Rated: R
Running Time: 2 hours
Tabitha's Rating:****/5
Synopsis:Part fact, part fiction, this is a story based on one theory concerning what happened in the 1888 Whitechapel "Jack the Ripper" murders.
A sharp cling bang! of the metal steps as they fall from the distinguishing carriage produces a a jump and cringe from the audience each time the scene occurs for we know: Jack the Ripper is on his way. Undoubtedly, the best part of From Hell, besides Johnny Depp of course, are the sound and visual effects. This is what really puts this movie above average, even though it lacks elsewhere to be the best. Visually, you will not be bored. This film proves you do not need a gory ghost popping out of a shadow to be scary. The very set itself is eerie and frightening. The Whitechapel district streets of London in the dark, the fog surrounding an ominous building in the break of dawn. This is no doubt the perfect setting for such horrific crimes. And most frightening of all? It's where the real life Jack the Ripper of 1888 actually mutilated his victims. Even those who wouldn't normally notice such things as camera angles and visual effects will no doubt realize From Hell's superiority in these areas.
As for the actual story, it does leave something to be desired. Had I not already been familair with the legend of Jack of the Ripper, I might have been confused as to what was going. For those of you who do not know, Jack the Ripper was a real life seriel killer of 1888 in a small district of London. The facts of the case are shrouded in mystery, but this is what is known. Some say he killed as many as 8 women, but 5 are recognized widely as the true victims of Jack the Ripper. These 5 are the characters in the film. They were all murdered between August and November. The real killer was never found, and even today though many are still on the case, he has never been identified. The movie derives it's title by a letter allegdly sent to the police by Jack the Ripper, which was signed "From Hell". It was sent along with half of a kidney he took from a victim. The true story is indeed interesting, but the problem with the story in the movie is that who it points to as the killer and his motive are pretty much lacking. However, the movie is very interesting, and it's always good when the audience is not bored, which you won't be.
The two main characters, Inspector Abbeline and prostitute Mary Kelley are portrayed by Johnny Depp and Heather Graham (and off the subject...I was very envious when he grabbed her and kissed her like that...maybe I'll become an actress just to be kissed like that by Johnny Depp...) Johnny Dep has a serious quality which works very well with the inspectors character. Heather Graham, though I have no complaints about her performance, I am disappointed by her appearance. Her hair and makeup were perfect at all times, and not only did she have all her teeth, but they were perfectly white and straight. Prostitutes of that time and place were for the most part the ugliest creatures you've ever seen. One true Jack the Ripper victim in fact was missing 5 front teeth. Also, the romance between the two was underdeveloped. It wasn't the point of the story and there was not time to develop it properly, therefore, it probably should have been left out altogether.
Bottomline: Visually outstanding, interesting plot, Johnny Depp is always a plus, but still has holes in the story. Worth seeing, however.
