Review of Sleepy Hollow

Introduction

Make no mistake about it, right from the very start the viewer will be able to recognise Sleepy Hollow as a Tim Burton movie. As usual, Burton has created a dark and menacing world of his own, in this screen adaptation of American literary classic ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’. The main plot here is one of a seemingly invincible Headless Horseman who has brought back from the dead to wreak havoc on the residents of Sleepy Hollow. To solve this strange mystery, New York detective Ichabod Crane (Johnny Depp) is sent to investigate.

Depp and Burton again team up for their third movie together, to mixed effect. Burton as usual delivers great style in art direction, giving the town of Sleepy Hollow a wonderful chilling atmosphere, and copes with the action sequences with customary flair. Depp, as always, gives a good performance as the camp detective hero.

However, where the movie falls down is the script: what was meant to be a horror story, as the novel was, is in fact more of an action-adventure, with a little slapstick thrown in for good measure. The plot is unspectacular (perhaps they should have stayed more faithful to the book) and fails to evoke any tension whatsoever. But as long as the film is taken as a bit of fun and thrills, rather than as horror, then it is quite good.

Video

The picture is very good indeed, considering the atmospheric effects of fog in this movie and the dark palette that Burton always favours so much. The colours keep their contrast well and never seem monochromatic, as might easily happen in a film like this.

Audio

The soundtrack has a good 5.1 mix that creates a similar foreboding atmosphere to the visuals. The mix is highly pleasant listening, with clarity of dialogue always present.

Features

A decent set of extras is included here by Pathe, including a commentary by director Burton and a couple of featurettes. The commentary is informative but a little disappointing in the lack of enthusiasm Burton shows. Although he gives a good insight into the film, he sometimes seems reluctant, leaving long pauses every now and then.

However, I am pleased to say that the featurettes are much better. ‘Reflections on Sleepy Hollow’ is a decent (11 mins) compilation on interviews that are interesting, although perhaps slightly too ‘PR’. They contain a backslapping spin that even the Labour party would be proud of. The longer ‘Behind the Legend’ is an excellent 30 mins long documentary on the making of the film, covering set design, stunts and the remarkable special effects. We even get a glimpse of the Headless Horseman – none other than Phantom Menace’s Darth Maul, kung fu expert Ray Park.

Finally, there are a couple of trailers, some photos and a few biographies on the cast. The menu system must also be mentioned: fancy, yet not over-elaborate.

Conclusion

Sleepy Hollow is a strange film – those expecting a scary movie will be disappointed. However, those expecting some fun and a good yarn from the twisted visual imagination of Tim Burton will be pleasantly surprised. Fans of the director or Depp will be ecstatic.

In his commentary, Burton mentions that he thought the film was a bit too much like “Scooby Doo” – and that’s exactly what it is. A nice adventure, but don’t expect to jump out of your seats.