Review of From Hell (2001) by Anglin A — 16 Jul 2009
FROM HELL is a creepy, visualistic, yet simplistic Victorian serial killer film. It features competent performances from Johnny Depp, Heather Graham, Ian Holm (LORD OF THE RINGS, Bilbo), Robbie Coltrane (HARRY POTTER, Hagrid), and Jason Flemying (BENJAMIN BUTTON, Benjamin's dad). The directors the Hughes Brothers deliver a rudimentary style that has been done before and better by the likes of Jonathan Demme and David Fincher. Then again, this is an adaptation and not a trend-setter.
Simply, the most noteworthy aspect of the film is its gruesome kills and aftermaths of the infamous 1888 case in London of Jack the Ripper. Based on a graphic novel by Alan Moore, you can expect the visual to favor itself indulgently. In addition, it favors dark imagery over a comprehensible plot for the first half of the film. The redeeming qualities that can dismiss the middling plot are the charismatic and involving actors, who give due credit to the novelistic material they are given. The love story in the film between Depp and Graham is slim, but believable. The ending makes sense, as does the reveal. The reveal of the killer is a bit suprising, I might add.
"Beneath the skin of history lies London's veins.".
See this thriller for familiar faces to engage yourself into and induldge your interest in Jack the Ripper. After all, it's an adaptation, not a trend-setter. All in all, FROM HELL a creepy, visualistic, yet simplistic Victorian serial killer film. Be ready for more Critiques and Opinions on Every Game and Movie I Can Get My Hands On!
"I gave birth to the Twentieth Century.".
This review of From Hell (2001) was written by Anglin A on 16 Jul 2009.
From Hell has generally received positive reviews.
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