film: review

> FROM HELL (2001)
This film proves to be a fresh interpretation of a classic story; a much needed departure from the other garbage in theaters these days.

By John C. Lyons
Film Critic

Starring: Johnny Depp and Heather Graham

Directed by: Albert and Allen Hughes

Written by: Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell

Genre: Crime/Horror/Mystery

Our Rating: 8 out of 10

I hate September and October at the movie theaters. The time when I take a break from the new releases because the studios are pumping out all their trash that doesn't deserve being released during the summer (because it's horrid), and that they don't want to release during the final months of the year (because it's not Oscar material either). Want some examples? Try Black Knight and Corky Romano. The poster for Black Knight alone should be enough convincing. So From Hell is my first film review since August, and I was quite impressed. It is November and time to head back out and enjoy some good flicks. If you have the stomach for it, I would recommend you start here.

Johnny Depp is easily one of the most under-appreciated actors out there. I can not think of a character that I have seen him play that I did not enjoy and that I was not convinced of by his performance. He has played such a wide-array of interesting characters: Edward Scissorhands, Raoul Duke, Don Juan, Ichabod Crane, Gilbert Grape…I could go on and on. You get the sense when Depp is on screen that he is giving every scene, every line, all he has, and it is a real treat for us moviegoers. He is a serious talent and always chooses a character that is in some way twisted or dark, never predictable. Johnny Depp's Fred Abberline fits in perfectly in Jack the Ripper's world that the Hughes brothers have created for him in From Hell.

Abberline is an inspector who has visions that he believes are related to a killer who is roaming the streets of Whitechapel and killing its prostitutes. This killer is of course Jack the Ripper, and he is a vicious bastard. The mystery unfolds and becomes even more personal for the inspector as he falls in love with one of the targeted prostitutes, Mary, played by Heather Graham. And played well I might add; it's nice to see her in a serious role. Also congratulations go out to the directors for the pacing and vision in this film. The sky is oftentimes blood red, the streets are dark and gritty, and some of the characters are downright disturbing. Overall this was a good film. The only problems I really had were with the level of gore which I will warn is pretty rough during and after the numerous murders of these women. If you can handle that, check out this film. I think you will be impressed.

I saw this film at the Tinseltown theaters on upper Peach Street in Erie.

PROs: The cast and the vision

CONs: The murders and violence were a little much at times

(01-1103)

related links:

From Hell - official site