From Hell

Also an excellent short comic book series by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell. The 12 issues came out like once every 6 months or so, so it's a great relief that the finished series has been compiled into an even more excellent graphic novel.

Moore tells a speculative story of the Jack the Ripper murders in London of 1888. It is incredibly well-researched, and the graphic novel format includes an appendix that lists, frame by frame, the historical background and speculations that are behind each shot and line of dialog that you see. In his story, Moore lays the blame for the murders on Sir William Gull, the surgeon of Queen Victoria, who killed to silence a blackmail attempt against Prince Edward. However, Moore also readily explores many of the other theories surrounding the murders, and the novel format includes a separate section discussing the evidence for and problems against each one.

Strongly recommended for anyone who likes good comic books, or British history, or true crime.

The film version of From Hell is set for an American release date of October 19, 2001. The directors are Allen and Albert Hughes, who are better known collectively as the Hughes Brothers. Terry Hayes and Rafael Yglesias adapted the comic for the screenplay. Johnny Deep plays Inspector Frederick Abberline, a man with psychic powers, enlisted to help track Jack the Ripper down. Heather Graham plays a prostitute that he falls for and tries to protect. Two endings were filmed concerning Mary's fate, so it should make for a good DVD eventually. Other films by the Hughes Brothers include Menace II Society, Dead Presidents, and American Pimp.

Movie: From Hell
Genre: Crime, Thriller
Release Date: October 19, 2001
MPAA Rating: R - for strong violence/gore, sexuality, language and drug content
Running Time: 115 minutes
Country of Origin: U.S.
Color or B/W: Color
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Production Co(s): Underworld Pictures, Stillking Films
Year of Release: 2001
Director(s): The Hughes Brothers
Writer(s):
Terry Hayes
Rafael Yglesias - based on the graphic novel by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell

Movie Overview:
A Scotland Yard detective (Johnny Depp) tracks methodical serial killer Jack the Ripper, who's murdering and mutilating prostitutes in the Whitechapel District, and soon begins to suspect a conspiracy. The film is adapted from the Alan Moore-Eddie Campbell comic book series and directed by The Hughes Brothers (Menace II Society).

Cast:
Johnny Depp - Fred Abberline
Heather Graham - Mary Kelly
Ian Holm - Sir William Gull
Jason Flemyng - Netley
Robbie Coltrane - Peter Godley
Lesley Sharp - Kate Eddowes
Susan Lynch - Liz Stride
Terence Harvey - Ben Kidney
Katrin Cartlidge - Dark Annie Chapman
Estelle Skornik - Ada
Paul Rhys - Dr. Ferral
Nicholas McGaughey - Officer Bolt
Ian Richardson - Sir Charles Warren
Annabelle Apsion - Polly
Joanna Page - Ann Crook
Mark Dexter - Albert Sickert/Prince Edward
Danny Midwinter - Constable Withers
Samantha Spiro - Martha Tabram
David Schofield - Mcqueen
Bryon Fear - Robert Best
Peter Eyre - Lord Hallsham
Cliff Parisi - Mac, Bartender
Sophia Myles - Victoria Abberline
Ralph Ineson - Gordie
Amy Huck - Gull's Maid
Rupert Farley - Doss Landlord
Donald Douglas - Hospital Director
John Owens - Marylebone Governor
Tony Tang - Opium Den Owner
Liz Moscrop - Queen Victoria
Roger Frost - Sidewalk Preacher
Ian McNeice - Robert Drudge
Steve John Shepherd - Special Branch Constable
Al Hunter Ashton - Stonecutter
Poppy Rogers - Alice Crook
Bruce Byron - Ann Crook's Father
Melanie Hill - Ann Crook's Mother
Andy Linden - Carpenter
David Fisher - Carpenter/Letter Writer
Gary Powell - Constable #1
Steve Chaplin - Constable #2
Vincent Franklin - George Lusk
Louise Atkins - Bold Hooker
Anthony Parker - John Merrick
James Greene - Masonic Governor
Dominic Cooper - Constable #3
Carey Thring - Police Photographer
Vladimir Kulhavy - Rag & Bone Man
Graham Kent - Records Clerk
Rupert Holliday Evans - Sailor
Simon Harrison - Thomas Bond
Paul Moody - Young Doctor
Glen Barry - Young Labourer
Charlie Parish - Labourer #2
Gerry Grennell - Funeral Minister/Ltr. Writer

Links:

http://www.fromhellmovie.com/
http://www.movies.go.com/movies/F/fromhell_2000/index.html

At first, I really didn’t want to see it, but my girlfriend did, so I went with her. I am very glad that I went. The movie is a mental thriller, complete with plot twists, an unexpected villain, the supernatural, and just the right amount of blood. The movie itself is a work of art, and the cast was very well chosen. From Hell definitely captures the time and date of the setting (1888), as well as finds a way for us modern people to relate to it. I recommend going to see it!