There have been many times in my life when I wish I had not started something (fitting a new bathroom, making a sandwich from ham on the turn, nasty) but have usually seen it through to the end (in the case of the ham it felt like it was ending me). Watching ‘From Hell’ though not life threatening is one of those times. I sat down with the preconception that this was going to be the definitive ‘Jack the ripper’ movie, dangerous things preconceptions, try and stay away from them if you can. Anyway on with the show, “take your seats mi dear’s, an I’ll tek ya to the dark places of the mind where black is white, up is down and Johnny Depp meks a bad film, ‘old tight”.
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The cast Johnny Depp: My hero, I think he is possibly one of the most talented actors, but everybody is allowed one mistake. His character is largely under-developed, relying on a drug addiction, thoughtful
stares and a poor generic London accent. There is not a moment in this movie where his performance surprises me, first time for everything. Heather Graham: Her performances have always been supporting roles in the films that I’ve seen her in and have been good. Unfortunately her poor British accent combined with an unconvincing performance as a prostitute (wiv’ an heart of gold mista’) does nothing for the realism of the story. Robbie Coltrane: One of the best performances in the movie but pretty standard for Robbie, mind you his character lacks any real dimension and the script doesn’t help here. Ian Holm: Another fine performance I think, probably the best role in the film, assisted in no small way by the quality I have come to expect from Mr Holm.
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The plot Those who are planning to watch this movie should skip this bit, but basically; Set in old London town, prostitutes begin to found murdered, one after another. Due to the ‘surgical’ style our hero policeman Mr Depp states that it’s the work of one man and an educated man at that, which doesn’t go down too well with his superiors. The rest of the film is about tracking this man down, using police investigative techniques and the ‘visions’ Mr Depp gets due to his substance abuse. That’s all you get, I’m not giving away the ending.
There are various sub-plots involving Royalty, the Masons, conspiracy theories, hidden truths and the film touches on drug culture, underground crime and prostitution but this is not in any way a social commentary and they are only brushed up on if relation to the plot.
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The movie Jack the Ripper is probably history’s most well known serial killer, never caught and idolised by some, would stalk, kill and mutilate (maybe not in that order) his victims, we all know the story, a scary character in any ones book ( but a good conversationalist I’m told).
Unfortunately this never comes across in the movie; yes you see blood, some quite flashy graphic scenes if fact but suspense or surprise is never on the menu. The movie seems obsessed with the relationship Depp has with the prostitute Graham. There are times when it transforms into a ‘romance which could never happen’ picture, not good (add to this the lack of any real chemistry between them).
The best scene for me was an autopsy in which we see very little but the characters find it all too much and begin to throw up, pass out etc, it’s funny (?) and more than a bit like Quincy.
The movie is obviously set in London, in dark, atmosphere loaded streets, but a bit to ‘Hammer Horror’ (loved those old films) for me. I spent an awfully long time waiting for it to make a point or finish, which ever came first. It’s about 140 minutes long and could do with 40 of those minutes being trimmed off.
I’m not going to hint at any plot twists or who the ripper is, but they do tell you in the movie, which is one of its saving graces.
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Conclusion Thoroughly unimpressed, I will not watch this again, I wouldn’t sit through it to be polite, maybe it’s unfair but I expected better from Mr Depp. I’m sure plenty of people out there disagree with me, especially Johnny Depp fans, so my advice is watch it for yourselves, just wait until it is shown on one of the free movie channels, I paid, oh the pain gov’ner.
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Heavy on atmosphere and light on everything else,From Hellis visually impressive while ... more
lacking the depth of the acclaimed graphic novel it's based upon. Making their third feature since 1993'sMenace II Society, twins Allen and Albert Hughes approach th...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Heavy on atmosphere and light on everything else,From Hellis visually impressive while ... more
lacking the depth of the acclaimed graphic novel it's based upon. Making their third feature since 1993'sMenace II Society, twins Allen and Albert Hughes approach th...
Postage & Packaging: free Super Saver Delivery Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
A Gripping and Stylish Thriller. -Lou Lumenick New York Post While Jack the Ripper ruled ... more
the streets of London terror reigned. His crimes were unspeakable. His blood lust unquenchable. His identity unknown... until now! Johnny Depp and Heather Gra...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
In 1888 London, the unfortunate poor live horrifying lives in the city's slums. Harassed ... more
by gangs and forced to walk the streets for a living, Mary Kelly (Graham) and her small group of companions are terrorized when their friend is kidnapped and anoth...
![From Hell (2 Disc Special Edition) [2002] [DVD]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78545544.jpg "From Hell (2 Disc Special Edition) [2002] [DVD]")
Dec 31st, 2002
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