Darkly set but lacking the passion and tension of the story

Rating: 7/10 (19 August 2009)

In 1888 London psychic detective Fred Abberline (Depp) seeks to solve the mystery of Jack the Ripper.
There have numerous critics slating this movie for its inaccurate depiction of the legend murderer and the poor adapting of English accents from the two leads.
But From Hell is, when you watch it for the first time, undeniably intriguing with a passion and an interior motive to tell the tale of one of the mythical tales of Victorian era.
Johnny Depp stars as Frederick Abberline, a worn down detective with a tendency to see the future. Depp's English accent is one to be scrutinized and whilst the critics may have a point on this matter, it doesn't shy away from the fact Depp is arguably miscast in the central role. The bravado of Captain Jack is missing, the surprise and imagination of Edward has disappeared and in the place is a stone coloured mask that denotes misery and lack of enthusiasm that is hard to see the balance of the character when considering the dialogue. For example the eventuality of Mary leaves Depp looking confused rather than surprised and amazed not to forget his expressionless and passionate responds to the constant murders of the womenfolk.
Depp's far from on form here but do not be discouraged as come the end of the film we see his character thrive out of the darkness to see some much needed passion that wraps up the political incorrectness of the time and reflect on what has been a startling story.
The plot revolves around The Ripper with each murder seemingly brutal with its use of powerful blood and gore to give Sweeney Todd a run for its money. Each murder adds spice and tension to the plot with some conscientious mystery that will baffle and intrigue right up until the revealing identity. Seeing the identity of The Ripper kind of spoilt the flowing mystery of the film and you may be wondering who and why had the film finished with a sharper climax considering the last murder.
From Hell is a sharp period drama with a good sense of costume and setting to justify the times and issues that contained within them. The dark lighting and the sharp colours of the sky are worthy mentions to give that extra edge and a feeling of misery to the dark narrative, particularly considering the involvements. From murder to sex, this isn't afraid of shying away from realistic activities of past life, and with the political incorrectness regarding the force and the Monarch it may be seen as controversial.
Where From Hell fails is with Depp unfortunately. Had there been a bit more spice and vigour in his dialogue then the plot may have been more engaging, a tad more passionate to really entice the viewer into the dramatic proceedings. The direction by the Hughes brothers leaves a lot to be answered for as some of the sex scenes are awkward rather than fiery and when the Ripper sits down on the bed, you wonder why. Worth a look