Vincent Aubert's performance as the aged Holmes is absolutely perfect while Michel Moulin's Watson is simply inspired. Watching the film, I was engrossed as the story unfolded until the ending which struck me as off. That is until discussing the film.
Watson as the villain, setting up Holmes, it normally would be a cheap gimmick, an offensive twist to a beloved character. HOWEVER, Michel Moulin is made to look almost identical to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Once I absorbed that intentional look, it all clicked into place.
Watson, as biographer, is a stand in for Doyle; a man who hated his own creation and how he was forced to play second fiddle to his fictional creation. Once that clicked, and I understood what the filmmakers were trying for, I wholly appreciated the ending and my enjoyment of the movie (already quite high) went through the roof.
This is certainly a Sherlock Holmes film for a thinking fan who is familiar with the character, as well as the author who created him.
Watson as the villain, setting up Holmes, it normally would be a cheap gimmick, an offensive twist to a beloved character. HOWEVER, Michel Moulin is made to look almost identical to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Once I absorbed that intentional look, it all clicked into place.
Watson, as biographer, is a stand in for Doyle; a man who hated his own creation and how he was forced to play second fiddle to his fictional creation. Once that clicked, and I understood what the filmmakers were trying for, I wholly appreciated the ending and my enjoyment of the movie (already quite high) went through the roof.
This is certainly a Sherlock Holmes film for a thinking fan who is familiar with the character, as well as the author who created him.
