Sherlock Holmes: A Game Of Shadows

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows were juxtaposed next to each other to examine the elements of their stories. By examining these elements one can determine the differences in the values, mores, and beliefs of those in the Victorian Era compared to those in the 21st century. The prevalence to the 21st century is shown in the movie while the Victorian Era is shown more in the book. This is because the book was first published in 1892 and the movie was made in 2011. By inspecting each of these works, we will be able to see what they really think about America in the 21st century. Throughout the duration of the movie, Sherlock Holmes is on a quest to take down an evil genius. This man’s name is Professor James Moriarty (Ritchie 00:15.10 - 00:15.50). Moriarty is responsible for several ‘accidental’ deaths that have occurred, but he has never been convicted. Holmes knows he is the man from the start and spends his time trying to take him down. However, in the book each man is a mystery within the 12 crimes they investigate. “He was still, as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his immense faculties …show more content…
James Watson is portrayed in the book and in the movie. In the movie they call him “The Good Doctor” and reflects the 21st century more because Watson is more selfish (Ritchie 00:25.05 - 00:23.35) In the book he puts Holmes glamour before his own. “My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a very capable performer, but a composer of no ordinary merit. [W]hile his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive” (Doyle 33). In addition, all twelve of the stories are told by his first person perspective. He puts himself before Holmes because in the past people are known to be more