Hughes brothers evolve in 'From Hell'
By Ernie Hatfield
Old Gold and Black Reviewer

The Hughes brothers’ latest film, From Hell, is a gory suspense thriller portraying the events surrounding the infamous Jack the Ripper and his killing spree that terrorized the streets of 1888 London. While their films traditionally deal with urban street violence (Menace II Society, Dead Presidents), this departure highlights many of their unique filmmaking techniques, showing their versatility and ability to adapt their gritty urban style to a totally different time and setting.

Johnny Depp stars in this film as Inspector Frederick Abberline, seeking to discover the killer’s true identity. A flawed hero, Abberline’s past is shady at best, and he is addicted to opium. Though his drug use often causes hallucinations suggesting clues for his cases, he is portrayed as an emotionally unstable figure. However, his development is rather flat and leaves the viewer asking why. Nevertheless, Depp’s acting is decent and his British accent is impressive.

Starring alongside Depp is Hollywood hottie Heather Graham as Mary Kelly, a prostitute and likely victim of Jack the Ripper. As her circle of prostitute friends is brutally murdered one after another, Abberline knows that she is next. This sets up a suspenseful situation as the investigator desperately tries to find the killer before the killer finds Mary. What makes matters worse is that a strange love affair has developed between the two characters. The on-screen chemistry between them seriously lacks a much-needed spark, and their relationship is unbelievable and underdeveloped. Graham’s acting doesn’t help much either, though somehow she is convincing at times as a prostitute.

As Inspector Abberline delves deeper and deeper into the mystery, the cinematography becomes more intense, particularly within his bizarre hallucinations. Graphic images flash and create a tapestry of blood-soaked clothing, subterranean alleyways and shrouded figures lurking in the shadows. Also, during the scenes where the killer stalks victims, an eerie, unsettling mood is created in the ominous corridors deep in the heart of London through a superb use of lighting and music.

Though the ending isn’t particularly surprising, it is nevertheless disturbing. It is common knowledge that Jack the Ripper was never captured, his identity never discovered. However, the film does portray one of the most widely accepted theories of who the killer actually is, one that involves a twisted conspiracy traced to the royal crown itself. Easy to predict, it still is worth watching for the brutally gory scenes and the excellent cinematography.

With this successful film, the Hughes brothers have transcended certain stereotypes concerning their filmmaking abilities. Their first film set in a world outside the sphere of the gang-ridden streets, From Hell is a strong example that showcases their versatility, one that may propel them to the top of the list of up-and-coming talents in the filmmaking industry.