Film Overview"The Seven-Per-Cent Solution" is a 1976 British-American mystery movie directed by Herbert Ross, based upon the best-selling book of the very same name by Nicholas Meyer. The film stars Nicol Williamson as Sherlock Holmes, Robert Duvall as Dr. Watson, and Alan Arkin as Sigmund Freud. The title refers to the service of cocaine that the famous detective Sherlock Holmes utilizes.
Plot SummaryThe story starts when the criminal offense solver Holmes establishes an extreme dependence on drug, matching the author Arthur Conan Doyle's representations of his unpredictable habits and dependency. His fascination with his arch-nemesis, Professor Moriarty-- whom he views as the "Napoleon of criminal offense"-- further intensifies his condition. Nevertheless, Moriarty is revealed to be absolutely nothing more than an innocent mathematics teacher.
Holmes's faithful good friend, Dr. Watson, chooses to tempt him far from England to Vienna, using a staged letter showing that Moriarty has left England. Watson hopes that the popular neurologist, Dr. Sigmund Freud, can treat Holmes's addiction.
Cure and AdventureIn Vienna, Freud utilizes the then-new strategy of psychoanalysis and effectively remedies Holmes of his addiction. At the same time, nevertheless, Holmes' manipulated understanding of Moriarty is exposed as a displaced memory of his childhood trauma.
Soon after this, Holmes, Freud, and Watson discover themselves involved in a kidnapping case including a female who is a client of Freud's. The lady is being held in a remote castle and the 3 must navigate a series of cooling weaves to rescue her.
ResolutionFreud, Holmes, and Watson achieve success in the rescue, exposing an international abduction-for-profit plan running under the guise of a baroness' charity. The action-filled climax involves a dramatic train chase in which Holmes, in spite of his current cleansing, flawlessly showcases the detective proficiency that forms his standard character.
Once they have fixed the case, the three return to Vienna, and Holmes decides to leave his addiction completely behind. The movie ends with Freud composing a thank you letter to Watson for presenting him to Holmes, and the trio part ways.
Conclusion"The Seven-Per-Cent Solution" offers an unique and creative analysis of the Sherlock Holmes character, grounding his genius and eccentricities in his drug addiction. It uses a distinct point of view far from the traditional detective thrillers, integrating aspects of psychological studies and experience. The performances of the lead actors, the appealing script, the fascinating plot weaves, and the imaginative analysis of cherished literary characters, make it a distinct and innovative addition to the Sherlock Holmes filmography.
Top Cast
