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.