F is for From Hell (2001), Film #234

I had high hopes for this one. Johnny Depp in a Victorian-era murder mystery? Sounds great. Another take on Jack the Ripper? Not so great. Heather Graham in a period piece? A bad sign.

And, sadly, that’s the one that carries the film: the wrongheadedness of casting Heather Graham. All the great choices made in support (Ian Holm, Robbie Coltraine, Ian Richardson) can’t save a movie with Graham in so central a role.

I hate to harp on only one aspect of this film (since so many other parts fail in their own ways), but really, Heather Graham? Okay, Victorian prostitute with a heart of gold I can buy. But Victorian prostitute with the teeth of a Hollywood starlet? No. I don’t know what accent she was doing, but it didn’t sound like anything I’ve heard before. (And I’ve watched a lot of Victorian-era stuff, from Sherlock Holmes to Doctor Who.)

Even Johnny Depp can’t sace this one, as he’s made one of his trademark oddball character choices for his Inspector Frederick Abberline. Only this time it doesn’t work, one of the few times I could see Depp performing. Usually his performances, no matter how outlandish, are seamless and apparently effortless.

Holm, Coltraine and Richardson are all good, but they’ve all done this sort of thing before and much better. Smaller parts are unmemorable. I couldn’t even think of one worthy to receive comment.

It must have seemed like a bold decision to have this film directed by the Hughes Brothers. But perhaps Menace II Society, Dead Presidents and American Pimp just didn’t prepare them for Victorian drama. Whatever the reason, they never present a believable or engaging view of the era.

Depp fasn should probably give this one a viewing just to see how he handles the time period. Everyone else can give this one a miss.

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