reel critic

Peggy Rogers

Based on the novel “V for Vendetta” by Alan Moore, directors Allen and

Albert Hughes’ film is a grim and graphic journey through the bowels of

Whitechapel, England 1888 and the mutilating murders of five prostitutes

by Jack the Ripper. Mixing fact with fiction, “From Hell” presents one

plausible theory as to the identity of the killer and the reason for his

actions.

Inspector Abberline (Johnny Depp) accepts the challenge of solving the

murders with an implicit confidence of being able to solve the case.

Emotionally wounded from a personal loss years earlier, Abberline has

sought to deaden the pain through opium, which may or may not be the

reason for his visions and psychic impressions about the murders by Jack

the Ripper. The inspector trusts and relies on his intuition during the

investigation. Abberline is not surprised when called upon to inspect the

crime scene of the first victim since he has already seen the images of

the woman in his imagination.

Clues naturally develop with each successive murder.

The inspector finds an ally in one of the prostitutes, Mary Kelly

(Heather Graham). A little too beautiful and intelligent given her

lifestyle and environment, Mary offers what little ray of sunshine is

found in the film. Mary provides the clues for the reason why her friends

are being murdered.

“From Hell” joins the plausible with the improbable. Mixing fact with

fiction and personalizing the events to draw viewers closer to the

horrors of what happened to the women. The real mystery, however, is why

the murders have never been solved. “From Hell” builds a case as to why

the Ripper avoided capture, and if he did really get away with murder.

While the outcome of events is known to viewers, the fictional turn of

events adds suspense.

* PEGGY J. ROGERS, 39, produces commercial videos and documentaries.