Logan Sork Film Reviews
Sleepy Hollow
“The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” is one of the most iconic ghost stories in American folklore. The story of the headless horseman has been told around the campfire by many since it was brought to the world by Washington Irving’s novel in 1820. The tale is one of darkness, superstition, greed, and violence. Despite its age, the story continues to be adapted in many different media formats. Most, however, likely know it thanks to the 1999 Tim Burton. Though the film made some changes and has some flaws, it remains just as thrilling as the tale that inspired it.
Sleepy Hollow is directed by Tim Burton and stars Johnny Depp, Christina Ricci, Miranda Richardson, Michael Gambon, Casper Van Dien, and Jeffery Jones. The film, based on the classic story by Washington Irving, follows Ichabod Crain (Depp), a New York police officer who is dispatched to the village of Sleepy Hollow to investigate a series of grisly murders. Upon arrival, he learns that the townspeople believe the murders to be the work of a legendary spirit: The Headless Horseman. Though initially skeptical, Crain soon learns that there is more to the murders than initially believed and works to solve the mystery and end the Horseman’s reign of terror.
Since the film is based on a classic ghost tale, it is critical that the film maintains a spooky feel from beginning to end, and director Tim Burton is the perfect candidate. Given his eye for macabre stories and visuals, it feels like this was the classic story he was meant to bring to life, and on that front, he does not disappoint. From the opening scene, you can really tell that a lot of time was taken in making sure that the look and feel of the film perfectly reflect that of the original story. The visuals in this film feel as if they are ripped straight from the novel. Everything from the bleak town where the film takes place to the dark and shadowy woods where the Horseman roams feels perfectly executed. This is in large part due to the fantastic production design and cinematography. Still, you can feel Tim Burton’s influence in every inch of it and without it I feel that the film would not be as memorable.
Adding to the film’s already strong atmosphere is the musical score by frequent Burton collaborator Danny Elfman. While Elfman’s scores are mostly hit or miss nowadays, this film reminds you why he is such a well-recognized composer. The score for this film does a lot of heavy lifting in creating a sense of dread to accompany the dark visuals. Yet at the same time, there are moments that the score brings a sense of warmth and light to the story, something that is very welcome while in such a dark place. All in all, Elfman’s score perfectly amplifies the film’s visuals and atmosphere and help to make it even more special as a result.
The characters who populate this dark world are also wonderful and are portrayed by equally wonderful actors. While he had yet to portray Jack Sparrow, you can see seeds of that performance in the one Johnny Depp brings to Ichabod Crain. With this character, Depp manages to make the character both odd and sympathetic, a balance that is very tricky to pull off, but it is done fantastically by Depp none the less. Christina Ricci is also excellent as Katrina Van Tressel, bringing the character’s sad backstory to life in an organic way without coming off as sappy. Michael Gambon is always fun to see on screen and he’s fantastic as the leader of the town, as are the other actors playing the town officials wrapped up in the mystery of the town. Everyone brings the right amount of seriousness and camp to their performances, adding yet another layer of charm to the film.
That being said, the film has some pretty apparent flaws. While the practical effects done for the deaths in the film are pretty good (and quite shocking at moments) the film suffers from distractingly bad CGI. While these moments are few and far between, the effects are so bad that they threaten to take me out of the film. This is made even more confusing as the effects in question could easily be achieved with practical effects. The romance of the film also does not quite work for me. Both Depp and Ricci are fine in the film, but you get the sense that their characters ended up together simply because there needed to be a romantic angle to the film. It also causes the film to drag at some points, causing the established mood and tension to loosen. You could easily lose that subplot and I think the film would be better off.
As it stands, however, Sleepy Hollow is still a well-told and entertainingly thrilling ghost story. While there are some issues, most of which are derived from the so-so effects and the tacked-on romance, there is just so much else to keep you entertained. From the beautifully dark visuals and score to the fun characters and mystery, this is a great, charming, and spooky adaptation of a classic ghost tale.
7.5/10