wonderfully Burton

Rating: 9/10 (19 August 2005)

Sleepy Hollow is a town in the late 1800's, at the turn of the century. Ichabod Crane is sent from New York to investigate a series of murders that have happen. All the murders are connected to the myth of the headless horseman, who cuts off all the victims heads.
Once Ichabod arrives at Sleepy Hollow, you know there is more happening under the surface than just headless murderer. With red herrings thrown over the place, the mystery of the headless horseman and his murders becomes quite thick and entangled.
If you are very accustom to Tim Burton films than you know what to expect. Like all of Burton's films, this is just visually stunning. The seedy greys create such a bleak and miserable atmosphere to great extent, giving the town and woods a very claustrophobic feeling. Burton's direction is flawless as usual, he is a master of his craft.
Johnny Depp has created a great partnership with Burton, always giving a great performance. Depp handles the flaky yet over eager Crane with great fun. Ricci is perfect as the love interest, never overacting in places of danger. Gambon, Jones, Griffiths, McDiarmid, Gough all do well as the town elders.
This is one movie where i didn't solve the ending. From the great script and plotting, this gives you clues, but never spoils the surprise. Which a find a welcome surprise. Most others you can figure it out before the end. I always praise movies that make me gasp at the twist.
If you love Burton, or need a movie to get into Burton films, this is a great starting point, and is a must see.