Review of From Hell (2001) by Andrew H — 12 May 2009

Quite a good thriller, with a bit of gore thrown in!! Although some of the film is not accurate it is important to remember that the film is based on a graphic novel not fact. The film explores all the different theories surrounding Jack The Ripper and then mixes them all up and links them all together which works really well. There is also a good little twist at the end of the film.

The actual character of Jack The Ripper, whose identity remains hidden until the end of the film is based on the stereotypical vision that we have of him (top hat, cape, little black bag) but this also works quite well. The murders themselves are not as gory as expected, but are still quite graphic. But they donât need to be too visually gory because whatever has happened is described by the actors. There is however some disappointment with the final murder as the censors would not let it be shown to its full extent.

Johnny Depp, although not accurately portraying Inspector Abberline but he plays the character that has been made for the film really well and showing quite a clever and logical man. Heather Graham plays Mary Kelly quite well and along with the other actresses who play the role of prostitutes gets over the plight of theses 'unfortunates' really well. However the romance between Abberline and Kelly is going too far and is completely unnecessary.

Overall quite a good thriller which has been cleverly written and has a fine cast who plays their roles very well. But to enjoy this film you have to remind yourself that it is based on a novel and is not based on fact.