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From Hell 2001 |
Review by Jonathan Cornwell |
Directed by Albert and Allen Hughes
R, 121 min. (strong violence/gore, sexuality, language, drug use) |
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Starring: Johnny Depp, Heather Graham, Ian Holm, Paul Rhys, Joanna Page, Katrin Cartlidge, Robbie Coltrane, Jason Flemyng, Susan Lynch, Ian McNeice
Producers: Jane Hamsher, Kevin J. Messick, Don Murphy
Screenplay: Terry Hayes, Rafael Yglesias
Cinematography: Peter Deming
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Released: 10.19.01 (Wide) |
Rating:
  (out of ) |
From Hell is a good example of how visuals can save an otherwise pedestrian and uninvolving motion picture from the abyss
of forgettable films. If there was ever a movie to show appropriate doom and gloom oozing out of its every pore, a film about the
infamous Jack the Ripper would be it. And with the help of cinematographer Peter Deming, the Hughes brothers film works, if
only marginally so. The dark, eerie and otherwise scary atmosphere that is presented in the theater is enough to keep anyone
away from the Whitechapel area of London.
Scotland Yard Inspector Abberline (Johnny Depp) is charged with the task of tracking down the elusive killer of prostitutes
in 1888 London. His biggest weapon is his opium-induced visions of the killings before they happen, giving him an idea of
what the killer's motivations could be - in this case he has deduced that the killer must be an educated man, most likely a
doctor with a working knowledge of human anatomy due to the abhorrent nature of his victims' bodies. He is assisted by
Peter Godley (Robbie Coltrane), who remains his anchor throughout the film (mostly be awakening him from drug-induced
stupors), and is closely watched by his superiors. He confides in the royal family's doctor, Sir William Gull (Ian Holm), who
helps him identify possible motives for the killer. He also welcomes the duty of protecting the attractive Mary Kelly
(Heather Graham), a prostitute whose companions are being murdered one by one.
While the premise may seem promising, the film ultimately reduces itself into a simple "whodunnit" story, with not so
surprising results. However, the journey to that revelation is fixated on the convincing performances of Depp and Holm.
Depp is and always has been an underrated actor, someone who deserves some recognition by his peers in the near future.
Even Heather Graham is noteworthy, although it's hard to imagine her being a prostitute in 1888 London.
The film's strength is clearly evident in its visual affect on an audience. Imagine if these scenes had taken place mostly during
the day or out in the open - the result would have been disastrous. We are constantly, and purposely, thrust into darkness in
every scene, whether it be indoors or outdoors, with the killer closely following in our minds. The mood is matched by the
visuals in a very effective way - you could almost feel as though you are there with those victims, just down the street watching
from a not-so-safe distance away.
The Hughes brothers (Menace II Society) are intent on graphic scenes of the killings to help play on the fear of the audience,
however, I think that in cases like this less is more. It's really more frightening in a way to see a killer approaching his victim
without showing his actions. Then we're left with our own imaginations, which usually can conjure up images much worse than
whatever we're presented with. Those who cannot stomach graphic violence should stay far away from this picture. From Hell
is not a film for everyone, but for those brave enough to endure some gruesome content, there are some interesting aspects
to the film, specifically its feel and mood.
© 2001 Jonathan Cornwell
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 | Masterpiece - Film perfection |
| Excellent - A Must See |
| Good - Highly Recommended |
| Fair - Worth seeing |
| Average - Viewable, but not recommended |
| Below average - View at own risk |
| Poor - Avoid at all costs |
| Very poor - An embarassment to the film industry |
| Zero | Awful - One of the worst films ever made |
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