From Hell
by Lovell Mahan-Moutaw

Jack the Ripper's escapades are undeniably the most fascinating, and most famous, unsolved case in history (in my opinion more fascinating than even the Kennedy Assassination). After over one hundred years there are still new theories, new books and now, new movies.

The Hughes Brothers, Albert and Allen, have made a name for themselves by producing gritty urban dramas. They smashed onto the scene with the shocking and unbelievably effective Menace II Society. Before From Hell was released, the brothers were asked why they took on the subject of Jack the Ripper, producing what was essentially a period piece. Their response was that they have taken on the subject of gangs before and their take on the Ripper legend includes some of the oldest gangs in history.

In 1888, in the Whitechapel District of London, someone is brutally murdering prostitutes. Inspector Abberline (Johnny Depp), an opium addict and a man known for his weird ways of solving a case (involving visions), is called to the case. He quickly realizes that there is more to it than meets the eye, and he sets about finding a murderer that has strong ties to two of the most influential London "gangs."

The plot is rather involved and I don't want to give too much away. I'll just say that I found it so intriguing to the point that I have since immersed myself in this legend and the theories developed in the film. I've discovered that the Hughes Brothers and their writing team of Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell have managed to weave a great number of scholary theories concerning the Ripper together, using Moore's graphic novel as a basis.

It is, unfortunately, human nature to find gruesome tales fascinating. Further, I am not immune (and know very few who are) to a little conspiracy theorism. The Hughes brothers put both of these things to work in this film and they do it very well. They also managed to use their considerable talents in the urban drama realm here. London's Whitechapel District in 1888 was one of the city's most brutal areas, and the directors reflect this beautifully in the film. The mood they created, through scenery, lighting, costuming and a remarkable series of quick edits around Abberline's visions and through the murder sequences, show the filth and pestilence of London in a sickeningly effective manner. The feel of the movie, the shots of the cloudy skies and moon, of easily identifiable landmarks in London made eery and frightening, of the cobbled streets and dark alleys, is amazing and could be considered the star of the feature - almost like its own character.

I was often startled and had to look away at times because of the grotesque visions on the screen. The movie also has moments of appropriate and effective humor that allow some relief from the horror you are witnessing. This balance makes the movie more accessible. It is is most assuredly entertaining.

I was impressed with Johnny Depp. But I tend to be that way with everything he does - even if the picture isn't very good, he tends to be good in it. He finally has something he can chew on here, and he even makes one of the film's very few mistakes (a blossoming love affair with one of the prostitutes in danger, played by Heather Graham) seem less trite. Their kiss in the alley and Depp's performance through it, the look he gives the officer who interrupts them, is powerful and passionate stuff. That storyline, and the end of the movie, could cause one's eyes to roll - but Depp's handling of it saves it...if just barely.

Regardless of that little transgression, I was impressed. From Hell is a masterful retelling of an infamous story, making a fascinating legend all the more fascinating.

©2001 Lovell Mahan-Moutaw
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