From Hell-good blind purchase???
http://www.dvdfile.com/software/revi.../fromhell.html
http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/read.php?ID=3761
As far as the historical accuracy goes, the movie is in a somewhat strange place. The source material, a graphic novel by Alan Moore and Eddie Campbell, isn't really meant to be an accurate historical fiction. Even Moore himself has said the he doesn't think ****** was the Ripper, but he used that theory to tell a polemic involving magick and politics. Some of this gets lost in the movie, especially the magickal elements of the story, as much material had to be cut in order to have a managable running time. Not mention that the more esoteric elements would likely have turned off lots of people or, more likely, gone right over the tops of their heads. The movie was also structured as a conventional whodunnit, whereas the book is told from the point of view of the Ripper.
The DVD, though, has been getting rave reviews from The Digital Bits, DVD File, and DVD Shrine. I'll be adding it to my collection. Just be sure you pick up the two disc set, because it will apparently only be available for a limited time.
of course only you can decide what you like. Here’s my take. Beautifully filmed, stylish visuals glued on to a particleboard of tedious dialog and emotionless, unconvincing performances. The story unfolds without tension or suspense. In From Hell the Hughes Brothers have crafted a boring slide show of disjointed vignettes that feature too many back-stories woven together without artistic skill and punctuated by one of the most heavy-handed scores this side of John Williams. Like a hot, cheap trophy date, From Hell engages the eyes but not the soul.
of course only you can decide what you like. Here’s my take. Beautifully filmed, stylish visuals glued on to a particleboard of tedious dialog and emotionless, unconvincing performances. The story unfolds without tension or suspense. In From Hell the Hughes Brothers have crafted a boring slide show of disjointed vignettes that feature too many back-stories woven together without artistic skill and punctuated by one of the most heavy-handed scores this side of John Williams. Like a hot, cheap trophy date, From Hell engages the eyes but not the soul.
To each their own.
Wondering about the content of the 2nd disc? Does it have some deleted scenes, hopefully ones that expand on the magick aspect.
Disc 2: Here, there, everywhere a featurette. First, is an exploration of Ripper lore in "Six Degrees of Jack the Ripper" (30 mins) with gruesome crime scene images and expert interviews. In addition, at about 10 different points during the piece, viewers may click an icon for additional clips from a cheesy '70s documentary (ala "In Search Of ... ") effectively doubling the featurette's total duration. Second, is a visit with production designer Martin Childs who miraculously recreated Whitechapel in just three months (12 mins). Third, is a comparison to the graphic novel and its use as an aid in various aspects of production (10 mins). Next, is an ode to Abberline's drink of choice in "Absinthe Makes the Heart Grow Fonder" (10 mins) followed by a murder sites tour by Albert and Allen (8 mins). Finally, tasty Ms. Graham hosts "A View From Hell" featuring the typical HBO "Oohs 'n' Ahs." In this case they're warranted (15 mins). Theatrical trailer and a random reel for Unfaithful with Richard Gere. Motion video menus discover Jack fishing nasty implements from his surgical kit.
Last edited by G. Noel Gross; 05-02-02 at 03:11 PM.
Wondering about the content of the 2nd disc? Does it have some deleted scenes, hopefully ones that expand on the magick aspect.
See my review at the link in my first post above for more details on the disc's supplements.
I think you just didn't embrace the movie in the spirit in which it was intended.
It is worth the blind purchase, IMO. This is a very solid thriller that won't disappoint.
What spirit was that? I'm a fan of the mystery, suspense, thriller, and horror genres. I found the movie boring. Perhaps you can elaborate on your point.
The movie is smart, fun, and surprisingly literate. I enjoyed it greatly. If you found it boring, to each their own.
opinions?
For anyone who digs the movie and wants to check out a great Ripper site go here
I'll be picking it up. And I'd suggest it to anyone who's interested in JTR or horror/slasher flicks. For a slasher flick, it's one of the better ones.
I liked the film, and it's mixture of fictional and real-life characters into a story that offered an interesting perspective on the Ripper murders. Sure, maybe Graham was too good looking to be a grubby street whore, but that's a small complaint.
A beautiful, in a dark way, looking film, to say the least.
On a side note, I highly recommend Alan Moore's graphic novel to anyone interested in the movie. I thought it was far better and did a wonderful job making the story interesting, something I think the movie failed to do. Also, as far as the historical aspect goes, Moore has included, at least in the edition I have, a 40-page appendix that delineates page-by-page exactly what is accurate and what he invented for story purposes.
Thanks all, I am getting this with The Others on Tuesday.
DVD SMURF
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I have been in a horror mood lately.
Me three!!!!
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The lead cast (Johnny Depp and Heather Graham) are outshined by their supporting cast (Robbie Coltrane is quickly becoming one of my favorite "never heard of" actors).
I think that it does suffer from too much condensing, but its based on a comic book, excuse me -- graphic novel, so what do you expect? The story actually is almost worthy of Oliver Stone in its convoluted conspiracy theories.
The sets and costumes are fantastic, often overshadowing the sometimes non-existant action of a scene.
The 20 or so deleted scenes don't offer any excuses. Many times you can watch the deleted scenes and piece the movie back together, but all of the scenes here were cut simply for pacing. They add nothing extra to the story and fill in no missing pieces.
Rented it, and will pick it up used for the extras on the second disc.