Posting an alternate link just in case Youtube acts up:
http://vimeo.com/40930597
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Monday, April 23, 2012
Okay. So Katie will read the quote, then we'll play the intro, then we'll stop it before the remainder of the video to read the introduction? Sounds good.
I'm so sorry for not showing up to the meeting. I took a nap, then did some work on the video and stupidly didn't check my phone the entire time. Let me update everyone by saying things are going well; I'm currently organizing the remainder of the video. I'm roughly going by Leilani's outline (seen in this post http://studyingsherlock.blogspot.com/2012/04/sooooo-i-forgot-to-post-this-last-night.html)--that sound all right to everyone?
Again, I apologize for missing the meeting, and I just wanted to let everyone know I didn't no-show it on purpose. How is the "paperwork" going? I can try to help with that if we decide we want to turn it in Thursday.
Thanks everyone. I'll be there at 9:15 tomorrow (or earlier).
I'm so sorry for not showing up to the meeting. I took a nap, then did some work on the video and stupidly didn't check my phone the entire time. Let me update everyone by saying things are going well; I'm currently organizing the remainder of the video. I'm roughly going by Leilani's outline (seen in this post http://studyingsherlock.blogspot.com/2012/04/sooooo-i-forgot-to-post-this-last-night.html)--that sound all right to everyone?
Again, I apologize for missing the meeting, and I just wanted to let everyone know I didn't no-show it on purpose. How is the "paperwork" going? I can try to help with that if we decide we want to turn it in Thursday.
Thanks everyone. I'll be there at 9:15 tomorrow (or earlier).
Hey y'all!
Meet in Hill House about 9:15 Tuesday morning to just go over things one last time before we present. Also, please wear business casual attire for our presentation! :)
Allie- Don't forget I'm saying the quote and then the first portion of interviews are being shown. From there, I will read the introduction before we show the remainder of the video.
Have a good night everyone!!
Meet in Hill House about 9:15 Tuesday morning to just go over things one last time before we present. Also, please wear business casual attire for our presentation! :)
Allie- Don't forget I'm saying the quote and then the first portion of interviews are being shown. From there, I will read the introduction before we show the remainder of the video.
Have a good night everyone!!
Hey everyone, thanks for the feedback! I'm glad the intro looks okay. I might cut it down some if the video ends up going over the limit, but we'll see how that goes.
If Leilani is correct about the video needing to be presented Tuesday (and I think she is), I'll finish it today.
I have a super-rough version of the video exported, so I guess I could just put that onto a flash drive right now. I saved it for safety purposes, but it's not what I have done so far; it's pretty much just the introduction + some talks + scenes without any transitions or voiceovers done yet. I'll just go ahead and put that on a flash drive.
I don't know if we're having a meeting today or not, but if so, I'm free after 3:15 PM.
If Leilani is correct about the video needing to be presented Tuesday (and I think she is), I'll finish it today.
I have a super-rough version of the video exported, so I guess I could just put that onto a flash drive right now. I saved it for safety purposes, but it's not what I have done so far; it's pretty much just the introduction + some talks + scenes without any transitions or voiceovers done yet. I'll just go ahead and put that on a flash drive.
I don't know if we're having a meeting today or not, but if so, I'm free after 3:15 PM.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Alright, so I've been trying to come up with a way to help edit the abstract/paper we have to write.
And what I've learned is that I can't edit things.
So I kind of wrote my own. I definitely don't want to trample over what Katie and Kayela wrote, and in addition, what I wrote is definitely too long. Way too long. But maybe we can combine the two and hit a happy medium. I'm going to go ahead and post this verbose monstrosity, so that we can scavenge any parts we might like from it, and hack at it as the need presents itself.
And what I've learned is that I can't edit things.
So I kind of wrote my own. I definitely don't want to trample over what Katie and Kayela wrote, and in addition, what I wrote is definitely too long. Way too long. But maybe we can combine the two and hit a happy medium. I'm going to go ahead and post this verbose monstrosity, so that we can scavenge any parts we might like from it, and hack at it as the need presents itself.
"[(CNN)--The
cardinal rule of a criminal detection was carved in stone more than a century
ago.] It is a capital mistake to theorize before you have all the evidence,..It
biases the judgement." -Sherlock Holmes
In
Arthur Conan Doyle’s novel A Study in Scarlet, Doctor John Watson has just
returned invalided from a tour of duty in Afghanistan. In BBC’s Sherlock, a
show which modernizes the Sherlock Holmes stories, Doctor John Watson has just
returned invalided from a tour of duty in Afghanistan. As they say, the more
things change the more they stay the same. The differences—and similarities--between
Victorian and modern times prompted Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat, writers for
the popular British show Doctor Who, to try their hands at adapting Sherlock
Holmes to a modern setting. In our review we examine the pilot episode, “A
Study in Pink,” written by Moffat and directed by Paul McGuigan. The episode
stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman as Holmes and Watson, who
recreate the characters faithfully, but manage to bring their own light to the
roles.
