Sherlock Bromance

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The Playlist's Rodrigo Perez has posted a riff and some links about an alleged homoerotic subcurrent in Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes. It feels like a dicey presumption, but there's at least a possibility that Holmes could knock Humpday off the bromance pedestal.

"The dreaded 'bromance' term has been brought up several times in discussions surrounding Guy Ritchie's action tentpole, Sherlock Holmes," he begins. "But even more explicit -- much to the chagrin of producer Joel Silver, to be sure -- are claims from the actors in the film itself, who not so subtly have already suggest the 'gay' word in referencing the very-tight relationship between Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) and his trusty sidekick Watson (Jude Law) Not an appellation you probably want associated with a blockbuster.

"Sherlock star Rachel McAdams has already said the film is, 'kind of the love story, actually. I play supposedly Sherlock's love interest, but it's really Watson."

"In [a] recent interview in USA Today, Jude said the homo-erotic overtones, filthy language, and bare-knuckle fighting are 'quintessential parts' of the Sherlock Holmes film (sounds like quite the rollick indeed).

"Or at least that's how a lot of gay-friendly sites are positioning his quotes, and it's not the first time. Put in 'gay' and 'Sherlock Holmes' in Google and you will get plenty of responses. It's as if the gay community wants to adopt the film as there own.

"And hey, there's nothing wrong with that at all, and the filmmakers are probably wry enough to acknowledge this too. But Silver and the studio? Hmm..."

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Posted by Jeffrey Wells on May 13, 2009 at 12:32 PM

comment #1

BurmaShave says ...

The real question though is will they see it at the Clearview on a Sunday evening?

Posted by BurmaShave at May 13, 2009 1:09 PM

comment #2

longrunner says ...

...wearing their gay tennis shoes?

Posted by longrunner at May 13, 2009 1:09 PM

comment #3

Rich S. says ...

I searched my thesaurus to try to find an adequate word in response to these observations, but the only thing I could find was "duh!"

Posted by Rich S. at May 13, 2009 1:11 PM

comment #4

scooterzz says ...

didn't billy wilder dance around the issue of holmes being gay in 'the private life of sherlock holmes'? i seem to remember that being a big deal back then...

Posted by scooterzz at May 13, 2009 1:52 PM

comment #5

Big Black says ...

Pretty dumb that any character without an implicit love interest has 'gay shadings' to so many viewers. On a complete un/related note, everyone who loves Sherlock Holmes should check out the illustrated short "Aetheric Mechanics" by Warren Ellis. It's truly excellent.

Posted by Big Black at May 13, 2009 2:13 PM

comment #6

Sabina E says ...

So?

Posted by Sabina E at May 13, 2009 2:34 PM

comment #7

Wes Caline says ...

every ritchies`s film has been homerotic, except for swept away.
funny thing is: madonna and her bro accussed him of rampant homophobia.

Posted by Wes Caline at May 13, 2009 3:06 PM

comment #8

Imogen says ...

I have read the script and there is not a single gay moment in it, sorry. It reads like a victorian Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

Posted by Imogen at May 13, 2009 6:57 PM

comment #9

hawthorne says ...

I agree with Imogen. Read the script too and there are no gay moments. Not even a hint. Wells.. you seem to be getting kind of desperate in trying to find ways to knock this movie. Why all the hate? You should try to get hold of the script. Hell.. if I can get hold of it anyone can. It was an entertaining read and could make for a fun movie aptly put by Imogen as a Victorian Butch Cassidy. They are going for a family movie in this so do you really think they will try and turn it into Brokeback Mountain in London? come on now.

Posted by hawthorne at May 13, 2009 8:53 PM

comment #10

Baron Munchausen-by-Proxy says ...

Elementary, my dear Wells - this is truly the case of the dog that didn't bark.

Posted by Baron Munchausen-by-Proxy at May 13, 2009 9:42 PM

comment #11

sunnygirl128 says ...

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Posted by sunnygirl128 at May 14, 2009 12:47 AM

comment #12