Sleepy Hollow
Director: Tim Burton
Cast: Johnny Depp, Christina Ricci, Miranda Richardson,
When a series of mysterious murders devastate the town of Sleepy Hollow, Constable Ichabod Crane is dispatched by New York authorities to discover the identity of the killer and use his unconventional techniques to bring the killer to justice.
Johnny Depp breathes life into Ichabod Crane, the eccentric New York constable who relies on logical reasoning and evidence to ascertain the truth, rather than antiquated methods of torture and hysterical superstition. As a detective, Ichabod finds truth in fact and reason. As a man, he is fractured, with both sides of his psyche struggling to achieve a common balance within the greater whole. In one sense, Ichabod is the quintessential gentleman, his dignified manners and compassionate heart making him a likable (if sometimes idiosyncratic) character. Beneath his refined exterior, however, lies a much more fragile persona. He is easily frightened – especially by entities that his mind cannot fully understand. His fragility is illustrated by dreams of Ichabod as a child. It is through these dreams with his mother that Ichabod’s courage is restored to him, and he awakens with renewed determination to find the truth.
Illusion plays a powerful role in Sleepy Hollow, particularly in conveying the idea that truth is not always ascertained by appearance. One way that the movie illustrates illusion is through Ichabod’s paper cardinal, which appears to be free, until manipulation distorts the perception of the cardinal making the bird appear to be flying in a cage. Katrina’s actions initially give Ichabod the impression that she is using dark magic against him, but when the truth is brought to light, he realizes that her actions were meant to protect him, not to bring him to harm. When Ichabod first arrives in Sleepy Hollow, he believes (albeit reluctantly until he sees the horseman) that it is the headless horseman who is the murderer. When the truth is revealed, the headless horseman – while he does effectuate the murders – is merely the pawn in a twisted and sinister plot that is being orchestrated by a diabolical villain.
Sleepy Hollow is a dark and hauntingly beautiful film which radiates with Tim Burton’s unique and creative style. The musical score created by Danny Elfman once again sets the perfect tone to complement the unique style of Tim Burton’s film. The casting for Sleepy Hollow is exceptional, particularly in the case of Johnny Depp for the role of Ichabod Crane. The story creates a unique interpretation of Washington Irving’s original story of the headless horseman. I would highly recommend this film for anyone who loves Tim Burton at his best.
© 2013 – 2016 Keriane Kellogg. All rights reserved.
Director: Tim Burton
Cast: Johnny Depp, Christina Ricci, Miranda Richardson,
When a series of mysterious murders devastate the town of Sleepy Hollow, Constable Ichabod Crane is dispatched by New York authorities to discover the identity of the killer and use his unconventional techniques to bring the killer to justice.
Johnny Depp breathes life into Ichabod Crane, the eccentric New York constable who relies on logical reasoning and evidence to ascertain the truth, rather than antiquated methods of torture and hysterical superstition. As a detective, Ichabod finds truth in fact and reason. As a man, he is fractured, with both sides of his psyche struggling to achieve a common balance within the greater whole. In one sense, Ichabod is the quintessential gentleman, his dignified manners and compassionate heart making him a likable (if sometimes idiosyncratic) character. Beneath his refined exterior, however, lies a much more fragile persona. He is easily frightened – especially by entities that his mind cannot fully understand. His fragility is illustrated by dreams of Ichabod as a child. It is through these dreams with his mother that Ichabod’s courage is restored to him, and he awakens with renewed determination to find the truth.
Illusion plays a powerful role in Sleepy Hollow, particularly in conveying the idea that truth is not always ascertained by appearance. One way that the movie illustrates illusion is through Ichabod’s paper cardinal, which appears to be free, until manipulation distorts the perception of the cardinal making the bird appear to be flying in a cage. Katrina’s actions initially give Ichabod the impression that she is using dark magic against him, but when the truth is brought to light, he realizes that her actions were meant to protect him, not to bring him to harm. When Ichabod first arrives in Sleepy Hollow, he believes (albeit reluctantly until he sees the horseman) that it is the headless horseman who is the murderer. When the truth is revealed, the headless horseman – while he does effectuate the murders – is merely the pawn in a twisted and sinister plot that is being orchestrated by a diabolical villain.
Sleepy Hollow is a dark and hauntingly beautiful film which radiates with Tim Burton’s unique and creative style. The musical score created by Danny Elfman once again sets the perfect tone to complement the unique style of Tim Burton’s film. The casting for Sleepy Hollow is exceptional, particularly in the case of Johnny Depp for the role of Ichabod Crane. The story creates a unique interpretation of Washington Irving’s original story of the headless horseman. I would highly recommend this film for anyone who loves Tim Burton at his best.
© 2013 – 2016 Keriane Kellogg. All rights reserved.