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From Hell

Movie From Hell Director Albert Hughes & Allen Hughes Producer Don Murphy, Jane Hamsher, Kevin Messick Cast Johnny Depp, Heather Graham, Ian Holm

By Ad-Lib Adapted from Alan Moore`s critically acclaimed comic series From Hell, this murder mystery set in the late 1800�s in London is based on the `Jack The Ripper` story. From Hell concentrates on the story of just one of the plausible suspects for the crimes, and the investigation that surrounded it. In the fall of 1988, five heinous murders shock conservative London in a ten-week span. The man they call `Jack The Ripper` is out looking for prostitutes at night in the dark alleys of the city. Inspector Fred Abberline (Johnny Depp), a detective is assigned to the Ripper case, chosen because of his Heroine inspired visions that allow him to see crimes before they`re committed. Sgt. Godley (Robbie Coltrane) is the slightly corrupt sergeant while Mary Allen (Heather Graham) is a prostitute scared that she will be killed next by the murderer. While investigating the murders, Fred and she form a romance that adds a much-needed emotional centre to the film. Unlike the book, the directors have kept the blood and gore to the minimum concentrating rather on the suspense-filled period setting with a dark splendour. Their Victorian London is all cobbled and smog filled streets and it just doesn`t look real even though it fits the feel of the film perfectly. A definite plus in the film is Ian Holm`s masterful performance as the menacing Sir William Gull. It�s a very well written part performed brilliantly by the talented actor. The chill created by the superb art direction makes the scary feel come alive in every frame of this film. Technically, the film is shot stylishly, a mix of odd angles and shaky hand-held camera. The visuals along with the exhilarating drama make this mystery an experience. Prague is made to look like London with perfection and the superb sets and production designs are commendable. Peter Deming�s cinematography is perfect, capturing the picturesque nostalgia with brilliance. Another plus is Trevor Jones� outstanding and effective background score, which makes this movie, come alive during the chilling death sequences. Even though the film is tense and heavy, the performances especially by Robbie Coltrane and Ian Holm lift the script above the ordinary, making it extremely watch able. From Hell deserves a viewing for its stylish execution, which elevates this graphic tale to heights unseen off late in most murder mysteries.