Maybe
that is the best way to sum up BBC’s Sherlock simply. The writers, as fans of
the original stories, wanted the opportunity to forgo the trappings that come
along with the mental image of Sherlock Holmes. They found that taking away gas
lights and hansom cabs also helped strip away memories of a deerstalker clad
Sherlock Holmes followed doggedly by a bumbling and rotund Doctor Watson.
Modernizing the story also allowed the show to discuss themes that Sherlockians
have been writing about for years. As an example, entire books have been
written studying Holmes and Watson’s sexualities, but only in the BBC show can
viewers find Sherlock and John awkwardly feeling out this territory over
dinner. Put simply, the show uses the modern setting to discuss new themes and
ideas, while simultaneously taking the characters back to their roots, and
reminding us that the common misconceptions about Sherlock Holmes are just that—misconceptions.
On
this account, we feel that the show succeeds in spades. Hearing that someone
has decided to modernize the greatest detective of all time, the natural
response from most people is skepticism. However, the show succeeds so well at
what it does that people tend to forget their worries within the first few
minutes. We find that the show more than lives up to its intentions, creating
an expanded and in many ways purified world for the modern Sherlockian, and
presenting characters and events that the audience finds more relatable than
those in Victorian adaptations. The show is almost unexpectedly clever and
engaging, well thought out and entertaining, and we think that modern audiences
will love it.
The
more things change, the more they stay the same, indeed. Although most people
balked at the idea of a modernized Sherlock Holmes, the franchise has proved
hugely successful and entertaining, bringing in newcomers and experienced
Sherlockians alike. The show attempts to find a perfect balance between the new
and the old, and succeeds beautifully. This just proves that, as Sherlock would
have said over a hundred years ago, “It is a capital mistake to theorize before
you have all the evidence,..It biases the judgement."
Hey again.
I'm still working on the video right now; currently trying to figure out how to overlay audio and video (as in, making it so that, while someone is talking, it can cut to a scene from the show with the audio from the interview still playing over it).
I'm a little worried, though, because...well, I'm not sure how to put this...but it's late afternoon right now, and I'm not sure if I'll be able to work out all of the kinks before Monday. (That's when we had planned to have it completely finished, right?) I don't mind it--it's actually enjoyable, and I'm learning a lot along the way--but I'm concerned it won't be as good as it could be if it has to be finished by tomorrow.
So, is there any way I could finish it by Tuesday rather than Monday?
Also, just posting this again--here's what I have for the introduction right now. I might cut some of the interviews down depending on how long the finished product is, since the intro alone is 2 minutes and 39 seconds long. Here's the link again:
http://tinypic.com/r/4sxxly/5
Thanks!
I'm still working on the video right now; currently trying to figure out how to overlay audio and video (as in, making it so that, while someone is talking, it can cut to a scene from the show with the audio from the interview still playing over it).
I'm a little worried, though, because...well, I'm not sure how to put this...but it's late afternoon right now, and I'm not sure if I'll be able to work out all of the kinks before Monday. (That's when we had planned to have it completely finished, right?) I don't mind it--it's actually enjoyable, and I'm learning a lot along the way--but I'm concerned it won't be as good as it could be if it has to be finished by tomorrow.
So, is there any way I could finish it by Tuesday rather than Monday?
Also, just posting this again--here's what I have for the introduction right now. I might cut some of the interviews down depending on how long the finished product is, since the intro alone is 2 minutes and 39 seconds long. Here's the link again:
http://tinypic.com/r/4sxxly/5
Thanks!
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Hey everyone!
I'm working on the Sherlock video right now, specifically the beginning where it shows pictures of "cliche" or typical portrayals of Holmes, then transitions to the BBC Sherlock logo/information as the theme fades in. I'm having a bit of trouble figuring out how the text after the pictures should be worded. You know how we discussed having the cliche pictures followed by something like "This is not what you think it is"? How should I word that part? "This is not like previous portrayals"?
I currently have the text set as "This may not be what you expected," but I can easily change it if anyone has a better way to word it.
Also: remember when Dr. Battista suggested we put music over some of the speaking parts? I decided to try that with the introduction (where everyone is explaining how they imagine Sherlock Holmes). I put a track from the classic Adventures of Sherlock Holmes music in the background on a very low level. This is the track I put in the background: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFZHLr5pxA8
I've uploaded just the introduction to tinypic, so if you have the time, please watch it and let me know if you want anything changed/edited/added/etc. Here is the link to the video (hopefully it works):
http://tinypic.com/r/4sxxly/5
Again, any comments on it would be appreciated, since I'm a beginner with things like this. I wanted to show it to everyone in case there's any disagreement on certain parts.
Thanks!
