From Hell (2001)

Loosely based on the graphic novel of the same name, this fictionalized take on the infamous serial killer Jack the Ripper is truly complex storytelling; directed with plenty of atmosphere and flair from the Hughes Brothers (Dead Presidents). The adaption by Terry Hayes and Rafael Yglesias is awfully smart, leaving behind many interesting theories and conspiracies on the legend that play a big part in the plot.

Set out in a slum area of London in 1888, two prostitutes have been found gruesomely murdered and dissected by Jack, which starts to take more of an interest to an opium-addicted Inspector Abberline (Johnny Depp). He becomes more involved in the case after discovering connections with the victims and even has some visions of the killer. With the help of his faithful partner Godley (Robbie Coltrane), he sets out to find Jack while learning some helpful tips from a physician (Ian Holm), who works for a wealthy Royal family, and believes in Abberline.

Despite some more clues and ideas that could lead to the killer himself, the case becomes more complicated due to the head of Scotland Yard (Ian Richardson), who keeps getting in Abberlines way everytime he gets more closer to solving the case. He also unexpectedly falls in love with a prostitute named Mary (Heather Graham), while trying his hardest to help her and the other prostitutes roaming around the streets from suffering a grisly fate.

There's plenty going on in the storyline and I liked the ideas that centered around some of the historical elements from the past in London. Admittedly, it does feel a little overstuffed at times, yet it worked for the most part and it does a rather successful job of playing mind games with the audience.

Always a reliable actor, Johnny Depp plays the flawed Abberline to perfection, knocking the British accent dead-on, and bringing a quiet charisma to the part. He shows enough personality from his face alone, where you can see haunt from the case and a shaky past he has been been trying to deal with.
Heather Graham is charming and does her best in the love interest role. As dirty as they made her look, Graham still seems out of place in the settings and when she's around the other prostitutes (who have been much better casted). Otherwise, I thought she did a really good job in the part and added a more pleasant touch to the film.

Lending some great support are Coltraine, Holm, Richardson and Jason Flemyng. All the actors are excellent and perfectly casted. Flemyng especially sticks out as the henchman of Jack, a man who seems frightened and helpless in the surroundings.

The Hughes Brothers have shown a knack for handling gritty urban films, including "Menace 2 Society" and "Dead Presidents," but they have outdone themselves this time around, showing a true skill with the horror genre. They take advantage of the dreary settings and work well with the cast and crew. Even better is how they leave most of the murder scenes to our imagination, which makes it all the more disturbing.

A few problems of the film centered around a forced romance subplot between Abberline and Mary, since it doesn't seem necessary to the story. It's never used for more than one brief scene. Those who aren't familiar on the history of London might have a tough time following the events involving the experimentations and the Royal Family. The subplot depicting the Prince and his attendance at a secret society could've been developed a little more or chopped from the final product since at first, it left me a little confused for what it had to do with the surroundings.

"From Hell" is a nerve-wracking and incredibly made film that left me in awe. I found it to be a treat for fans of classic horror films or detective stories alike. Its well worth seeing and provides one tricky plot, mixed in with some great eye candy and solid performances all-around.

Rating: **** 1/2 out of *****

Review by Adam Eshack - (c) 1/25/02