From Hell - Review

“Hell, Netley. We're in Hell.” – a review of From Hell. 

I always get a little nervous when a film attempts to bring a graphic novel to life. To me, it’s a bit like the fear I get when a beloved animated film gets a live action remake – and aren’t they often terrible? This was my fear when watching From Hell. Based on a graphic novel of the same name by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell, would it be able to recreate the intricacies and sombre mood for the big screen?

Sadly, not really.

Johnny Depp stars as Inspector Frederick Abberline, an opium addict, as he searches for the notorious Jack the Ripper in London. The film lacks the historical detail and web of characters the graphic novel has and instead focuses on Abberline’s personal journey. Depp is, of course, fantastic in the role, as he delivers a vulnerable and cynical performance, but for me this isn’t quite enough to save the film. It certainly borrows from the core themes of the original, but it’s very… Hollywood in its approach. Complex, intricate and fascinating narratives are lost in favour of a more streamlined approach, and I do think this is a shame.

The atmosphere of the film is stunning. Moody, desaturated colours, foggy, dimly lit streets and shadowy alley ways evoke the menace of Victorian London. The feeling of dread and claustrophobia is palpable, and the darker tone leans heavily into horror tropes, making this a visually enjoyable gothic piece, although it does lack the symbolism of the graphic novel.

I didn’t necessarily dislike this film, but I was definitely disappointed in it. I found the oversimplification of the plot to be slightly patronising, and whilst I love Gothic Horror, I really wanted the social and psychological exploration that the graphic novel was. Historical side stories and broader social themes are lost completely, and whilst there is added suspense and romance, I don’t think this quite makes up for what was lost. You could argue that these changes make the narrative more accessible to a wider audience, but I just found it slightly cold and, dare I say, obvious.

Maybe a lot of my disappointment stems from how overdone Jack the Ripper narratives are, and how badly I wanted this to be different. Sure, they don’t introduce Jack as a grossly romanticised figure as other pieces of media have, but the oversimplification of so many elements also didn’t truly bring him to life for me either.

This isn’t a terrible film. It’s stylist, dark and moody, with a fantastic atmosphere and some really great performances. I can’t say I didn’t find it entertaining, and I do think it’s an enjoyable watch. With that said though, the limited scope of the narrative massively disappointed me, and I wouldn’t say that this is a film that stays with you. If you enjoy a relatively straightforward gothic horror, you’ll get enjoyment out of this – just don’t expect anything too groundbreaking.

Written by Tam Page

Posted by Mr. Tomney

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