I'm working on the Sherlock video right now, specifically the beginning where it shows pictures of "cliche" or typical portrayals of Holmes, then transitions to the BBC Sherlock logo/information as the theme fades in. I'm having a bit of trouble figuring out how the text after the pictures should be worded. You know how we discussed having the cliche pictures followed by something like "This is not what you think it is"? How should I word that part? "This is not like previous portrayals"?
I currently have the text set as "This may not be what you expected," but I can easily change it if anyone has a better way to word it.
Also: remember when Dr. Battista suggested we put music over some of the speaking parts? I decided to try that with the introduction (where everyone is explaining how they imagine Sherlock Holmes). I put a track from the classic Adventures of Sherlock Holmes music in the background on a very low level. This is the track I put in the background: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFZHLr5pxA8
I've uploaded just the introduction to tinypic, so if you have the time, please watch it and let me know if you want anything changed/edited/added/etc. Here is the link to the video (hopefully it works):
http://tinypic.com/r/4sxxly/5
Again, any comments on it would be appreciated, since I'm a beginner with things like this. I wanted to show it to everyone in case there's any disagreement on certain parts.
Thanks!
So how is this?
"[(CNN)--The cardinal rule of a criminal detection was carved in stone more than a century ago.] It is a capital mistake to theorize before you have all the evidence,..It biases the judgement." -Sherlock Holmes
In the BBC Television series "Sherlock," Benedict Cumberbatch stars as Sherlock Holmes while Martin Freeman plays Dr. John Watson, an Afghanistan war veteran. Throughout the pilot episode, "A Study in Pink," director Paul McGuigan gives a modern twist to a classic novel, A Study in Scarlett, originally written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. By modernizing the novel into a television series,screen writer Steven Moff creates a drama that introduces new themes and characters who the audience sees as easier to relate to the show back to the original "Sherlock."
It is our belief that this particular episode fully exemplifies the cultural ideas normally unable to be communicated in a Victorian London time period. In Sherlock, not only are people of all backgrounds able to relate in one way or another, but also with this acception of cultural change, comes a greater understanding of the characters thus allowing the viewers a better insight of the "Sherlock world."
***The underline bolded sounds awkward to me so any ideas? Feel free to throw in ideas about any of it.
"[(CNN)--The cardinal rule of a criminal detection was carved in stone more than a century ago.] It is a capital mistake to theorize before you have all the evidence,..It biases the judgement." -Sherlock Holmes
In the BBC Television series "Sherlock," Benedict Cumberbatch stars as Sherlock Holmes while Martin Freeman plays Dr. John Watson, an Afghanistan war veteran. Throughout the pilot episode, "A Study in Pink," director Paul McGuigan gives a modern twist to a classic novel, A Study in Scarlett, originally written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. By modernizing the novel into a television series,screen writer Steven Moff creates a drama that introduces new themes and characters who the audience sees as easier to relate to the show back to the original "Sherlock."
It is our belief that this particular episode fully exemplifies the cultural ideas normally unable to be communicated in a Victorian London time period. In Sherlock, not only are people of all backgrounds able to relate in one way or another, but also with this acception of cultural change, comes a greater understanding of the characters thus allowing the viewers a better insight of the "Sherlock world."
***The underline bolded sounds awkward to me so any ideas? Feel free to throw in ideas about any of it.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Sooooo I forgot to post this last night. But.
Outline.
Outline.
- Quote
- What do you think of when you think of Sherlock Holmes?
- Response
- Intro - "Vital stats" about BBC series
- Introduction of premise and theses
- Responses
- Brief analysis of direction/design/performance
- Comparison as an adaptation
- How do you modernize A Study in Scarlet?
- Further analysis of elements
- Texting
- Modern technology
- Crime scene analysis
- On-screen text
- Restaurant
- Modern themes
- Chase
- Comparison with Robert Downey Junior Film
- Wrap-up
- Sum-up show and review
- Reiterate what is done well and what needs work
- Conclusive statement
- Outtro
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Hey y'all :)
So, I really like the idea of putting music in the video. If anyone has ideas, please bring it to our meeting on Thursday at 9:30am in the Library. Like I said after our meeting today, if we can finish the majority of editing and everything by Thursday, then we can do a last, final touch up on Monday.
We also talked about adding in more discussion about the characters themselves. Perhaps before we do this, we should review the clips and pieces we already have, just so we don't have to worry to much about editing out and having to worry about what to cut and what to keep.
Leilani and Allie- if y'all need help with the editing please let me know and I will try my best to help out.
Kayela- if we can get the introduction written/typed on Tuesday, that will be great. Please bring any thoughts to the meeting.
Have a good night girls!
So, I really like the idea of putting music in the video. If anyone has ideas, please bring it to our meeting on Thursday at 9:30am in the Library. Like I said after our meeting today, if we can finish the majority of editing and everything by Thursday, then we can do a last, final touch up on Monday.
We also talked about adding in more discussion about the characters themselves. Perhaps before we do this, we should review the clips and pieces we already have, just so we don't have to worry to much about editing out and having to worry about what to cut and what to keep.
