Myths and fairytales is a seemly Hammer-horror world!

Rating: 8/10 (22 April 2004)

(Small Spoilers) The abominable headless horseman and his horse are terrorizing a small village north of New York, near the end of the 18th century. Johnny Depp is a modern constable and his innovating techniques aren't welcome in New York. Therefore, he's sent over to the town to investigate the murders. The town is in fear and  even though Ichabod Crane tries to remain realistic  he soon faces finds out the legend it real. Yet, the cause of this reign of terror still is human hatred and diabolism and Crane slowly unwraps the intrigues and secrets the little town is filled with. The famous Horseman-legend is ideal material for gothic filmmaker Tim Burton. The screenplay that was offered him here gives him the perfect opportunity to drown the audience in a macabre surrounding, complete with fairy-tales elements such as witches who live in the woods and tree that start to bleed when cut. The portrayal of the ghoulish town reminds you of the typical Hammer Studio's way of working. A factor that isn't coincidental, since Burton himself is a big fan of these chilling gothic horror films. Burton's ingenious talent, along with the big budget results in truly magnificent scenery. The town looks ghoulish and the sequences in the dark woods are pretty haunting. Some nice special effects as well, even though the CGI is exaggerated at times.
The story becomes extra compelling thanks to the good acting performances. We already knew that Johnny Depp did some of his best work while directed by Tim Burton (Ed Wood, Edward Scissorhands) and the role of nervous, itchy constable suits him perfectly. Christina Ricci plays his female oppositewith blond hair for this occasion. She's a truly stunning beauty and a multi-talented actress, for sure. Ricci sounds amazingly sexy when she's saying lines like `Do you think me wicked?' Really good and worth mentioning as well are the guest appearances by Martin Landau (who portrayed an impressive Bela Lugosi in Burton's Ed Wood) and Hammer horror legend (Christopher Lee). Perhaps the best actor choice is Christopher Walken in his role of the Headless HorsemanHe doesn't say one word during the entire film, but his satanic charisma was never reflected better. Sleepy Hollow is great entertainment and one of the most professional horror movies of the nineties. Check it out in case you haven't yet!