Perhaps a bit of both. Certainly the film works well as a whodunit, although it skates close in the early scenes a couple of tones to giving away Jack the Ripper’s identity. But the real meat of the graphic novel, the long monologues by Gull and especially the stuff about Freemasons and “Juwes” (how true is what Moore claims?) is dealt with only superficially. But perhaps there are only so many depths you can reach in a two hour film.
Beyond the simple script the film is well shot, well made and well cast with a pre-Jack Sparrow Johnny Depp convincing as a cockney copper, bizarre though the decision to have Abberline chase the dragon may be; the original version of the character is very different. Heather Graham impressed as Mary, Ian Holm is superb as Gull, Robbie Coltrane is the perfect sidekick and the late Ian Tichardson is a good laugh as Abbeline’s stupid Freemason boss. It’s a perfectly decent film in many ways, although inevitably it dwells on the horrible murders of women. But I think inevitably it looks shallow, perhaps unfairly given what can fit into two hours, than the source material.
I highly recommend two Ripper/Whitechapel productions; the first is the "Jack The Ripper" mini-series from 1988. A first-rate production, coupled with fine performances from the entire cast (though Michael Caine as Abberline and Lewis Collins as Godley are standouts) and a nice re-creation of Victorian-era London combine to make this, a good series. While it follows the usual William Gull theory, and there are some major errors throughout the series, these are small quibbles in what is an otherwise superbly made, supremely entertaining and at times chilling series-going experience. Great music score, too.
ReplyDeleteThe second is "Ripper Street", a RDJ Sherlock Holmes inspiration following good character and moments; rather than the hunt for the Ripper itself, this series covers relatively fresh territory: the aftermath of the Ripper murders, as a group of police inspectors try to restore the reputation of the force, by solving other dastadly crimes happening. It is avaliable on Amazon Prime.
One day, it’d be great to see a movie/miniseries reflect the historical truth as close as possible. And yes, that includes no bloody Royal conspiracy (Though the lack of a killer reveal might be frustrating for viewers as it in real life)!
I'm already intending to blog the 1988 series at some point. Yes, it goes with Steven Knight's now very unfashionable Gull/freemasonry/Prince Albert Victor theory, but that was how Ripperology was back then. These days, of course, we all like to borrow a razor from that nice Mr Occam... I think it was probably Charles Lechmere.
ReplyDeleteRipper Street noted- sounds intriguing!