Leilani and Allie- if y'all need help with the editing please let me know and I will try my best to help out.
Kayela- if we can get the introduction written/typed on Tuesday, that will be great. Please bring any thoughts to the meeting.
Have a good night girls!
Monday, April 16, 2012
It is me that has the camera, and if it would be easier I can let you borrow the camera so that you can go ahead and do your thing with all the clips and everything. Or you can just let me know and i will try and download it all onto the computer and sent it to you via emai, just let me know what works best for you.
I think the music is a good idea especially since it sounded so good in our audio tweets, especially if we use it as an undertone type thing during our blurbs.
But I really think we should get together a couple times this week because I really want to ahead and get this finished and not have to stress about it last minute. Plus, if we do get this finished early we can have more time to tweak it and make it awesome! Because I don't know bout y'all but I could really use a really good grade on this to boost my grade up!
See you tomorrow!
I think the music is a good idea especially since it sounded so good in our audio tweets, especially if we use it as an undertone type thing during our blurbs.
But I really think we should get together a couple times this week because I really want to ahead and get this finished and not have to stress about it last minute. Plus, if we do get this finished early we can have more time to tweak it and make it awesome! Because I don't know bout y'all but I could really use a really good grade on this to boost my grade up!
See you tomorrow!
Hey everyone.
I have written down that we have a meeting with Dr. Rozelle tomorrow at 9:50 AM. I'll see you all there!
A little update: I have all the clips (cell phone scene, analysis of the woman, restaurant conversation, chase scene) cut into separate .avi files (here's a screenshot of what I mean). I still have the original episode on file if any other scenes need to be taken out, and I can further cut down the scenes I have if needed.
I can't remember if it was Kayela or Katie who owned the camera--but, is there any way you could send me all the video files you have on that camera? You could transfer the files to your computer then send them to me via email or something, or you could put them all on a flash drive and give them to me. Either way, once I get those files I can edit them in whatever way you want me to edit them (i.e. cutting out the laughing parts). Then I can maybe tinker around with the placement of them once we have the introduction, ending, voiceovers, etc.
Also, what Dr. Battista said at the meeting about using music...that might not be a bad idea. I found the music that plays during the taxi chase scene (though I'm sure Leilani already has it)...maybe we could put that in the background turned down or something? I've got the .mp3 of it, so maybe we could utilize it somehow. I found the theme music too, so we could possibly play that in the beginning or something. I'm being really vague about this, I know, but...just throwing some ideas out, haha.
I think that's about it. See you all tomorrow!
I have written down that we have a meeting with Dr. Rozelle tomorrow at 9:50 AM. I'll see you all there!
A little update: I have all the clips (cell phone scene, analysis of the woman, restaurant conversation, chase scene) cut into separate .avi files (here's a screenshot of what I mean). I still have the original episode on file if any other scenes need to be taken out, and I can further cut down the scenes I have if needed.
I can't remember if it was Kayela or Katie who owned the camera--but, is there any way you could send me all the video files you have on that camera? You could transfer the files to your computer then send them to me via email or something, or you could put them all on a flash drive and give them to me. Either way, once I get those files I can edit them in whatever way you want me to edit them (i.e. cutting out the laughing parts). Then I can maybe tinker around with the placement of them once we have the introduction, ending, voiceovers, etc.
Also, what Dr. Battista said at the meeting about using music...that might not be a bad idea. I found the music that plays during the taxi chase scene (though I'm sure Leilani already has it)...maybe we could put that in the background turned down or something? I've got the .mp3 of it, so maybe we could utilize it somehow. I found the theme music too, so we could possibly play that in the beginning or something. I'm being really vague about this, I know, but...just throwing some ideas out, haha.
I think that's about it. See you all tomorrow!
Hi guys! Remember our meeting is coming up!
Also, I am on running crew for Heartbreak House, so my nights are pretty much swamped this week. I can still definitely meet with people, but it will have to be during the day. I'd still like to help out with the editing process in any way needed/possible, but I am really only available during the day for a while.
We still need to film the voice over stuff, and we may have a couple of odds and ends we need to fill in. I'm not totally sure we've talked about the performance enough, so we may need to look at our "reaction shots" again. Just a thought, though.
Also, I am on running crew for Heartbreak House, so my nights are pretty much swamped this week. I can still definitely meet with people, but it will have to be during the day. I'd still like to help out with the editing process in any way needed/possible, but I am really only available during the day for a while.
We still need to film the voice over stuff, and we may have a couple of odds and ends we need to fill in. I'm not totally sure we've talked about the performance enough, so we may need to look at our "reaction shots" again. Just a thought, though.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
I just realized that I forgot to compile a cast and crew list for Sherlock.
