Review of From Hell (2001) by Ssososms S — 28 Mar 2010

Had the discount DVD for a while and finally saw it on a TDY trip to Belgrade on March 26, 2010. As others have noted, this is a fairly standard thriller based on a graphic novel, so it shares the dark moodiness of other graphic novel-based movies (of which "V for Vengeance" is far and away the best). It was directed and produced by the Hughes Brothers, who also produced "The Book of Eli," which is definitely on my "want to see" list.

The character of the police inspector, Frederick Abberline, is exactly Johnny Depp's cup of tea, the kind of moody and eccentric character that Depp has played in almost all of his movies. In this case, Abberline is an opium-addicted policeman who experiences clairvoyant visions to crack his cases. The irony is that Depp is uncovering the identity of Jack the Ripper, whereas, in "Sweeney Todd," he plays the role of serial killer at about the same period. I would say this movie compares favorably with the recently released Holmes movie with Robert Downey Jr. for its cinematic values and portrayal of London at an earlier time.

My second comment is that, for the first time in my experience, Heather Graham performs in a movie that is not a real stinker. For once, the purity and innocence she brings to her roles works well, as the prostitute Mary Kelly, who falls in love with Inspector Abberline. She credibly is someone who remains untouched by the slime in which has sunk and makes the relationship between the policeman and prostitute seem plausible.

Robbie Coltrane, as Abberline's sidekick, is also a gem.