a clumsy sidekick. His enthusiasm for the role stemmed from his appreciation of Holmes stories and his productive working relationship with Downey. Highlighting Watson’s multifaceted nature as a soldier, physician, gambler, and ladies’ man offered a dynamic counterpart to Holmes.
• Mark Strong appears as Lord Henry Blackwood, an aristocratic serial killer who employs occult practices to exert control over Britain. His character is distinguished by supernatural overtones and a sinister crow motif. Having collaborated with Ritchie on three films, Strong commended the director’s collaborative and ego-free approach.
• Rachel McAdams takes on the role of Irene Adler, an American femme fatale and adept thief who outsmarts Holmes twice—expanding beyond Doyle’s original story where their interaction was brief. In this adaptation, Adler enlists Holmes’ aid to locate a missing man while secretly working for Moriarty. Downey championed McAdams’ casting to ensure an authentic romantic chemistry; McAdams appreciated portraying a strong-willed and independent woman.
• Kelly Reilly portrays Mary Morstan, a governess whom Watson plans to wed, introducing tension between her and Holmes.
• Eddie Marsan plays Inspector Lestrade, a proficient Scotland Yard detective who hires Holmes to investigate murders. Unlike previous versions, this Lestrade is professional yet visibly frustrated by Holmes’ methods.
• Hans Matheson acts as Lord Coward, the Home Secretary and Blackwood’s co-conspirator who is aware of his technological schemes.
• Geraldine James appears as Mrs. Hudson, Holmes’ landlady; this is her second time acting in a Holmes-related film.
• James Fox portrays Sir Thomas Rotheram, Blackwood’s father and leader of the Four Orders.
• William Hope plays American Ambassador John Standish.
• Robert Maillet appears as Dredger, Blackwood’s formidable French-speaking henchman.
• William Houston takes on the role of Constable Clark.

The voice of Professor Moriarty was provided by Andrew Jack. Director Ritchie initially kept the actor’s identity secret; however, subsequent home media editions featured re-dubbed lines by Jared Harris, who portrayed Moriarty in the sequel Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.

Development

Producer Lionel Wigram dedicated nearly a decade to reinventing Sherlock Holmes, imagining him as a contemporary, bohemian figure inspired by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. After departing from Warner Bros. in 2006, he expanded the narrative by merging elements from multiple Holmes stories to attract a broad audience. Certain sequences drew inspiration from unacknowledged incidents found in the 1979 novel Enter the Lion: A Posthumous Memoir of Mycroft Holmes. The antagonist Lord Blackwood was designed as an homage to Victorian spiritualism and personalities like Aleister Crowley, establishing a dynamic between Holmes’ almost supernatural intellect and a villain who appears otherworldly—an idea reminiscent of The Hound of the Baskervilles. To pitch the project, Wigram also developed a 25-page comic book in collaboration with John Watkiss. The character of Professor Moriarty was introduced early on to lay groundwork for future installments.

Warner Bros. approved the project in March 2007, highlighting similarities with Batman Begins. Although Conan Doyle’s estate provided legal guidance, the stories were already in the public domain within the United States. Initially, Neil Marshall was attached as director but was replaced by Guy Ritchie in June 2008. Having grown up hearing Holmes tales at boarding school, Ritchie sought a faithful adaptation that captured Doyle’s original tone while incorporating intense action sequences often neglected in earlier adaptations. His goal was to merge Holmes’ sharp intellect with vigorous action, portraying his genius as both an asset and a burden. Ritchie aimed to inject a modern sensibility and style to rejuvenate the franchise after its prolonged absence from mainstream cinema.

Filming

Principal photography commenced in October 2008 at various locations such as Freemasons' Hall and St Paul's Cathedral. Key scenes were filmed in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, with extensive use of Manchester Town Hall, including its interior courtyard for a combat sequence and the Great Hall standing in for the House of Lords. The opening sequence took three days to shoot at St Bartholomew-the-Great church in London, while a steamboat chase was captured on the Thames near Wapping.

Additional shooting occurred at Stanley Dock and Clarence Dock in Liverpool, as well as at the Historic Dockyard in Chatham. Street scenes utilized cobblestone alleys found in both Chatham and Manchester. Notably, Brompton Cemetery was featured prominently, and the 19th-century interiors of the Reform Club were used to represent the Café Royal. The interiors of 221B Baker Street were reconstructed on a soundstage at Leavesden Studios.

During filming of a fight scene at Chatham Dockyard, actor Robert Maillet accidentally struck Robert Downey Jr., resulting in an injury that was not serious. Production at St John's Street was cut short due to complaints about parking from local residents. In January 2009, filming relocated to Brooklyn.

Director Guy Ritchie intended to deviate from conventional Holmes imagery, noting that historically only one individual ever wore a deerstalker. Robert Downey Jr. opted for a worn fedora as Holmes’ signature hat. The set design aimed to evoke a cluttered apartment filled with artifacts and scientific instruments collected during their adventures, preserving authenticity for the characters.

