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This latest version of the classic Washington Irving story
has all the dark gothic feel you'd expect from Tim Burton but
unfortunately 'hollow' is a good word to describe the characters
in this movie.
Tim Burton favourite Johnny Depp plays Constable Ichabod Crane
who is sent from New York to investigate a series of grisly
beheadings in the upstate village of Sleepy Hollow. Upon arrival
in the town he hears stories of a ghostly headless horseman
who is being blamed for the murders. Being a man of science,
he dispels these tales as fancy and starts his detective search
for a flesh and blood murderer. While in the town he attracts
the attention of the his host's daughter Katrina Van Tassell
(Christina Ricci) but runs afoul of her current beau (Casper
Van Dien). He learns that the legend of the headless horseman
is based on the stories of a real life mounted swordsman (Christopher
Walken) who was killed several years ago.
The rest of the story plays as a standard murder mystery, with
a supernatural twist, as various townsfolk come under suspicion
(except those who end up adding to the pile of decapitated bodies).
The setting is typically Burton-like, very dark, and with plenty
of fog and mist. It also seems to be the kind of place where
the sun never shines as it seems to be perpertually in nightime
or twilight. The special effects are also pretty cool, especially
the horseman himself and his flashing bladework.
Beyond the spooky feel and cool effects, it would be nice to
have some strong characters to add drama to the movie. Unfortunately,
they are not provided. Both Depp and Ricci seem to put too much
effort into their 18th century New York accents and not enough
into their characters. They both appear wooden and unfeeling
resulting in little or no chemistry at a time when we are expected
to believe that there is romance developing between them. I
would expect more from these actors, especially indie queen
Ricci.
Over picky critical moment: In 1799, Ichabod refers to the
'millennium' being almost upon them. Turn of the century maybe,
but the turn of the millennium is still 201 years away.
Spooky stuff with great sets and effects, but disappointingly
drab performance from the leading actors.
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