Deconstruction of Sherlock Holmes Fight scene

Sherlock Holmes First Fight scene: Slow motion editing deconstruction 

Whilst watching Sherlock Holmes (2009) I was inspired by the fight in the first scene, where it had been edited in slow motion. 

I thought this was an effective use of slow motion because it lends suspense to the scene, which enhances the scene dramatically effective as it exaggerates movements and highlights certain violent actions. 

     Slow motion editing

 

During this clip from Sherlock Holmes, slow motion is used for two purposes: 

1. It's used to highlight Sherlock's tactful skill and intelligence, as he goes through step-by-step of what he's going to do and reasons why, with his brief observation emphasising his intelligence. Whereas, if the action happened in real time all we'd see is him beating up someone.
2. The slow motion is accompanied with an internal monologue, so you needed the action to come in the same time as the appropriate part of the monologue so it makes sense or we wouldn't know which actions he was talking about. 

 

 

      Before the start of the slow motion starts, there is a close-up shot of Sherlock as his internal monologue starts so it is clear that the non-diegetic dialogue is coming from him and not another source in the scene.    

 The slow motion is also complemented with diegetic sounds of the arm movements and collion with the body, which intensifies the violence in the scene.     

I believe that this part of the clip was the most effective as we could visually see the other man's skin on his face contort due to the impact with the hand, which lends realism to the violent actions, making it more realistic in the fight however still exaggerates the power of Sherlock's strength.

But also creates a contrast from the man to Sherlock, as we can see in his appearance that he has rotting teeth which is commonly associated with the poorer/ working class citizens, which adds to his dirty face and beard. Whereas Sherlock is wearing a smart suit and coat and is clean shaven, despite the sweat from running, and speaks in a well mannered tone.        

 Then there is a cut back to a close-up shot of Sherlock, establishing that the previous actions are just him thinking through his plan. 

The repetition of the attack from before, but this time in real time, underscores Sherlock's intelligence as everything goes according to his plans. In addition, having this increase in speed and fast editing enhances the sense of excitement, but also conveys efficiency in how he excels in both mental and physical  skill.          

Initial thoughts for practical: 

Advantages

• It is achievable to use slow motion editing to intensify a dramatic action/ fight scene for my group's film noir film opening.  
• Acting doesn't have to be that good as all actions are slowed down, so half hearted acting or stage combat isn't that noticeable, compared to real speed acting/ stage combat.  
• Can focus on objects moving rather than people. 

Disadvantages 

• May take up more time in the opening scene.
• Need more than one actor for fight scene.
• Can't do extravagant slow motions, for instance breaking bones.