Author: Master and Mary Next door
Link: http://blog.sina.com.cn/u/1781278563 The
rules in the circle, the author of good conscience and good articles need to be praised, and long comments are required. There is a certain spoiler, enter with caution.
Broadway has a profession called dramaturg, whose duty is to create more drama on the basis of the original script (maybe called "stalker" in black language). The existence of such a profession means that the same story line, the same characters, Different ways of telling stories can give people different perceptions.
How can detectives and doctors tell their stories? Elementary showed us the possibility of talking and unfolding slowly. If the magic weapon of the same hot drama POI screenwriter is the timeline (it would be a good story if you start from building a machine, but it will definitely not be more beautiful than it is now), the magic weapon of the elementary screenwriter is the character profile (profile, or Called profile). This file is the golden thread that runs through the entire play from beginning to end. What is the stable core character and what is changing in the development of the characters, and how different character personalities develop together is reasonable and reasonable. Only by clarifying this golden thread Only by holding it can it be soothing and peaceful, and there is no need to forcibly create drama conflicts and other tricks to tell a good story.
How should the stories of classic characters in other time and space be adapted, which have changed, and which have not changed? This is the first predetermined question to be answered to change the story of Sherlock Holmes. One approach is to change the tangible things into a modern version, such as changing letters into text messages, and changing carriages into cars, while the character style remains the same. Another approach is to count the changes in the style of similar characters under the influence of the times. Inside. Elementary uses the latter. The challenge of the latter is that unless there is a familiar and easily accepted understanding of the nature of the relationship between the characters and the characters in the original work, it is easy for people to have the perception that "this is not Sherlock Holmes".
Are the characters in Elementary still not the characters of Conan Doyle? Let's take a look at Holmes first. If I were a screenwriter, the first presupposition question I would ask myself is: "In modern society, what kind of person is interested and capable of doing the work of reasoning and investigating?" plus the character of Sherlock Holmes Some traits that must be possessed by itself, such as chivalry, good taste, the most powerful observation and intelligence, have their own moral code, gentleman but to a certain extent out of the way...If modern society can cultivate a Sherlock Holmes, What kind of person would he be? First of all, I accept the setting of the Sherlock Holmes family background in the play. Only a wealthy family can develop the Sherlock Holmes-like artistic taste, so that a person can absorb all kinds of knowledge without utilitarianism, and can not use his own wisdom and wisdom. Insight is used in secular and even evil pursuits, and more importantly, can he be able to accept commissions to make money, but he can still do what he wants to do without pursuing money. In fact, in the era of the original book, Holmes originally belonged to the middle and upper class of the gentry class. Compared with the "rich second generation" characters in the play, the original characters said that they were "rich N generation". Affluent but incomplete families and the unsatisfactory teenage life in boarding schools can also be used to explain why the characters are not artists or philanthropists, but are interested in crime. Under this framework, a new era of detectives was born. In my opinion, whether there is a tattoo, wearing or not wearing a hat, is it "asexual" is a more contemporary thing, compared with the characteristics of a character who can transcend the times because of being smart and lonely, but also because of kindness and compassion. , Is the part that can be changed by the author of the "doujin".
Let’s look at Watson again. This character exists more as a narrator and observer in the original work. He does not have so many positive descriptions of Sherlock Holmes. This character should always contact him and Sherlock Holmes. There is also more room for adaptors. Liu Yuling said in a recent interview that when doing homework to star in this play, she did not read any of the previous adaptations, but read the original. In the process of reading the original, the biggest consensus between her and the crew is: Watson has always been deeply admired by Holmes. This is a simple sentence. If a person like Sherlock Holmes does not have his own admiration, how can Hua Cheng be the only one who walks into his life? But such an obvious fact is not that simple. What kind of person is admired by Holmes?
One of the clues is Watson’s career. An excellent doctor needs to be calm and smart enough. Under the premise that the medical training in the United States is long and hard, and the medical school belongs to the top students, the pursuit of excellence as a doctor is often very powerful. Self-awareness and self-confidence. More importantly, a doctor should be a person who regards giving and repairing as a mission and a pleasure. Recalling the story of the Angel of Death in the episode of the story, the doctor who possessed all the previous characteristics but did not have the kindness of a doctor, saved people and Killing is just a mechanical operation for self-satisfaction and self-realization. For Watson in Elementary, we still don't know the full story behind her, but her kindness, professionalism, persistence, and strong "repair" aura are exactly what Holmes can't refuse. "Don't give up" is one of the most shining qualities in her spirit. Even after Holmes roared out "No words can describe my disappointment in you" in the final episode of the season, she can still perform with immense patience and rationality. The following reversal plot is the conscience of the screenwriter, and it is also a victory for the screenwriter to shape the characters. This "non-giving up" characteristic is based on Watson's strong moral standards and firmness in his own abilities and pursuits. It can be said that in the play Zhonghua Sheng "does not eat anyone": she can treat Sherlock Holmes. All kinds of resisting tricks and willfulness say no, because she knows that repairing such a person requires more patience and love. She can say no to her ex-boyfriend's concern, because she respects her career choice and respects her professional ethics more. She said no to the interference of her friends, because her career choice is part of her. She knows what she wants, and she knows what she chooses is the right one. Friendship that can't understand this loses its foundation. She said no to the protection that Sheriff Gregson wanted to provide, because she did not believe that women should take less risks and responsibilities than men. Faced with Moriarty's contempt and threats, she did not lose or lose. She won the first round perfectly and became the last "heroine". (The two queens, like Yujie, are in a show, and the aura reaches its peak. People who are not strong enough in front of the screen may be scared to pee their pants by eye knives flying around. People who are not afraid of death probably lick the screen!)
