Directed by Tim Burton, Sleepy Hollow takes place in 1799 in a small community plagued by a headless horseman who arises from the grave to take the heads of others. Unable to resolve the situation on their own, the town leaders send for a professional constable from nearby New York City to help send the horseman back to the land of the dead.
Johnny Depp as Ichabod Crane
Appalled that religious superstition takes the place of justice in the courtroom (and outside of it), Constable Ichabod Crane (Depp) prides himself on being a man of science who utilizes technology to analyze criminal investigations. Unpopular for his reliance on science, Ichabod gets the unpleasant assignment of investigating the decapitation murders of Sleepy Hollow.
Supplied with his self-designed medical instruments and scientific books, the squeamish inspector fully intends to solve the case using logic, reason, and science. Upon arrival, however, he finds that science cannot explain why the ghost of the Hessian horseman seemingly comes back to life and attacks townspeople. After coming to terms with his fear, Ichabod enlists the help of a young orphaned boy and the beautiful daughter of one of the town leaders.
The Lovely Katrina Van Tassel
Although willing to assist him with his investigation, Katrina Van Tassel (Christina Ricci) presents her own mystery to Ichabod. She seems to embody all the bewitching traits associated with the dark supernatural elements, rather than those of illuminating scientific thought. Despite this obstacle, and that her father Baltus (Michael Gambon [Albus Dumbledore of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix]) has become the prime suspect in the case, Ichabod finds himself falling in love with her.
Rounding out the eclectic cast are more suspicious characters: Miranda Richardson as Lady Van Tassel, Casper Van Dien as Brom Van Brunt, Jeffrey Jones as Reverend Steenwyck, and Christopher Walken as the Hessian Horseman. Ray Park (Darth Maul in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace) plays Walken's stunt double as the Headless Horseman.
Sleepy Hollow is a Mixed Genre Movie
In addition to the romance, the intricate story weaves around the secretive group of town elders who hide more than a few truths from the inquisitive constable. In keeping with Burton’s other films, such as Sweeney Todd and Beetlejuice, the darkly imaginative production design, grotesque makeup, and gruesome special effects combine to create a romantic-supernatural-thriller-horror story with occasional humor that refuses to fit into any one category. Popular during its 1999 theatrical release and in its various DVD editions, this film is no sleeper hit.
Sleepy Hollow
- Starring Johnny Depp, Christina Ricci, Michael Gambon, Miranda Richardson, Casper Van Dien
- Director: Tim Burton
- Run Time: 105 minutes
- Rating: R (graphic violence and a scene of sexuality)
- On DVD: Blu-Ray version released in 2008, HD DVD in 2006, Widescreen and Fullscreen versions in 2000.
Leslie C. Halpern - Leslie C. Halpern, Romantic Films/Comedies Topic Editor, authored Passionate About Their Work, Reel Romance, & Dreams on Film.
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