Somewhere in deepest darkest London ... (From Hell (DVD))

Member Name: Jameztoo

Product:	From Hell (DVD)
Date:	11/03/02 (62 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Depp, Coltrane, Costumes, and rare sight of "Nicole"

Disadvantages: Death, prejudice, and drunken debauchery

This film has so far been given mixed reviews. From Hell is based somewhat on the events surrounding the late 19th Century serial murderer nicknamed "Jack the Ripper".
The appeal of this story is that the case was never solved and numerous speculations and theories have been raised about it.
What is known is that 5 prostitutes were murdered in public alleys in the centre of london and were butchered to remove certain organs from them. In each of the murders nothing was heard. The investigator on this case was Frederick Abberline.

This is where the film and reality separates. The film protrays Abberline (Depp) as an opiate using man who has visions to the crimes that he is trying to solve. The real Abberline, as Johnathan Woss tells us, was not a drug user, nor did he claim to have visions, indeed he was a tall heavy set man with very methodical means of detective work.

I am going to refrain from giving a synopsis because I don't want to spoil the film for you.

I did like this film, and I have to say that I do not think that it was a horror film at all, it was much more like a gory whodunnit film. The film is an 18 and it does deserve that rating as it does deal with prostitution and features a couple of sex scenes, with some detail, also more prevalent is violence and blood and guts and some earthy language (I mean swearing). I felt that the film was very well made and that both Johnny Depp and Heather Graham did very well at their respective accents. I did feel that Johnny Depp didn't have a real oppurtunity to show major acting talent as a lot of his role was physical, but he seemed to do his semi-mute - sorry pensive, role very well. For me the real star of the show was Robbie Coltrane, whose portrayal of Sergeant Godly was so sublime and commanding that he occasionally upstaged Johnny Depp.
I cannot go without mentioning the appearance of "Nicole" - the actress from the Clio adverts, whose role
in this movie was almost inconseqential and I've only now just figured out (maybe I'm a little slow).
I've given this movie 4 stars because there were a few bits about this film which appeared to be tacked on and didn't really make sense as they weren't really involved with the plot.

Go and see this film, don't expect a horror film but do expect blood and gore.

Website
=========
www.fromhellmovie.com

Directors
==========
Allen and Albert Hughes

Cast List
==========

The police
-----------
Inspector Fred Abberline Johnny Depp investigates Ripper cases with visions
Sgt. Godley Robbie Coltrane Assists Abberline as deputy and friend
Sir Charles Warren Ian Richardson Abberline's boss

Other influential men
---------------------
Sir William Gull Ian Holm Respected surgeon to the royal family
Ben Kidney Terence Harvey Special Branch boss
Netley Jason Fleming A coach Driver

The prostitutes
---------------
Mary Kelly Heather Graham
Kate Eddowes Lesley Sharp
Liz Stride Susan Lynch
Dark Annie Chapman Katrin Cartlidge
Polly Annabelle Apsion

Summary: