Ripping through the big screen

With little knowledge of Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell's graphic novel "From Hell," I went into the screen adaptation with little to no expectations aside from those of the cinematic variety. Many fans of the source material cried foul when informed of narrative and tonal shifts within the film, but to the uninitiated "From Hell" proves to be a taut and provocative historical thriller.\nJohnny Depp headlines the film in grand fashion as Inspector Frederick Abberline. His work here is subtly strong, and slightly reminiscent of recent turns in both "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" and "Sleepy Hollow." \nAbberline is a man of the law and for the most part quite ethical. But, he's also a pervasive drug addict indulging in absinthe cocktails and frequent stints in opium dens. In the midst of these binges, he experiences hallucinatory visions of the future. These events pertain to his latest case, one unlike any he's ever tackled. Abberline is tracking the murderous rampage of the "original" serial killer, Jack the Ripper. \nThe Ripper has taken to murdering cockney prostitutes under the veil of night on the streets of White Chapel, a slum in late 19th century London. His actions are brutal yet meticulous. He lures these "ladies of the night" with grapes (a delicacy at the time) and liquor, only to slash their throats and proceed in dissecting them, removing organs ranging from the uterus to the heart. \nOne such prostitute, Mary Kelly (Heather Graham), becomes entangled in both the investigation (she's one of The Ripper's targets) and with Abberline, as the two share a brief romance. Graham turns in her best work since "Boogie Nights." She instills Mary with a great sense of humility allowing viewers to care about her, and thus, makes one hell of a damsel in distress.\n"From Hell" was stylishly directed by the Hughes brothers ("Menace II Society"), who claim this film is as much about the "hood" as any of their previous efforts. This is true to an extent but irrelevant. The film's success cannot be attributed to their street credentials -- that accolade rests solely in their skill as filmmakers. "From Hell" is a gorgeous film to behold what with its phenomenal cinematography, impeccable set design and masterful performances. Without a doubt "From Hell" is the finest suspense/horror film to have been released in some time.