One portrayal of the Jack the Ripper case set in London of 1888. Jack the Ripper has been killing in the Whitechapel district murdering prostitutes. Scotland Yard Inspector Fred Abberline and his partner, Peter Godley, are on the case to figure out who this serial killer is and why he is killing these women. Abberline is an opium addict. While “high”, he is able to have visions to solve cases. As Abberline and Godley investigate the crimes, they become acquainted with the prostitutes who were friends of the victims. Abberline digs deeper and tries to solve the case before Mary Kelly is killed.
This is my second viewing of this film about Jack the Ripper. It’s really the first movie to accurately depict the crime scenes, sequence and times. Now, while the killer’s identity is shown, he’s just one of the dozens of suspects over the years. I feel it’s a very plausible explanation. The writers used tons of actual documents pertaining to the case to get it as accurately as possible.
Based on Alan Moore’s comic of the same title, the movie focuses on Inspector Abberline whereas the comic is seen through the eyes of “Jack” himself. But several scenes are taken panel for panel from the pages of the comic.
The story is rich with intrigue and mystery, a fairly complex spin on our ever on-going search for the true identity of “Jack. This movie’s explanation involves suspects and people from every echelon of society, from the dredges of the street people, skilled workers (butchers), Jews (people were racist toward them then), police, doctors of the Freemasons and on up to members of the British Royal family. Very intriguing and never boring! At least not for me.
We see the story through the eyes of Inspector Abberline (Johnny Depp), who is in charge of the Ripper case. But he’s not your ordinary detective. He has visions in his dreams of crime scenes. His wife had died a few years previously and, to combat the pains of his wife and his visions, he uses absinthe and opium. He’s now addicted to it and our first glimpse of him is in a opium house, passed out on a couch. His partner has to smack him awake. Don’t let Abberline’s drug addiction fool you; he really is an accomplished detective with shrewd and intuitive instincts.
Depp does a fine job as Coltrane, sort of a more adept version of his Crane character in “Sleepy Hollows”. He plays this role with a reserved, laid back tone but sterner at times.
Robbie Coltrane plays Sergeant Peter Godley, Abberline’s somewhat competent and very loyal assistant. He’s like what Watson is to Sherlock. Godley is a very likeable character and it adds a softness to Abberline’s rough edges. Abberline compliments Godley’s kindness with his own stubbornness to create a well-rounded team.
Heather Graham plays Mary Kelly, the last murdered victim officially attributed to the Ripper. In this story, Kelly confides in Inspector Abberline because her fellow “street workers” are being killed one by one. She most suspects a local gang whom they pay “protection” money to. During the course of things, Kelly and Abberline fall in love, so the case becomes personal for Abberline.
Ian Richardson plays Sir Charles Warren, the official doctor to the Royal family, who is taking care of the prince, who suffers from syphilis and is one of Abberline’s suspects. Warren is a doctor of great experience and respect, he is a Freemason. Abberline trusts and confides in his opinion of the Ripper case. He is very helpful to Abberline. Meanwhile, the Special Branch (kind of like the FBI) is causing obstacles with Abberline investigation as it pertains to the prince as a suspect – going so far as to getting him temporarily suspended for refusing to tamper with evidence.
The SFX are very good but they don’t show the butchering being done except for the Ripper’s knife slashing through the air and squirts of crimson. You see a little of the aftermath but not close-up; the brutal details are stated verbally though. So it’s not for people seeking a gore-fest but enough to make the squeamish shiver a little.
The best part of this film are the sets and accessories of the period. They look so real, it’s hard not to believe you’re actually there over a century ago. The set had to be built outside due to only a few of the actual buildings of White Chapel exist today. It’s built by using old photos from the actual location at the time of the Ripper case. Also, great pans were taken to recreate the murder scenes, body locations etc., also using the actual photos from the case files.
The writers took liberties with some of the facts related to the identity of the Ripper and added a few twists of their own based on their interpretation of the facts, beliefs and opinions of other people over the years, conjecture and ideas about the time period. So, if you’re looking for a 100% factual account of the Ripper case, this movie’s not for you. But, if you’re looking for a pretty accurate reenactment of the five murders and a somewhat plausible look (just one of many) into the identity of the Ripper with a little gore, check this movie out!