Director:
Producers:
Writers:
Actors:
Director:
- Paul McGuigan
Producers:
- Mark Gatiss
- Steven Moffat
- Beryl Vertue
- Sue Vertue
Writers:
- Mark Gatiss
- Steven Moffat
- Steve Thompson
Actors:
- Benedict Cumberbatch - Sherlock Holmes
- Martin Freeman - John Watson
- Rupert Graves - Greg Lestrade
- Mark Gatiss - Mycroft Holmes
- Una Stubbs - Mrs Hudson
- Loo Brealey - Molly Hooper
- Vinette Robinson - Sally Donovan
- Jonathan Aris - Anderson
Monday, April 9, 2012
Hey everyone, just wanted to update a bit.
Leilani, have you burned "A Study in Pink" onto your computer yet? If so, is there any way you could send it to me (via mediafire, depositfiles, a flash drive, whatever)? I don't have much experience with video editing, but one thing I do know how to do is cut footage from large videos. For example, if you wanted the part from, say, 23:00 to 23:24, I could edit the video so that only that part remains and make it its own .avi file (or whichever format is preferred).
...That's the extent of my video editing knowledge, but I figure maybe it can be used at some point, so...let me know if there are any specific parts from the episode anyone wants to be included in the presentation. I use a program called avidemux, but when I owned a Windows computer I used VirtualDub. Both are very simple programs that make it easy to extract small parts from a larger video.
By the way, Katie, I wouldn't object to moving the meeting to 8:15 since there's actually a live show on at 7 I was looking forward to watching...I'll still miss some of it since it's 2 hours long, but ah well.
Leilani, have you burned "A Study in Pink" onto your computer yet? If so, is there any way you could send it to me (via mediafire, depositfiles, a flash drive, whatever)? I don't have much experience with video editing, but one thing I do know how to do is cut footage from large videos. For example, if you wanted the part from, say, 23:00 to 23:24, I could edit the video so that only that part remains and make it its own .avi file (or whichever format is preferred).
...That's the extent of my video editing knowledge, but I figure maybe it can be used at some point, so...let me know if there are any specific parts from the episode anyone wants to be included in the presentation. I use a program called avidemux, but when I owned a Windows computer I used VirtualDub. Both are very simple programs that make it easy to extract small parts from a larger video.
By the way, Katie, I wouldn't object to moving the meeting to 8:15 since there's actually a live show on at 7 I was looking forward to watching...I'll still miss some of it since it's 2 hours long, but ah well.
Okay, guys! So my life has finally stopped spontaneously combusting and I finished reading A Study in Scarlet. I'm going to try to wrangle my thoughts into submission on the subject.
There are a lot of similarities between the two stories, but I hadn't realized all of the differences yet. Obviously they cut out the Mormonism subplot, because it's not really considered in good taste these days. I think it's clever how they managed it, because it's an issue that has kept the story from getting adapted frequently.
In taking that out they had to vastly change the murderer's motives--although they keep the same dichotomy between vengeance and love ("bitterness is a paralytic. Love is a much more vicious motivator.") The murders in the episode are a bit less focused than the murders in the story, as the cab driver is merely killing people to get money for his children, not going after specific people he wants to get revenge on.
Otherwise, the adaptation sticks pretty close. I think it's kind of sad that they had to change the story so that the cabbie (who actually IS listed in the credits as Jeff Hope, fun fact) is divorced from his wife. In the novel he had a really beautiful love story with Lucy, even if they were never able to be together, and it's a shame that it couldn't be salvaged. Still, it's a good solid adaptation, and pretty cleverly done.
I like the little nods to the original story. The coffee cups that John and Mike Stamford drink out of say "Criterion" because Watson and Stamford originally dined at the Criterion restaurant in the novel. The scene in which Sherlock beats the corpse with the riding crop is a reference to something Stamford says he has seen Sherlock doing in the laboratory as a test. The "Rache" clue left behind is twisted on its ear--in the novel it is German for revenge. Sherlock warns them "don't bother for looking for Miss Rachel." The clue also turns out the be a red herring. In the episode Sherlock suggests that the writing is meant to say "Rachel." When questioned about it, he responds "No, she was leaving an angry note in German. Of course she was writing Rachel!" And this piece of information turns out to be an important clue to solving the case. Also, the American in the back of the taxi that Sherlock chases down is a reference to the fact that in the book the victims are Americans.
All in all, I think it's a clever and inventive adaptation.
There are a lot of similarities between the two stories, but I hadn't realized all of the differences yet. Obviously they cut out the Mormonism subplot, because it's not really considered in good taste these days. I think it's clever how they managed it, because it's an issue that has kept the story from getting adapted frequently.
In taking that out they had to vastly change the murderer's motives--although they keep the same dichotomy between vengeance and love ("bitterness is a paralytic. Love is a much more vicious motivator.") The murders in the episode are a bit less focused than the murders in the story, as the cab driver is merely killing people to get money for his children, not going after specific people he wants to get revenge on.
