There is no more famous serial killer than Jack the Ripper. Just his name evokes images of pschyopaths and violence. His exploits are the stuff of legends. From Hell doesn't worry overmuch about the factual account of Jack the Ripper, instead it uses a few facts to build a fictitious murder mystery. The central character is Scotland Yard detective Aberline (Johny Depp) who is tracking down the Ripper and falling in love with a potential victim and street whore, Mary Kelly (Heather Graham). With Mary is her circle of friends; a group of prostitues who wander around the film, accessorized with a few giant bulls-eyes. Also thrown into the mix are the syphilis-afflicted Prince of England, doctors who love to perform lobotomies, the mystical order of Freemasons, and knife-wielding lowlifes of the Whitechapel's dank alleyways.
The acting simply fails to convince. In particular, Heather Graham brings a particularly two-dimenision character to the screen. Depp, who usually is capable of making a role his own, keeps Aberline distant from the audience. His demons are just not conveyed onto the audience. Also, the plot is not exactly literature or particularly deep, but the mystery is effectively developed. In spite of this, the film compels the audience to stay with the movie. It is not immediately obvious who the Ripper is or how he will be unmasked. However, the film is viewed from a detached perspective, which robs it of much of its potential power.
This movie has some potential and a power that will shake audiences up. At least those who can stomach the violence and the gore. After that aspect, you will find yourself transposed into a fog-enshrouded, dark, muky London street with something nasty lurking in the shadows just behind you.
Rating: 2 1/2 stars (out of 4)