"They Might Be Giants" stood on my must-see list for two reasons. #1: because it has a uniquely original and intriguing premise, and #2: because I love the eccentric performances of George C. Scott. Unfortunately, though, it's everything this film has to offer: one terrific idea that eventually wears out, and one legendary actor who carries the entire film.
I stand by my opinion that the plot is pretty genius. In present day Manhattan, due to the pressure of his job and the loss of his wife, a once acclaimed lawyer now strongly believes he is Sherlock Holmes himself. His dubious brother wants him admitted to a mental hospital, and the resident psychiatrist immediately takes an interest in him. But her last name is Watson, so the "patient" only gets more convinced that he - with the help of Dr. Watson - are destined to solve mystery cases together.
The best sequences in "They Might Be Giants" are definitely when the shrink attempts to psycho-analyze Justin via Freudian theories, whilst her patient is simultaneously - and a lot more effective - analyzing her life via typical Holmes-deductions. Sherlock also clearly doesn't want to be cured. Quite the contrary, he inflicts his fantasy world on others, as it obviously makes them happier people. It's a curious movie, for sure, but too silly for my personal liking (with a couple of really dumb gags near the end), and also too moralizing.
I stand by my opinion that the plot is pretty genius. In present day Manhattan, due to the pressure of his job and the loss of his wife, a once acclaimed lawyer now strongly believes he is Sherlock Holmes himself. His dubious brother wants him admitted to a mental hospital, and the resident psychiatrist immediately takes an interest in him. But her last name is Watson, so the "patient" only gets more convinced that he - with the help of Dr. Watson - are destined to solve mystery cases together.
The best sequences in "They Might Be Giants" are definitely when the shrink attempts to psycho-analyze Justin via Freudian theories, whilst her patient is simultaneously - and a lot more effective - analyzing her life via typical Holmes-deductions. Sherlock also clearly doesn't want to be cured. Quite the contrary, he inflicts his fantasy world on others, as it obviously makes them happier people. It's a curious movie, for sure, but too silly for my personal liking (with a couple of really dumb gags near the end), and also too moralizing.