Otherwise, the adaptation sticks pretty close. I think it's kind of sad that they had to change the story so that the cabbie (who actually IS listed in the credits as Jeff Hope, fun fact) is divorced from his wife. In the novel he had a really beautiful love story with Lucy, even if they were never able to be together, and it's a shame that it couldn't be salvaged. Still, it's a good solid adaptation, and pretty cleverly done.
I like the little nods to the original story. The coffee cups that John and Mike Stamford drink out of say "Criterion" because Watson and Stamford originally dined at the Criterion restaurant in the novel. The scene in which Sherlock beats the corpse with the riding crop is a reference to something Stamford says he has seen Sherlock doing in the laboratory as a test. The "Rache" clue left behind is twisted on its ear--in the novel it is German for revenge. Sherlock warns them "don't bother for looking for Miss Rachel." The clue also turns out the be a red herring. In the episode Sherlock suggests that the writing is meant to say "Rachel." When questioned about it, he responds "No, she was leaving an angry note in German. Of course she was writing Rachel!" And this piece of information turns out to be an important clue to solving the case. Also, the American in the back of the taxi that Sherlock chases down is a reference to the fact that in the book the victims are Americans.
All in all, I think it's a clever and inventive adaptation.
Hey so I re-watched the Pilot with my Dad when I went home this weekend. I am beginning to see loads of similarities between Sherlock and the book, A Study in Scarlett. I thoroughly enjoy Sherlock's commentary as the Scotland Yard's Detectives attempt to piece together what he has already discovered. I'm quite surprised that this isn't a bigger hit than it is.
Anyway, does anyone object to moving the meeting to 8:15 tomorrow night? If so, it's no big deal.
I'll post comparisons between the book and show later.
Y'all have great days! :)
Anyway, does anyone object to moving the meeting to 8:15 tomorrow night? If so, it's no big deal.
I'll post comparisons between the book and show later.
Y'all have great days! :)
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Okay, so this is what I thought of the first episode:
The beginning was really confusing, I don't remember what all it was, but I know it was confusing.
The show itself was really good. My favorite part was how when Sherlock goes through his analysis of the bodies that there are little white words that pop up on the screen that show you exactly what he is observing.
As far as the actual production of our review I think we should go along the lines of something what Katie was talking about at our meeting on Tuesday.
The beginning was really confusing, I don't remember what all it was, but I know it was confusing.
The show itself was really good. My favorite part was how when Sherlock goes through his analysis of the bodies that there are little white words that pop up on the screen that show you exactly what he is observing.
As far as the actual production of our review I think we should go along the lines of something what Katie was talking about at our meeting on Tuesday.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
So this is not going to be near as elegant as what Allie wrote, because I do not possess this thing called "an attention span" and also because every time I try to get all elegant and pretty about this show without careful consideration, I end up sounding fangirl-y and vaguely creepy.
Anyways, onwards.
I really love the cinematography in this show, because there are shots that look like actual still-photograph artwork. It's really lovely. On that note, the emphasis they put on modern day London--and melding it with more old-fashioned elements like the wallpaper at 221B--is really lovely.
As a costumer, I really love the work that was put into the costumes. They really speak to character, which is important especially in this episode ("Pink!") I love Sherlock's coat just because it's so atypical of the mental image, but it fits his character perfectly. The same for John.
Another really interesting thing is the on-screen text. It's an unusual technique, and it takes some getting used to, but I think it works. The creators said they didn't want to bog the show down with shots of cell phones, so it's a good solution. It has also become a pretty iconic thing about the show.
Like Allie said, there's not much new to state about the acting. It's really top-notch. Martin Freeman won a BAFTA for his performance, and it's not hard to see why. We've finally got a version of Watson who isn't a caricature. It's lovely. I also love Benedict's performance. It's subtle and effective and, as Allie said, he strikes a fine balance between being an arrogant little snot and being confused by the rest of the world. It's interesting to see such a young actor play Sherlock, and to be willing to play it in such a volatile manner. I also love Rupert Graves as Lestrade (definitely my favorite portrayal of the character ever) and Mark Gatiss as Mycroft Holmes.
I really like how the story is laid out, and how we get to see important story elements such as the riding crop and "rache" put forth in a new way. It's also interesting to see an actual adaptation of this story. Most people are afraid to touch it as a result of Arthur Conan Doyle's portrayal of Mormons.
My other favorite thing about this show is what they're allowed to do. This show gives an opportunity for an actual, in-story discussion of Sherlock's sexuality and his relationship with John, along with dealing with concepts like mental illness and other things that have become less taboo over the years. It's sort of meta, allowing the characters that kind of free reign, and it's really fascinating.
The plot is well done and actually manages a nice twist at the end, revealing the true identity of Sherlock's "arch enemy." Its a beautifully done introduction, and it fills out the universe nicely. It has also left many of my friends going "Sherlock Holmes has a brother?" Yes. Yes he does.
