From Hell (2001)

FROM HELL (2001) 
Reviewed by Jerry Saravia 
October 26th, 2001 

Jack Ripper is known for being the notorious serial killer of the 19th century who was never caught ("I invented the 20th century"). A slew of films and books have theorized on the identity of the killer, ranging from some unknown peasant to someone connected to the Royal Family. "From Hell," based on the graphic novel of the same name by Alan Moore III, makes the case that someone from the Royal Family might have been the Ripper. Though it is a mystery that is somewhat compelling, it fails miserably to gain our interest.

Set in 1888, "From Hell" stars Johnny Depp as the real-life Inspector George Abberline, an laudanum addict who has visions of the future (in real-life, he was a portly man who looked nothing like Depp). Apparently, some of Abberline's visions involve Jack the Ripper's murderous rampage in the slum area of Whitechapel, located on the East End of London. It is a city that is dark, dank and oozes corruption and menace on every corner. Murder is also a commodity in this town but this Ripper is no ordinary murderer. He kills prostitutes and "removes their livelihood," in rather grisly, gruesome ways. Inspector Abberline is convinced that it is no peasant or poverty-stricken individual - it is an educated man of some esteem and possibly a surgeon due to the dexterous manner in which the victims were butchered.

Abberline notices several details in the murder of these prostitutes. The most telling detail is the roots of grapes left behind, a tactic used by the killer to lure the victim. Also, the knifes used might have been surgical tools. This would mean that a surgeon could be responsible for the murders, considering they took place in the dark where he would instinctively know how to perform his handiwork. One prostitute that might be able to help Abberline in his search is redheaded Mary Kelly (Heather Graham) who was well acquainted with the slain prostitutes. Still, this relationship develops into an unconvincing love story that simply marks time.

Most of "From Hell" is in-your-face with little grace or style. The directors are the Hughes Brothers, responsible for the nightmarish classic "Menace II Society." That film was harsh and offputting but for a justifiable purpose, to place us in the unpredictable chaos of living in a ghetto where a gunshot was as frequent as a car noise. "From Hell" needed some space to breathe and perhaps a degree of elegance to tell such a compelling story. Instead, we have Abberline's dreams which consist of green-tinted, jump-cutted nightmares of cobblestones and blood. The cinematography is so dark and often out-of-focus that it is hard to discern what is happening half the time. The washed-out, desaturated color schemes are becoming a frequent style in films nowadays but here, it smacks of mediocrity. Black-and-white would serve the story better, a Universal Gothic approach a la Tod Browning's "Dracula."

Frankly, the pacing of "From Hell" is laborious and disconnected. I could swear I was almost ready to fall asleep at times, but the film picks up when the focus is on the grisly investigation. That comes in too little and too late. Part of the problem is that Johnny Depp and Heather Graham are so devoid of life and magnetism that they bored me whenever they appeared on screen. At least, the great Ian Holm saves the day with some core of integrity as Sir William Gull, a doctor for the Royal Family. He breathes some life into the story when he shows up. Robbie Coltrane is also a delight as Sergeant Peter Godley who loves to smack Abberline out of his druggy states.

"From Hell" is a rather vivid title for a listless, lifeless film. There is no soul, no fire, no hell. It simply starts and sputters but never feels as unified or as compelling as the real tale. It just feels ripped apart from the truth.

For more reviews, check out JERRY AT THE MOVIES at http://moviething.com/members/movies/faust/JATMindex.shtml

E-mail me with any questions, comments or complaints at faustus_08520@yahoo.com or at Faust668@aol.com

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