Date: 14/04/2022 | No comments Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic detective Sherlock Holmes has been solving difficult criminal cases ever since 1887, and has been the main character in 56 short stories and four novels. Most of the stories are told through the eyes of Holmes’ biographer and friend Dr. John Watson. This dynamic between Holmes and Watson gives the stories a unique character. Sherlock Holmes continues to fascinate almost 140 years after his first appearance in the novel A Study in Red. New TV series and films appear regularly, and there is even a Sherlock Holmes-themed slot machine – you can find it at the online casino. But who is the best Sherlock Holmes in cinema and TV?
Henry Cavill in Enola Holmes
Henry Cavill has played in many blockbusters, and many recognize him from the latest Superman films. In Enola Holmes, he plays a supporting role to the real main character, little sister Enola Holmes. At the same time, Cavill brings with him a completely different approach, with a softer Holmes with more emotions. It’s an interesting and unusual angle, it’s easy to forget how rude Sherlock Holmes usually is to those around him. It actually went so far that The Conan Doyle Estate, which owns the rights to Sherlock Holmes, took Netflix to court because Holmes was interpreted as a person with feelings.
Jeremy Brett in The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
There are probably some younger viewers who have not caught on to Jeremy Brett’s efforts for the Holmes universe, but many believe that this interpretation is the gold standard for the British detective. A total of 42 stories were broadcast in 41 episodes, in the period from April 1984 to April 1994. Jeremy Brett eventually became very interested in his role, an interest that may also have been connected to the fact that the actor struggled with bipolar disorder and manic depression in large parts of his life. The result is a fantastically nuanced and eccentric Holmes, which holds up well to this day.
Robert Downey Jr. in Sherlock Holmes
There is quite a distance between Jeremy Brett’s nuanced Holmes and Robert Downey Jr. in Guy Ritchie’s interpretation of Sherlock Holmes. Note that there are also two sequels, Sherlock Holmes; A Game of Shadows and Sherlock Holmes 3 (which has not yet premiered as of April 2022). Downey actually received a Golden Globe for his performance in Sherlock Holmes, for Best Actor in a Comedy/Musical. Some think that the natural charisma of Downey Jr. means that Holmes is portrayed as a bit of an extrovert, but the film is true to his close bond with Watson.
Benedict Cumberbatch in Sherlock
Many international awards place Jeremy Brett right at the top when it comes to actors who have portrayed Holmes, but Benedict Cumberbatch is often close behind. His performances in the TV series Sherlock between 2010 and 2017 have undoubtedly opened up Arthur Conan Doyle’s universe to a whole new group of viewers, with a much more modern Sherlock Holmes. Cumberbatch delivers a fantastic Sherlock, with great lines and an unwavering belief in his own superior intelligence. The interaction with Martin Freeman who plays Watson is also brilliant. Cumberbatch was nominated for a number of awards, and won a Primetime Emmy Award in 2014. Cumberbatch’s Holmes had certainly stated: Elementært, my dear Watson! Cumberbatch is the best Sherlock.