Music

Hans Zimmer composed the film's score, which was made available on 12 January 2010. Throughout the composition process, Zimmer incorporated the unique character of a $200, slightly out-of-tune piano to add an unusual and distinctive element to the soundtrack.

Distribution

The movie had its debut in London on 14 December 2009, followed by a worldwide release on 25 December 2009, with the UK and Ireland receiving it a day later on 26 December. This release was postponed from its initially planned November date. Prior to this, a special charity screening took place in Belgium on 10 December 2009.

Home media

In the United States, Sherlock Holmes became available on DVD, Blu-ray, and digital platforms on 30 March 2010. The home media sales have since accumulated $44.9 million.

Box office

During its opening weekend in the U.S., Sherlock Holmes earned $62.4 million, placing second behind Avatar which grossed $75.6 million. It achieved an impressive per-theater average of $18,031 across 3,626 venues. The film set new records for one-day Christmas ticket sales and went on to collect $209 million domestically and $524 million worldwide. At that time, it represented Guy Ritchie's highest-grossing project until surpassed by Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows and Aladdin. It ranked eighth among the top global and domestic earners in 2009 and stands as the seventh highest-grossing U.S. film never to reach number one during any weekend at the box office.

Critical response

On Rotten Tomatoes, the movie holds a 70% approval rating based on 248 critiques, with an average rating of 6.25 out of 10. The critical consensus notes that while Guy Ritchie's directing style may not be an ideal match for this modern take on the iconic detective, Robert Downey Jr.'s performance significantly enhances the film. Meanwhile, Metacritic assigns it a weighted average score of 57 out of 100 from 34 critics, reflecting "mixed or average reviews." Audience polling by CinemaScore resulted in a "B" grade.

Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times awarded three stars out of four, commending the film’s characters, visual style, and action sequences. Jake Tomlinson from Shave Magazine praised the dynamic between Downey and Law and described Strong as a "persuasive and unsettling antagonist."

In contrast, A. O. Scott of the New York Times characterized the film as "a sequence of poses and stunts," finding it only sporadically engaging. David Stratton from The Australian criticized its divergence from Conan Doyle’s original tales but acknowledged its effective production design and musical score.

Several reviewers took issue with how Irene Adler's character was handled within the script. Todd McCarthy of Variety argued that her role was poorly integrated, diminishing Rachel McAdams’ influence on the story. Similarly, A. O. Scott referred to Adler as a "cynical commercial contrivance" crafted for mass appeal.

Owen Gleiberman from Entertainment Weekly described the movie as "entertaining yet emotionally detached," noting Strong’s villain lacked depth and McAdams was underused. He suggested that an origin story might have better showcased Holmes’ intuitive abilities.

William Thomas of Empire rated it three out of five stars, appreciating the chemistry between Downey and Law but criticizing McAdams’ limited presence and a simplistic plot overall; he concluded that it was "an enjoyable, action-filled experience."

Catherine Shoard writing for The Guardian found the film’s execution somewhat confusing. Jamie Rich awarded it one and a half stars, faulting casting choices and direction while labeling it as a soulless blockbuster effort.

Accolades

Award	Category	Honoree	Outcome
Academy Awards	Best Art Direction	Sarah Greenwood and Katie Spencer	Template:Nom
	Best Original Score	Hans Zimmer	Template:Nom
Golden Globe Awards	Best Actor – Musical or Comedy	Robert Downey Jr.	Template:Won
Broadcast Film Critics Association	Best Score	Hans Zimmer	Template:Nom
Empire Awards	Best Thriller		Template:Won
	Best Actor	Robert Downey Jr.	Template:Nom
Visual Effects Society	Outstanding Supporting Visual Effects in a Feature Motion Picture	Jonathan Fawkner, Chas Jarrett, David Vickery, Dan Barrow	Template:Won
	Outstanding Compositing in a Feature Motion Picture	Kate Windibank, Jan Adamczyk, Sam Osborne, Alex Cumming	Template:Nom
Saturn Awards	Best Action or Adventure Film		Template:Nom
	Best Director	Guy Ritchie	Template:Nom
	Best Actor	Robert Downey Jr.	Template:Nom
	Best Supporting Actor	Jude Law	Template:Nom
	Best Supporting Actress	Rachel McAdams	Template:Nom
	Best Music	Hans Zimmer	Template:Nom
	Best Costume	Jenny Beavan	Template:Nom
	Best Production Design	Sarah Greenwood	Template:Nom

Sequels

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, the follow-up featuring Downey and Law reprising their roles, was released on 16 December 2011. A third installment is currently stuck in development, with Downey and Law returning once more, Dexter Fletcher stepping in as director instead of Ritchie, and Chris Brancato penning the screenplay. Additionally, two television series set within the film's universe are underway for Max.

External links

• IMDb
• Metacritic
• Box Office Mojo
• Rotten Tomatoes