In a way, I think that might be the short-coming of the episode. It's entertaining to non-Sherlockians as well, but the show does tend to get a little twisted into its own meta. There are a lot of very subtle in-jokes that fall flat without a previous knowledge of the stories, or of the time on-set. While it's lovely having writers who are huge fans of the source material, I see how it might be a tiny bit tedious trying to follow some of the in-jokes. Still, that doesn't really mess with the story itself, it's just a thought.
I'll probably post more as I come to it.
Anyways, onwards.
I really love the cinematography in this show, because there are shots that look like actual still-photograph artwork. It's really lovely. On that note, the emphasis they put on modern day London--and melding it with more old-fashioned elements like the wallpaper at 221B--is really lovely.
As a costumer, I really love the work that was put into the costumes. They really speak to character, which is important especially in this episode ("Pink!") I love Sherlock's coat just because it's so atypical of the mental image, but it fits his character perfectly. The same for John.
Another really interesting thing is the on-screen text. It's an unusual technique, and it takes some getting used to, but I think it works. The creators said they didn't want to bog the show down with shots of cell phones, so it's a good solution. It has also become a pretty iconic thing about the show.
Like Allie said, there's not much new to state about the acting. It's really top-notch. Martin Freeman won a BAFTA for his performance, and it's not hard to see why. We've finally got a version of Watson who isn't a caricature. It's lovely. I also love Benedict's performance. It's subtle and effective and, as Allie said, he strikes a fine balance between being an arrogant little snot and being confused by the rest of the world. It's interesting to see such a young actor play Sherlock, and to be willing to play it in such a volatile manner. I also love Rupert Graves as Lestrade (definitely my favorite portrayal of the character ever) and Mark Gatiss as Mycroft Holmes.
I really like how the story is laid out, and how we get to see important story elements such as the riding crop and "rache" put forth in a new way. It's also interesting to see an actual adaptation of this story. Most people are afraid to touch it as a result of Arthur Conan Doyle's portrayal of Mormons.
My other favorite thing about this show is what they're allowed to do. This show gives an opportunity for an actual, in-story discussion of Sherlock's sexuality and his relationship with John, along with dealing with concepts like mental illness and other things that have become less taboo over the years. It's sort of meta, allowing the characters that kind of free reign, and it's really fascinating.
The plot is well done and actually manages a nice twist at the end, revealing the true identity of Sherlock's "arch enemy." Its a beautifully done introduction, and it fills out the universe nicely. It has also left many of my friends going "Sherlock Holmes has a brother?" Yes. Yes he does.
In a way, I think that might be the short-coming of the episode. It's entertaining to non-Sherlockians as well, but the show does tend to get a little twisted into its own meta. There are a lot of very subtle in-jokes that fall flat without a previous knowledge of the stories, or of the time on-set. While it's lovely having writers who are huge fans of the source material, I see how it might be a tiny bit tedious trying to follow some of the in-jokes. Still, that doesn't really mess with the story itself, it's just a thought.
I'll probably post more as I come to it.
Some thoughts on "A Study in Pink"
All right, this will probably end up being an amalgam of rambling with little to no smooth transition, but I thought I'd post some thoughts on "A Study in Pink." I'm a Sherlock Holmes fan of the most casual kind--I've only read the more well-known stories (Speckled Band, Red-Headed League, etc), and have watched a few of the films, so I guess I'm viewing the show from the perspective of someone with their foot barely in the door.
First off, thought the modern setting was very elegantly executed. The addition of modern technology like text messaging threw me off-guard initially because of how strange it seemed next to the name Sherlock, but it then occurred to me that Holmes would probably make full use of all the world has to offer nowadays. Nothing seemed shoehorned in for the sake of seeming more modern; it was all interwoven with the more traditional elements, and I thought the result was awesome.
The imagery: beautiful, just beautiful. The depiction of modern-day London is practically a character in itself, and the chase scene was a great way of showing it off. Slick, dark, faintly Victorian, insert another adjective here. Not much to say other than I love the camerawork in this show.
As for the actors, nothing I say about them will be original in the slightest, but they're both brilliantly immersed in their characters and it shows. Benedict is able to strike this…delicate balance of being both superior to and faintly bewildered by the world, if that makes any sense. And yet, he's a fresh face (in more than one way). Stays faithful to a lot of traditional Holmes traits, yet twists it in his own unique, modern way and doesn't adhere to the exact same performance as any previous Holmes. Love Freeman as Watson too, really love him. My least favorite depiction of Watson is the simple-minded sidekick who exists solely for comedy relief, and this Watson of course stays far away from that. Not that there isn't humor in the interaction between the two--there's quite a bit--but it's not forced at all. You don't need to force any humor when you have two characters that meld together so well, y'know?
The relationship between Holmes and Watson has always been the most appealing element of the series for me, and the first episode does an excellent job setting up the dynamic between the two in a natural way. Great to end the episode on a good note with both of them protecting each other. It's not rushed at all, and even though it's only the first episode their relationship is already intriguing and genuine. That was pretty much the make-or-break element when I started watching the show--how genuine their relationship would be. And as it turns out, it absolutely makes the show.