But this kind of Watson, when we think of her, is actually healed and gentle, because she is not stubborn and tough, but reasonable persistence. In her personality, the standard is always the same, and in the process of shaping her character , The core of her spirit is always consistent. It’s hard to see Holmes, who was killed by his father and his ex-girlfriend. All his intimate relationships ended in loneliness. Coupled with his extremely high requirements for the wisdom, taste and spirit of his partner, it took more than a dozen episodes to brew one. A proposal such as "Stay and be my partner" is a process that must be experienced. The relationship between the two soul mates is reasonable and destined, but it is not easy to get it-success is never equal to love at first sight.
Another point to mention is that we vaguely know why Watson stayed with Holmes. She needs an intellectual challenge. She regards repairing Holmes as a mission. This is a kind of redemption for her past mistakes-but revealing Before her past, we did not fully know it, but it must have been in the "file" of the screenwriter shaping the characters. I believe that in the second season, we will learn more about Watson.
In addition to the two main characters, it can be seen that the screenwriter has also prepared enough "background files" for other characters: the family story of Detective Bell and his brother (Bell's dedication, pride and his meticulous apartment complement each other, and Sherlock Holmes The tension in the relationship from disdain to trust is very wonderful. We learned that Detective Gregson, who is married and has a woman, (his past was also revealed in the episode of Collecting Shoes, Mask Murderers, and he told Holmes A clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses, the struggle between trust and distrust, and the protection of Watson are very vivid, and more importantly, he is a competent and excellent policeman), the former car thief Alfredo of Holmes’ Sponser has Unexpected patience and gave Holmes more warmth and loyalty... Every character is a clear "person", not a "character" that can violate the character's personality by listening to the screenwriter for the development of the plot. As long as these full archives are put into the story, they don't need endless accidents, and they can almost act in various plots on their own. This is the "virtual reality" closest to reality.
The next key word is "fun". When chatting with a friend, I once said that even if the plot is bad, as long as Watson's wardrobe and their apartment are still there, I can keep watching. The most frequently seen brands in Watson's wardrobe include: Allsaints, Madewell, Club Monaco, Rag&Bone, Joseph, and one or two from Yigal Azrouel, Burberry and Gap. The price is not unattainable, and the combination is practical and fashionable, which makes it easy to shop. Soaring, the taste and appeal of fashion dramas that have succeeded to be too overwhelming are not as good as this drama. Regarding the issue of Watson's love to wear high heels, the screenwriter also used Holmes to make complaints at the end of the season: "Your Watson women and your high heels! Our mother is in her early sixties. It's time to change flat soles for safety reasons. !" Although it’s a repeat of the previous blog post, the soundtrack of this film is worth repeating. The Black Sabbath, Yo La Tengo and Start Anew of the last Beady Eye that appeared in the second half of the season are all the finishing touches, and I can see that they are very dedicated . The detailed control crew even carefully arranged the residences of each character. The Brooklyn apartment in humble chic (actually in Long Island City) where Howard is located, needless to say, the luxury mansion in Westchester that appeared in the play, The high-end apartments in the Upper West Side, the humble housing in Haarlem, and Tribeca's fashionable Loft can make people who know New York shine and smile, and make people look forward to the London trip in the second season. Maybe this kind of fun is not the most advanced and best fun, but it is a resonant fun for me. If you want to come here, my friends and I should be the audience who are accurately positioned!
The so-called "Three Views" is also worthy of fun in this play, especially in the same environment where the story takes place, and can accurately receive the wavelength of some topics mentioned intentionally or unintentionally. For example, the issue of the return of former prisoners to society, veterans, transgender and homosexual minorities, feminist rights, civil litigation sticks, anti-terrorism, environmental protection organizations, and even urban emergency response during a snowstorm. The screenwriters not only complained about it but also ensured a relatively correct three views. With a consistent style, with a down-to-earth "personal story" against all kinds of dramatic curiosity or overcorrection of political correctness, there is no trace, and he shows his true color.
Finally, even as a fan of the show and a small advertisement that spares no effort, I still want to talk about some flaws in my mind, because "no one is perfect" is originally one of the screenwriters' creed, if the show is perfect, it seems to have all the advantages. Inconclusive. For me, the biggest failure of the show is the first episode of the guide set. There are naturally many highlights in this episode, but the flaw is that I did not find my own "visual ID" and "style ID". Looking back now, the tone and rhythm of the first episode are actually quite different from the later ones. Especially in the murder description period, large red blood and blue nightgowns, such high saturation tones, rarely appeared later. The first episode of the high-definition slow-motion lens replaced with a faded blurry shaking lens, the first episode reminds people of the techniques and style often used in the BBC version. Although the tone and style of the show were unified and reached a state of harmony, the guide set's suspicion of imitating the vacillating style should still lead to the loss of some potential audiences. The second place that I have reservations about is the announcement of the identity of the characters at the end of the season. Although the arrangement of one character less than the original writing has a key role in shaping the character of Holmes, it also reduces the possibility of a lot of future plots. Moreover, the character of Irene is probably not full enough due to space limitations. Compared with the two protagonists, there is a suspicion of "appearing to promote the plot", but considering the historical status of this villain, there should be a chance to continue to shape it later, so Keep your opinions, maybe the big screenwriters will ruthlessly reverse my pickiness!
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