Without a Clue
by Thom Eberhardt
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Ben Kingsley, Jeffrey Jones, Lysette Anthony, Michael Caine, Paul FreemanDirector: Thom Eberhardt
Brand: CAINE,MICHAEL
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround; English (Subtitled); Spanish (Subtitled); French (Subtitled)
Format: Color, DVD, Full Screen, NTSC, Subtitled
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 107 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2004-03-02
Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: MGM (Video & DVD)
Movie Reviews of Without a Clue
Movie Review: A Unique Spoof of the Holmes' Stories
Summary: 4 Stars
Having finally seen this film, I can say with certainty that this is one of the most unique Sherlock Holmes movies I've seen. The entire movie is a huge "what if?" story filled with lots of laughs and mystery rolled into one. It's a spoof of the popular book series; but don't let that scare you away from watching it. The mystery plot is also well thought out, which raises it above most films of the genre. Generally spoof movies only focus on the comedy and disregard plot, whereas Without a Clue develops both aspects quite well.
So, what is the film about? In this version, Dr. Watson (Ben Kingsley) is the detective mastermind - who merely wrote the character of Sherlock Holmes. Yes, it is Watson, not Holmes, who is the real detective. As Holmes' fans know, there is a duality here: as the spoof may be as much about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle as it is about his books. Watson (a fictional Doyle - as you might want to think of him) then hires a clueless actor, played by Michael Caine, to fill the fictional Holmes' shoes. This is because as Watson isn't able to take credit for solving a previous case. Of course, Holmes becomes so popular, that no one realizes that Watson is the true mastermind. Watson becomes the often ignored side-kick, even though he constantly drops Holmes clue hints at the crime scenes and takes care of the detective work. When their newest case presents itself, the duo spring into action, not realizing that it may be one of their toughest yet.
First off, I should say that Ben Kingsley steals the show as Dr. Watson. His revelation of the clues are brilliant and in true Holmes style. He becomes the most interesting character to watch as he pieces everything together, making the audience wonder what he's deducing. Similarly, his comedic delivery is perfect, especially when he often signals Holmes to repeat a clue he just figured out to the public. Even more funny, however, is the degree of seriousness that's mixed in with a slap-stick remark. In one scene for instance, Holmes is worried about being killed and panics as Watson stands nearby.
Holmes: "Are you sure he's not trying to kill me?"
Watson *with a completely straight face*: "Of course not...he knows you're an idiot."
The delivery is spot on. In the hands of another actor, the line could have become flat. But the perfect balance is there as Kingsley delivers the line. This is, of course, one of many funny moments.
Michael Caine also adds to the laughs when he's onscreen with Kingsley. The two of them have a off-beat dynamic going as they continuously deliver their lines. It's obvious that both actors had quite a bit of fun while making this. When Holmes tries to guess the clues, (ie. the "We know for a fact..." part) he continually gets them wrong. The audience laughs at the irony, whilst onscreen Watson is saying "no," in response to all of Holmes' wild guesses. It's really the duo that drives the comedy. Unfortunately, there is a point when Watson disappears for a short while (ie. the spoof of Holmes sometimes fading into the background, then re-appearing later). During that period, the comedy isn't as funny as it previously was. With the exception of the "Arty Morty" scene, which is hilarious in its context, I found that the comedy seemed more forced. Therefore, it really is the presence of both actors that make the comedy work. Don't despair though: there are other comedic devices used effectively, especially towards the end, including some well-timed sandbags and a stage-fight duel. But the best bits are when both actors are onscreen bantering their lines back and forth.
Plot-wise, the case has as many twists and turns as a regular Holmes novel. Murder, mystery, intrigue, and near death experiences plague our protaganists as they head from area to area to uncover the mystery. There's even a kidnapping plot tied into this, all orchestrated by a (familiar) evil mastermind. (Is there any other kind in a Holmes' story?) The audience is constantly wondering what will happen next or what clue Watson will find/reveal.
Holmes fans will enjoy the movie. It's obviously been made for those of us who like the books, by people who clearly know what they're doing. I was constantly picking out things that were familiar. Even if you're not well versed when it comes to the books, you'll still enjoy the movie - if you enjoy off-beat satire. The movie isn't for everyone, so be warned that if satire isn't something you like in a film, you probably won't appreciate the movie. On the other hand, if you love satire, enjoy the ride.
Summary of Without a Clue
Suppose for a moment that Dr. Watson was the real brains behind Sherlock Holmes? The result is anything but elementary! Academy Award?(r) winners* Michael Caine and Ben Kingsley deliver stellar performances as a delightful duo, an 1890s Odd Couple (Los Angeles Times) in this madcapmystery that's 'the most hilarious Sherlock Holmes adventure of them all ('sneak Previews )! Dr. John Watson (Kingsley) is secretly a crime-solving genius. But to protect his reputation as a physician, he hires bumbling, boozy, out-of-work actor Reginald Kincaid (Caine) to play the part of his fictional creation, Sherlock Holmes. The charade works until Watson mysteriously disappears, forcing the baffled, seriously inept Holmes to crack the biggest case of Watson's career on his own! *Caine: Supporting Actor, The Cider House Rules (1999); Supporting Actor, Hannah and Her Sisters (1986); Kingsley: Actor, Gandhi (1982)Without a Clue is an underrated comedy featuring stellar teamwork by two great actors, Michael Caine and Ben Kingsley. This Sherlock Holmes pastiche with a twist stars Kingsley as physician, writer, and self-effacing super-sleuth Dr. John Watson, who channels his genius for deduction into lucrative stories about Holmes. Watson wants the world to believe the fictional private eye actually exists, posing a problem when a steady stream of troubled souls come seeking Holmes's help. The doctor's prescription: hire a two-bit, drunken, skirt-chasing actor (Caine) to portray the Great Detective, an arrangement that causes Watson consternation whenever "Holmes" tries to improvise his way through a case. Wonderful comic timing and tension make Without a Clue a delight; Caine, particularly, gets a lot of mileage out of the faux Holmes's grand efforts to appear a genius. Henry Mancini's score adds a touch of old Hollywood gloss, and Thom Eberhardt (Night of the Comet) directs. --Tom Keogh
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