Greater than the sum of its parts

Rating: 7/10 (26 October 2001)

There are some films that have a certain 'x factor' that lifts them above the ordinary. For some it's a cunning plot (say, Twelve Monkeys), others it's great performances (take Jack Nicholson in As Good As It Gets). For From Hell it's the casting.
The key elements of the production are all competently done - late Victorian London is nicely and darkly reproduced, the plot just about stands up (depending on how bothered you are by the visions experienced by Depp's Inspector) and there are plenty of sound supporting appearances by some talented British actors (Ians Holm and Richardson to name but two).
What I really enjoyed about this film was the chemistry in the two principal relationships - Johnny Depp and Heather Graham (who plays one of the group of prostitutes targetted by The Ripper) and Depp and Robbie Coltrane (who plays the Sergeant assisting the Inspector). The relationship that grows between Depp and Graham is believable and the contrast of Coltrane's straight-forward approach with Depp's drug addiction and foresight is nicely played.
It's not the best dark thriller ever made (it's certainly not a Horror film), but I'll wager it will be judged better than most everything else launched in Halloween season.