Multiple Decapitations! (Sleepy Hollow (DVD))

Member Name: blackviolets

Product:	Sleepy Hollow (DVD)
Date:	08/11/09 (71 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: good storyline, funny in places, blood!

Disadvantages: n/a

I can't say I'm a massive fan of Johnny Depp but there are a growing collection of his films which have managed to get themselves into my top choices list. Sleepy Hollow being one of them. And what more could be suitable than watching multiple decapitations on a Friday night with the lights off? Especially when it's being directed by JD favourite Tim Burton.

Set in 1799 Constable Ichabod Crane is sent to the small hamlet of Sleepy Hollow. There have been a series of brutal murders and the locals are certain that it is being done by somebody who is no longer breathing. More interested in using his scientific tools he dismisses all of these tales, seeing them as pure nonsense. Although he is forced to swiftly change his tune when he comes face to face (sort of!) with the headless horseman himself.

Solving the crime is going to be far from simple but with the aid of Young Masbeth Crane is not to be chased away. More determined than ever to search out this murderer and after finding his grave and the missing skull suspicions start to arise when this horseman only wants to kill certain people. When coming under attack from one of the locals the horseman shows a limited interested in him becoming one of his victims. Whilst with the others he has shown little hesitation in slaughtering them. Possibly now it could be that somebody is controlling him. Making him do as they command.

Crane only has one option, to discover who is bringing this evil spirit back to life. There has to be some kind of witch craft involved but pointing the finger at different people isn't going to make you popular. However it seems that a lot of the locals have things to hide and are related in some ways to each other. Making it all the more difficult to work out what is going amiss and what the controller has to gain from all these killings.

This film was produced in 1999, directed by Tim Burton. It's strange to think that the role of Ichabod Crane could easily of gone to Brad Pitt. Someone who I don't believe would of done such a good job of it. Despite his position and need to be involved in occasional grizzly endings Crane has a slightly squeamish nature. Depp does another good portrayal of a quirky character. Visibly nervous and slightly cowardly Ichabod also develops a mini romance with Katrina Van Tassel.

This was the only thing which I find a bit disappointing about the whole film. Played by Christina Ricci, the Katrina and Ichabod story was a little lacking. If they felt anything towards each other they kept it very well hidden. Only in small moments was there glimpses of any affections and I don't know what this was all down to as Depp is usually very capable of acting in love scenes.

This is a very dark and gothic film, just as you'd expect coming from TB. It delves into the supernatural side of things and provides just the right amount of unpleasant moments with a dash of simple humour to enjoy. The location sets the right moods with unnerving mists approaching with the appearance of anything sinister which might be growing ever closer. Darkened colours and haunting trees are never short in supply. The extra details are what make a good film sometimes and this is definitely the case with Sleepy Hollow.

You see a mix of big and small screen stars in it as well. Johnny Depp, Christina Ricci, Christopher Walken, Michael Gambon with fleeting performances from Christopher Lee and Richard Griffiths. Then you also have Alun Armstrong and Claire Skinner. So a bit of a mixed bag but all who put in a good performance.

Overall I always enjoy watching this film and with everytime I do there is no doubt going to be something that I didn't pick up on. Little words or actions which I might not of thought much of since the last time I saw it. It has a very satisfactory ending and does not fail to disappoint. Plenty of blood, humour and a stilted romance-what more could you want?

Special features are a bit insignificant - a photo gallery, directors commentary, biographies, trailers and a short documentary. Although with it being this good who cares if the extras are a bit pointless!

It runs for 1 hour 45 minutes so it isn't too long either. It will cost you £4.98 from Amazon but £10.98 if you want it on Blu-ray. Very recommended, especially if you want something to unnerve you a bit.

Summary: .