Mr. Holmes – Review by Frank L.

Directed by Bill Condon

Starring: Ian McKellan, Laura Linney, Hattie Morahan, Milo Parker, Patrick Kennedy, Phil Davis, Roger Allam, Hiroyuki Sanada

Adapted from the novel “A Trick of the Mind” by Mitch Cullin, the story describes the retired life of Sherlock Holmes (Ian McKellen) living in Sussex in a rambling old farmhouse with an RAF widowed housekeeper Mrs. Morgan (Laura Linney) and her young son Roger (Milo Parker). It is now 1947, Holmes is in his nineties, and his mind, like his farmhouse, is beginning to ramble. However he  remains an enthusiastic bee keeper. But there is an unsolved case, which was his last, which unsettles him, gnaws at his somewhat befuddled mind.

Ian McKellen as Holmes is magisterial. He is now 76 years of age and this is a huge role. He has to play Holmes in his nineties and in his sixties. He is creakingly lovable as a ninety year old- fragile and watery eyed. He is debonair, authoritative and suave as a sixty year old as he bestrides the set. It is an acting performance which requires such different energies that only someone of Ian McKellen’s innate skill and years of dedication to his craft could attempt. It is an awe inspiring performance. McKellen is a colossus.

Laura Linney provides a fine foil as the war widow, housekeeper with ambitions, limited admittedly, to improve her lot and that of her son. She performs the relatively simple part with ease as there is little complexity within it for her to show her skills. Milo Parker as Roger develops a love of doddery old Mr.Holmes and a fascination with his bees and the whole world of the apiary. He is also at the age when he needs to break away from the direct influence of his mother. In Holmes, he finds a mentor. This is a part of considerable substance as young Milo Parker is the counterpoint to Ian McKellen and meets the challenge with confidence. It is a magical pairing of old and young talent.

Most of the scenery is that of gentle Sussex, its downs and its chalk cliffs. The scenes of London in the flash backs are to when ladies still wore long, quite tight, dresses and a gentle man like Holmes top hats. The train with all its puffing coal smoke makes a great beginning. It is undoubtedly nostalgic in feel but the relationship between old and young and loneliness in all its manifestations are timeless themes. The enjoyment is further heightened by the close-up shots of veined hands, elegant gloves, lined faces, fresh complexions, wasps and bees which combine to make a visual treat.

This film is beautifully realised. It is a privilege to watch Ian McKellen’s genius at work. The myth of Sherlock Holmes is alive and well and thanks to Bill Condon and Mitch Cullin, it continues to thrive.