What else…I really enjoyed the plot and overall tone of the show. It really bothers me when dramas incessantly pound a point or theme into the viewer's skull as if they think people are too stupid to catch on without it being made painfully obvious. This show doesn't do that. It keeps a genuine air of mystery about it by actually being subtle and foreshadowing in a meaningful way. It's an intelligent show compared to a lot of other dramas, for me at least, and it's great that it doesn't lay everything out perfectly. Makes the mystery that much more compelling.
That's about it. Good stuff.
First off, thought the modern setting was very elegantly executed. The addition of modern technology like text messaging threw me off-guard initially because of how strange it seemed next to the name Sherlock, but it then occurred to me that Holmes would probably make full use of all the world has to offer nowadays. Nothing seemed shoehorned in for the sake of seeming more modern; it was all interwoven with the more traditional elements, and I thought the result was awesome.
The imagery: beautiful, just beautiful. The depiction of modern-day London is practically a character in itself, and the chase scene was a great way of showing it off. Slick, dark, faintly Victorian, insert another adjective here. Not much to say other than I love the camerawork in this show.
As for the actors, nothing I say about them will be original in the slightest, but they're both brilliantly immersed in their characters and it shows. Benedict is able to strike this…delicate balance of being both superior to and faintly bewildered by the world, if that makes any sense. And yet, he's a fresh face (in more than one way). Stays faithful to a lot of traditional Holmes traits, yet twists it in his own unique, modern way and doesn't adhere to the exact same performance as any previous Holmes. Love Freeman as Watson too, really love him. My least favorite depiction of Watson is the simple-minded sidekick who exists solely for comedy relief, and this Watson of course stays far away from that. Not that there isn't humor in the interaction between the two--there's quite a bit--but it's not forced at all. You don't need to force any humor when you have two characters that meld together so well, y'know?
The relationship between Holmes and Watson has always been the most appealing element of the series for me, and the first episode does an excellent job setting up the dynamic between the two in a natural way. Great to end the episode on a good note with both of them protecting each other. It's not rushed at all, and even though it's only the first episode their relationship is already intriguing and genuine. That was pretty much the make-or-break element when I started watching the show--how genuine their relationship would be. And as it turns out, it absolutely makes the show.
What else…I really enjoyed the plot and overall tone of the show. It really bothers me when dramas incessantly pound a point or theme into the viewer's skull as if they think people are too stupid to catch on without it being made painfully obvious. This show doesn't do that. It keeps a genuine air of mystery about it by actually being subtle and foreshadowing in a meaningful way. It's an intelligent show compared to a lot of other dramas, for me at least, and it's great that it doesn't lay everything out perfectly. Makes the mystery that much more compelling.
That's about it. Good stuff.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Okay, guys. So everything kind of exploded this weekend, but I'm finally getting around to posting some links which might be helpful. Possibly. These are just some things that I've stumbled upon during my internet escapades in the past.
http://www.sherlockology.com/ This is the biggest and most active Sherlock fansite around right now--I don't know if it will be helpful, but it might be a good resource.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdYHfeTLF90&feature=plcp&context=C4a5fd6cVDvjVQa1PpcFPSps1C40oq7NE6KHIefZL_2pGj8kQyz4M%3D BBC has posted some short scenes from the show. The rest can probably also be found online from other sources.
http://www.johnwatsonblog.co.uk/ BBC also set up blogs for Sherlock, John and Molly. I'm just going to post John and Sherlock's blog for right now. Also, major spoiler warnings for Series 2.
http://www.thescienceofdeduction.co.uk/ And Sherlock's blog. It's not as spoilerific, though.
I'll post more links as a I come to them. You might also browse places like Tumblr, because the fan base is very active and very, very vocal. Once again, spoiler warnings. And content warnings. And weirdness warnings. But it's worth a shot if you're interested.
http://www.sherlockology.com/ This is the biggest and most active Sherlock fansite around right now--I don't know if it will be helpful, but it might be a good resource.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdYHfeTLF90&feature=plcp&context=C4a5fd6cVDvjVQa1PpcFPSps1C40oq7NE6KHIefZL_2pGj8kQyz4M%3D BBC has posted some short scenes from the show. The rest can probably also be found online from other sources.
http://www.johnwatsonblog.co.uk/ BBC also set up blogs for Sherlock, John and Molly. I'm just going to post John and Sherlock's blog for right now. Also, major spoiler warnings for Series 2.
http://www.thescienceofdeduction.co.uk/ And Sherlock's blog. It's not as spoilerific, though.
I'll post more links as a I come to them. You might also browse places like Tumblr, because the fan base is very active and very, very vocal. Once again, spoiler warnings. And content warnings. And weirdness warnings. But it's worth a shot if you're interested.
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