Mark Strong Answers All Our Sherlock Holmes Questions

For decades, American cinema has frequently cast classically trained British actors as compelling villains in blockbuster films. This tradition continues with actors like Mark Strong, who has built a career portraying antagonists in films such as Sherlock Holmes, Kick-Ass, and Shazam! Strong reflects on this phenomenon, stating, “It’s an honorable profession, Brits going over to Hollywood and playing villains.”

A Tradition of British Villainy

Strong’s breakout role as Lord Henry Blackwood in Guy Ritchie’s 2009 adaptation of Sherlock Holmes significantly elevated his profile. Blackwood, a character invented for the film and not found in the original Arthur Conan Doyle stories, is an occult-obsessed aristocrat who seemingly returns from the dead. The role allowed Strong to collaborate with Robert Downey Jr., who had recently debuted as Iron Man in 2008.

Crafting a Villainous Persona

The visual development of Lord Blackwood was a collaborative effort. Costume designer Jenny Beavan created a striking look, including a leather trench coat and a waistcoat made of a material resembling “offal or rotting meat.” Strong recalls the intention was to create a “severe, almost Germanic kind of shaved-head thing.” This attention to detail was crucial, as Blackwood was a completely original character.

Improvisation and Atmosphere

Strong embraced the creative freedom offered by the role, even improvising incantations during a scene filmed in the 13th-century crypt of St. Bart’s Hospital. He shared that director Guy Ritchie encouraged him to “just do anything that comes into your head,” resulting in spontaneous, spooky dialogue.

Returning to Ritchie’s World

Having previously worked with Ritchie on RocknRolla and Revolver, Strong appreciated the established rapport. He noted that Ritchie often brings back familiar faces, stating, “We got on as friends. We knew each other’s dance, if you like.” RocknRolla featured a cast of rising stars including Thandiwe Newton, Idris Elba, Tom Hardy, and Gerry Butler.

Did You Know? The climactic fight sequence in Sherlock Holmes was filmed on a set built in the Armory in New York City, utilizing green-screen technology to create the illusion of a half-built Tower Bridge.

The Thrill of the Fight

The film culminates in a sword fight between Strong’s Blackwood and Downey Jr.’s Sherlock Holmes atop Tower Bridge. Strong performed the majority of the stunts himself, embracing the “joy of playing a character like that” where the villain is destined to lose. He drew on stage-fighting training from drama school, where he earned a certificate for completing a three-way sword fight choreography.

A Type Emerges

Strong believes his role as Harry Starks in the 2004 television series The Long Firm was pivotal in establishing his type as a British villain. Prior to that, he primarily played romantic leads. He had to “fight for that part,” as casting directors initially doubted his ability to portray darkness. Guy Ritchie, having seen his work in The Long Firm, recognized his potential to embody the dastardly Lord Blackwood.

Expert Insight: The consistent casting of British actors as villains in American films speaks to a cultural perception of British theatrical training emphasizing complex, often morally ambiguous characters, a contrast to the traditionally heroic archetypes often found in American storytelling.

The Appeal of Darkness

Strong finds playing villainous roles cathartic and easier than portraying characters close to his own personality. He enjoys the transformative power of costumes, wigs, and accents, allowing him to fully inhabit a character removed from his everyday life. He notes that playing a villain doesn’t require threatening people in real life, offering a safe outlet for exploring darker impulses.

Transformation and Preparation

Strong embraces physical transformations for his roles, citing his experiences in films like Sunshine, where he underwent eight hours of makeup to portray a burnt character, and Green Lantern, where he played Sinestro. He emphasizes the importance of preparation, recalling stage-fighting training from drama school and the dedication to physical fitness required for modern action roles.

Downey’s Energy and Dedication

Strong praised Robert Downey Jr.’s energy and talent, recounting a recent encounter where they reconnected on the set of Oedipus on Broadway. He observed Downey’s commitment to physical fitness, noting he was practicing martial arts during downtime on the Sherlock Holmes set.

A Cultural Difference

Strong suggests a cultural difference in how American and British actors approach heroism. He believes American culture often celebrates the “homecoming king and queen,” while British theatrical tradition embraces anti-heroes like Richard III and Macbeth. This difference, he argues, contributes to the prevalence of British actors playing villains.

Frequently Asked Questions

What role did Jenny Beavan play in creating Lord Blackwood’s look?

Jenny Beavan, the costume designer, was responsible for creating Lord Blackwood’s distinctive appearance, including his leather trench coat and a waistcoat made of a material resembling rotting meat.

What was Mark Strong doing before landing the role of Lord Blackwood?

Prior to Sherlock Holmes, Mark Strong had appeared in films like RocknRolla and Revolver with Guy Ritchie, and played the role of Harry Starks in the television series The Long Firm.

Did Mark Strong perform his own stunts in the fight scene with Robert Downey Jr.?

Yes, Mark Strong performed the majority of the sword fight sequence with Robert Downey Jr. Himself, drawing on his stage-fighting training from drama school.

Given the long-standing tradition of British actors portraying villains in American cinema, what do you think accounts for this enduring trend?