More than a century after his last murder, Jack the Ripper is still the most notorious serial killer in the world. There are more internet searches for his name than Charles Manson, Jeffery Dahmer, or any other mass murderer you can think of. What's more staggering is the number of theories on who Jack the Ripper really was. Albert and Allen Hughes, affectionately known as The Hughes Brothers, have brought one of the theories to the big screen.
The Hughes Brothers, directing their first film since 1995's Dead Presidents, present a gory, gothic, creative look at Jack the Ripper. The year is 1888, and hot on the trail of the mysterious killer is Inspector Frederick George Abberline, played by Johnny Depp. Depp made waves recently with his portrayal of Carl Jung, a famous cocaine pusher, in the film Blow. This time around Depp is an addict, not a dealer.
The intriguing thing about Depp's character is his ability to see the killer and his victims before the murders actually occur. Of course, this only happens when he is stoned out of his mind.
So with the Ripper knocking off prostitutes left and right, Abberline decides that he must protect the girl whom he feels is next. That girl is Mary Kelly, played by a red headed Heather Graham. Graham had a great role in Boogie Nights, then lost her acting esteem with Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me. She manages to earn some of that respect back in this role.
The unique lighting, camera angles and flashes of mayhem and gore keep the viewer focused on the movie even when the plot tends to drag.
The methodical, slow-like-syrup, unfolding of the plot will keep some people from enjoying where the Hughes Brothers are trying to go with the story. Others will accept the pace and the story as an artistic voyage. The main thing to remember is that Allen and Albert do get to the point and say what they want to say about the world's first known serial killer.
This is not a horror movie. There aren't a ton of jump-out-of-the-dark and scare- you-to-death scenes. That's why the film is able to keep its credibility. A mystery develops and then unwraps, keeping you guessing and then second guessing yourself.
A warning for all of the weak stomachs out there: be ready for plenty of blood and guts. There is talk of a disembowelment, the sight of ripped-up abdomens and sliced up private parts and a rather interesting gift from Jack the Ripper to the police.
If that doesn't make you squirm, then you will be just fine. Luckily, all of the scenes are short enough that a quick closing of the eyes will get you through it.
Movie Grade B+
R, 122 minutes
