A film review by Jorge Rodriguez Copyright © 2001 Jorge Rodriguez

All the reviews that had been coming in this past week had been pretty mixed which didn't look too good for this film. Most of the negative reviews were written by either fanatics of the graphic novel FROM HELL, or fanatics of the case of Jack the Ripper. I myself came in with the perfect frame of mind, because as they say "ignorance is bliss". Knowing only the basics about Jack the Ripper, mainly that he was some lunatic in England's Victorian era that ripped prostitutes apart. I was in not only for a history lesson, but a much needed escape into a world of horror.

The film quickly introduces you to Inspector Frederick Abberline. Abberline is assigned to the case after the first killing, because of his excellent profiling abilities. An ability enhanced by his addiction to Opium. Abberline is known for being able to see the victims being slaughtered in his dreams.

On the other side of the spectrum you have Mary Kelly. A prostitute working to pay off her debts to the local gangsters.
She finds herself directly in the Rippers path, as her friends are methodically being picked off, one by one. Hoping to save the lives of her friends and herself she contacts Inspector Abberline. Abberline pieces together whatever information he can extract from Mary. Over the course of their meetings, they have their obligatory love angle. Abberline gets Mary and her friends off the streets, in an attempt to keep them out of harms way.

Abberline profiles his killer, and finds that he's not dealing with just any old butcher. Despite what the trailers have presented, the visions caused by his use of opium are kept to a minimum. In fact you probably won't even notice them much, they become more of an extended part of the killings. Slowly the clues start to meld together, and Abberline is hot on the Rippers trail.
Suspects are eliminated, but a motive for the brutal crimes are scarce. Abberline must bring Jack the Ripper to justice before he loses Mary Kelly to this deranged killer that could have only risen from hell.

Initially I knew nothing about the Case of Jack the Ripper. However after screening this film, I was intrigued, and had to learn more. I must say without giving too much away, the story blends the historical element and its own legend very well. Obviously it cannot be completely accurate, it is Hollywood after all. In all fairness you cannot have the story be completely accurate without sacrificing the entertainment factor. The poor attempts to create a film based upon Ed Gein have proven that. FROM HELL has meshed together many of the theories and facts of the case to bring you an original concept of what may have happened in Whitechapel back in 1888.

The Hughes brothers - best known for their work in MENACE II SOCIETY, have made a radical change in their style and made the sky drip blood. Literally, there were many scenes where the sky was blood red. Totally immersing you in the atmosphere, only amplified by the films blood curdling score. The combination brings you into the world of Jack the Ripper, into the darkness where his blade falls upon his unsuspecting victims. For those of you craving blood will not be let down, however do not expect all out gore. The violence is very stylishly executed, as to not fall victim to the evil MPAA. The Hughes brothers have been able to create a style of horror on their first outing that many directors have not been able to bring to horror. We can only hope they continue to expand their horizons, and maybe even bring us another film from the genre.

As for the cast, well Johnny Depp was great and the Ripper was great. Other than that the rest of the cast was just there because they were hired. The prostitutes just did not fit the true profile of the victims. Graham's character was probably the only one to fit in, my understanding is that Mary Kelly was actually quite attractive. However; Graham seemed to be crammed into the plot. Her character not only seemed happy throughout all the mayhem, but the love angle was everything but force fed to the audience. Depp, well Depp never disappoints. Although in appearance he does seem like he's reprising his role from SLEEPY HOLLOW, the performance brought life into the film. Abberline became the type of character you don't really wish to see torn apart. Which is more than i can say for the rest of the cast.

Without a doubt FROM HELL is the best horror film I have seen this year. Like JEEPERS CREEPERS it oozes originality, and is only enhanced by the horrific world created by the Hughes brothers. So go to Hollywood.com and check your local showtimes, just don't expect to see the case solved, its far from a historical portrayal.

	Running Time: 121 Min | Rated: R | US Release: October 19th | More >>

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