Sleepy Hollow (1999) Review
Written by: BlackTequilaKiss
I love this movie! I am sorry but this movie review might be slightly biased given how much adoration I have for Tim Burton films. This is a movie that is everything a Burton movie ought to be. Gothic, visually stunning and full of splendid little diamonds, this is genius in Burton form.
-Movie Plot-
Constable Ichabod Crane is called into Sleepy Hollow to investigate three murders. Through the course of the investigation he starts to learn the legend of the Headless Horseman, however he refuses to believe a legend is by the murders. It isn’t until he sees the Headless Horseman before his own eyes and taking the head off an elder that he finally believes the legend. Now Crane is in a chase to find the truth behind the legend in a race to send him back to the grave once and for all. Before it is too late.
I adore Burton. He gave me Edward Scissorhands, A Nightmare Before Christmas, Corpse Bride, Mars Attack, Beetlejuice and Sweeney Todd. And that aside he creates majestically, gothic films with a style that no-one else has managed to recreate so far. He is my idol when it comes to directors.
This movie is no exception to his style but continues the beauty of them.
-Cast-
Johnny Depp:
Ah Johnny, Johnny, Johnny how you grace my screen so. I cannot put this guy down I just can’t! He is wonderful in every role and was the only thing in Pirates of the Caribbean I could stand. His pale made look in this movie is awesome and the way he is frightened so easily just made him more human and lovely to watch on the screen. I honestly dread the day he retires. Able to play any role and a beautiful addition to Burton’s films, he is quintessentially the actor I respect more than any other.
Christina Ricca:
She plays the beautiful Katrina Van Tassel. She has matured well and her acting skills have ripened too. I love how she looks so fragile and yet beneath the surface is a lot more stronger. She graced the screen gently and stole my heart in this movie.
Literally a breath of fresh air.
I could never name check every actor on set but one other who surprised me was Christopher Walken. Don’t get me wrong I know he is a strong actor but never was I aware out how different a role he can. Deer Hunter was his finest hour and this doesn’t fall far behind. As the headless horseman he is savagely beautiful but a tragedy too. To fit two different stereotypes into one is a formidable feat and kudos to Walken for doing it so well. He is one of the greatest actors we have and should be cherished for what he brings to the table.
Every actor stunned and surprised me with the range they had. This is fine dining acting at the top of the class. Just simply amazing!
Visuals that stun, backdrops that stun the eyes, it has everything. The gothic charm grips strong from the start. The gentle use of light against dark and vice versa is a sweet addition and the use of direction is first class. I can’t find faults with a Burton flick I just can’t.
The murders, e.g. the head being taken off by the Headless Horseman, they are put to excellent use in the movie. Not done to look out of place or exacerbated to the point it is just about the blood. Tasteful and toned down to a nice level it is a welcome distraction in the movie. Especially the blood kiss, that was truly magnificent!
The windmill is a gentle stroke and looks absolutely within place in this movie.
Why does this film work so?
- Burton’s direction
- The acting
- The Visuals
He appeals to the dark angel in my soul. He appeals to my sense of taste and his movies just make my eyes watery with tears at the sheer beauty of everything. Burton cannot be contended with. Sweet, quiet genius I eagerly anticipate the next movie in his arsenal.
This is an all time favourite of mine which I will never look down at. You want the usual T & A with plentiful splashes of gore, find another film. But if you want something that is a little different, a little unique. Watch this you will not be disappointed.
Excellent, sweet droplets of beauty. This is sublime film-making at it’s best.
Burton, you have stolen my heart once again.
Absolutely wonderful.