From Hell to Whitechapel

by Anne Lobjoie

When someone speaks about Whitechapel, I automatically think about...Jack the Ripper!

I am an addict of Johnny Depp’s movies and after seeing From Hell (the adaptation of Allan Moore's novel) ten times, I couldn't wait to go see Jack the Ripper's haunt.

People say that From Hell is not a really great interpretation of the truth but I personally love the imagination of the film makers, Albert et Allen Hughes.

Johnny Depp is great as usual! He plays Inspector Fred Abberline, a brilliant yet troubled man, who has some kind of psychic "visions" as he investigates the case.

So, as curiosity is one of my main qualities or weaknesses –interpret that as you wish- I just wanted to check by myself that they gave the right atmosphere of the area in the movie.

The film comes alive

Dark streets, almost abandoned church, the pub called the Ten Bells…everything was there to remind me of the horrible attacks and murders of Jack the Ripper in the 1880’s. When I decided to go for a walk at night in this area, I was close to freaking out!

I thought about Mary Kelly, the main character of the story, and her small group of friends everyday, forced to get involved into prostitution to be able to survive.

Osborn Street, Hanbury Street, Miller's Court or even Swallow Gardens, all the main spots of the killers are almost in their pristine conditions. It made me feel as if I was in the 1880’s hunted by the executioner!

It definitely is scary! You feel like you're right in the movie. You almost think that you are going to meet Mary Kelly at the corner of the road!

I've loved the movie and would love to bring my friends there to make them panic!