A Classy Chiller...

Rating: 8/10 (8 March 2002)

What makes "From Hell" a classy chiller that's 'a cut above' the rest? Well, a decent script and a handful of fine performances certainly helps. What is actually crucial about the script is not that it is particularly Oscar worthy, but that it never jars the viewer from the timezone that the film is supposed to be set in. Several other details about Victorian London are very convincing as well. So, that takes care of the setting, what about the actual mechanics of the story?
It definitely held the interest, but I can't help feeling that the whole experience would have been slightly more satisfying had the makers dealt separately with the two stories of the 'inspired copper' and the 'tart with a heart'. Leaving aside such pedantic quibbles as these not actually being faithful renderings of real people, the feeble attempt at creating a romance between the two leads does not work. That said, both are interesting enough to keep the film running smoothly when we encounter them each on their own.
It's definitely 'artistic license' to cast an actress as beautiful as Heather Graham as a 19th century English prostitute, but she does OK, without once threatening to steal the thunder of her more established co-stars. Depp is as convincing as usual, proving a reliably intense performer on which to hang the bones of the story. Give the man a part in "Eastenders"! Robbie Coltrane is good as usual, playing advisor to Abberline; and Ian Holm can always be relied upon to give good value.
So each member of the cast (whether American or not) seems quite at home in the 'grimy' capital depicted. Much credit though, must also go to directors The Hughes brothers for making this a thoroughly interesting watch. They handle their first foray into horror territory well, suggesting a return may not be out of the question.
If you have an idea of what to expect when you sit down to watch, I struggle to see how you could be disappointed. There are minor flaws to be sure, but not enough to really ruin the 'mood'; and it is the skillfully created atmosphere - contributed to by all - which goes a long way towards making "From Hell" one of the best unsettling thrillers to come out in quite a while...