Sleepy Hollow

Johnny Depp    Christina Ricci

Director Tim Burton

Tim Burton's adaptation of Irving Washington's book "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" has arrived on Region 1 DVD.

The film tells the story of a little hamlet whose citizen's have become the target for a mysterious headless horseman.  Johnny Depp plays Ichabod Crane the New York Constable and pioneer pathologist who is sent, as a punishment, to investigate the fate of the horseman's victim's

Right from the first scene this film is full of classic Burton style.  The scarecrows in the field are the not so distant cousins of the Pumpkin head from The Night before Christmas.  Ichabod's early home-made pathology tools could reminiscent of the gadgets of an 18th Century Batman had such a creature existed.

A strong supporting cast, including a large British contingent compliment the leads well.  Depp give a strong performance as Crane, opposite Christina Ricci, somewhat type cast as Katrina the daughter of the villages chief citizen who dabbles in white magic.  Miranda Richardson and Christopher Walken also superb in their respective roles.

ILM are given a run for their money by the special effects team.  The horseman sans head is very convincing but the effects are at their most convincing when he appears, mounted on his horse to ride off in search of his latest victim.

This production owes more than a little to The Phantom Menace.  Anyone finding the horseman's fighting style familiar may not be surprised to know that he is played by Ray Park (Phantom's Darth Maul).  The stunts were coordinated by Nick Gillard who filled the same role for "Phantom") and Ian MacDermaid (better known as Palpatine) plays the village doctor.

Thanks to Marc for the loan of the DVD.