summary of sherlock holmes the movie

In 1891 London, Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey, Jr.) and Dr. John Watson (Jude Law) race to prevent a human sacrifice ritual conducted by Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong). Holmes and Watson stop the sacrifice just in time and neutralize Lord Blackwood while Holmes saves Watson from a glass shard Blackwood used to kill his enemies that he barely sees until the last second, after which the police, led by Inspector Lestrade (Eddie Marsan), arrive and arrest him.

Blackwood's execution occurs three months later, during which Holmes has become bored without a new case. Watson prepares to leave 221B Baker Street to establish his own business, and he intends to marry Mary Morstan (Kelly Reilly). Blackwood requests Holmes' presence on the day of his execution, and warns him that three more deaths will occur after his execution that will change the very nature of their world. Blackwood is executed by hanging, and declared dead by Dr. Watson himself.

Holmes is re-acquainted with Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams), a world-class criminal Holmes is smitten with. She offers him a sum of money to pursue a case of a missing red-haired midget.Cite error: Closing missing for tag. Ritchie initially felt Downey was too old for the role because he wanted the film to show a younger Holmes on a learning curve like Batman Begins.^[4] Ritchie decided to take a chance on casting him in the role, and Downey told the BBC that "I think me and Guy are well-suited to working together. The more I look into the books, the more fantastic it becomes. Holmes is such a weirdo."^[5] Downey also revealed what his wife had to say: "that when you read the description of the guy — quirky and kind of nuts — it could be a description of me."^[6] Downey intends to focus more on Holmes's patriotic side and his bohemianism, and felt that his work on Chaplin has prepared him for an English accent.^[7] Ritchie feels his accent is "flawless".^[8] Both Downey and Ritchie are martial arts enthusiasts, and have been inspired by the Bartitsu mentioned in the 1901 story The Adventure of the Empty House.^[9] Downey lost weight for the part, because during a chat he had with Chris Martin, Martin recommended that Holmes look "gaunt" and "skinny".^[10]

• Jude Law as Dr. John Watson, Holmes's ally, a surgeon and a war veteran. Law's Watson is more like the original character, who was more of a colleague, rather than the bumbling fool that actor Nigel Bruce popularized in the 1930s–40s films.^[11] Law previously appeared in the Granada Television series The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, in an episode based on The Adventure of Shoscombe Old Place. Being a Holmes fan, Law recognized there was material unexplored in other adaptations and was intrigued by Downey's casting; Law was cast because he had a positive meeting with Downey and concurred the film would have to explore Holmes and Watson's friendship. Downey believed by emphasizing Watson's qualities as a former soldier, a doctor, a womaniser and a gambler, it would make for a more interesting foil for Holmes.^[12] Law made a notebook of phrases from the stories to improvise into his dialogue.^[13] Ritchie originally envisioned Russell Crowe in the role.^[14]
• Rachel McAdams as Irene Adler, a femme fatale from New Jersey who outwitted Holmes twice.^[11] In the film, Adler is no longer married to Godfrey Norton and needs Holmes' help for the case.^[12] Downey convinced Ritchie to cast McAdams, arguing she would not look too young to be his love interest.^[15]
• Mark Strong as Lord (Henry) Blackwood, the main antagonist. An aristocrat dabbling in the occult to compel others to do his bidding. Strong works with director Ritchie for the third time and says he appreciates the directors lack of ego and how easy he is to work with.^[16][17]
• Kelly Reilly as Mary Morstan. Watson wishes to settle down with her, causing a conflict with Holmes.^[6]
• Eddie Marsan as Inspector Lestrade.^[18]
• Hans Matheson as Lord Coward, the Home Secretary. Blackwood's right-hand man, who assisted Blackwood in all his murders and was the only one of his allies aware of Blackwood's usage of technology to feign magical powers.
• Geraldine James as Mrs. Hudson, Sherlock Holmes' landlady.
• James Fox as Sir Thomas Rotherham, father of Lord Henry Blackwood and Head of the Four Orders.
• Robert Maillet as Dredger, a French henchman working for Blackwood.

Director Guy Ritchie declined to say who voiced the character of Professor Moriarty. Rumors suggested that the part was voiced by Brad Pitt, who has been reported to have expressed strong interest in the sequel.^[19] Actor Ed Tolputt is credited as "Anonymous Man"^[20] although it is not clear if this refers to Moriarty.^[21]