The tale of the headless horseman has been around for centuries originating in the Middle Ages as a folklore cryptid. In this 1999 film, Tim Burton takes a deeper look at the legend and builds a new story around the haunts-man. Starring Johnny Depp, Christina Ricci, Casper Van Dien and Christopher Walken! Directed by Tim Burton and score by Danny Elfman! Let’s dig into Sleepy Hollow!
Synopsis
Icabob Crane is sent from New York City to investigate the gruesome deaths that have occurred in the small town of Sleep Hollow. Unable to identify the headless cryptid, many town members pass the killings off to a paranormal entity. The Headless creature is believed to be the ghost of an American revolutionary solider. Though Crane remains doubtful, he is captivated by town local Katrina who seemingly possesses a deep connection to both the spirit world, as well as the Horseman.
Crane must race against the clock as an earnest outsider trying to save the sleepy town from more devastation. But- at the same time, protect his own neck in the process.
Sleepy Hollow currently isn’t on any streaming service, but is available to rent on popular renting services!
Who’s in it?
Much like the rest of his filmography, Tim Burton’s Sleepy Hollow brings together an ensemble of actors. Here are some of the main players in Sleepy Hollow and where you might recognize them from!
Johnny Depp– Johnny Depp has long been a staple in Burton’s work. Some projects the pair have worked on together include Sweeney Todd, Willy Wonka, and Edward Scissorhands. You might also know Depp from his work in Disney film series The Pirates of the Caribbean or Ted Demme film Blow.
Christina Ricci– Christina Ricci is most recognized for her work as Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family and The Addams Family Values. She also starred alongside Cher and Winona Ryder in cult favorite family film, Mermaids. Recently you can find her starring in Showtimes sleeper hit show, Yellowjackets!
Michael Gambon– Michael Gambon is undeniably most recognizable for his work in the Harry Potter film series as Dumbledore. He took over the role in the second installment of the franchise and continued it throughout the series. Additional credits include The King’s Speech, and voice work in the Paddington films.
Casper Van Dien– Casper Van Dien rose to fame in the 90’s after his starring role in cult classic Starship Troopers! He’s found fame in attaching himself to projects that garner a cult following- such as Sleepy Hollow, like Tarzan and the Lost City. With cult films being so much of his career, he also stars in Con Man alongside Aland Tudyk and Nathan Fillion. Con Man makes meta commentary on the cult status of Sci Fi films and is available on prime!
Christopher Walken– Christopher Walken is a deeply beloved American actor known for his quirky takes of the characters he signs on to play paired with his unique speech path. Credits include Batman Returns, The Stepford Wives, Wedding Crashers and Hairspray.
You can find the full cast list of Sleepy Hollow here!
If You Like Sleepy Hollow You Should Check Out
If you’re a fan of Sleepy Hollow definitely check out other Burton/Depp collaborations like Edward Scissorhands or Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Scissorhands features a unique aesthetic and softness to it, compared to most Burton films, whilst still pairing classic elements of horror such as suspense and graphic visuals. Sweeney Todd provides viewers with a different look at Depp, putting him in a starring musical role. The film tells the story of vengeful barber, Sweeney Todd, on his quest to avenge his deceased wife at the hands of the corrupt Judge Turpin. It’s got a little bit of everything- gore, social commentary, music, and Helena Bonham Carter.
How it Ranks as a Horror Film
Obviously, as a movie about a creature slashing off peoples heads, Sleepy Hollow is a horror movie. While we’re not seeing people get gutted on our screens like most contemporary horror, the film does feature gore because, again, at it’s core it is telling the story of chopping people’s heads off. The film is a gothic supernatural horror film, for its dark styling and dealing with unknown/outside forces (The Headless Horseman). Stylistically it much reflects early Gothic literature and plays into archetypes such as the woods, nightime, etc to convey classic Gothic tones.
Meet Sweeney Todd Star Casper Van Dien at Holiday Cosplay Tampa Bay!
You’ll have the chance to meet Casper Van Dien, plus others, at Holiday Cosplay Tampa Bay in Tampa, Florida December 10-11. Holiday Cosplay Tampa Bay is a brand new comic con with a holiday twist! It’s being held at the Tampa Convention Center, the same venue popular cons such as Metrocon and Tampa Bay Comic Con are held at during the summer. Holiday Cosplay Tampa Bay tickets are on sale now for as low as $30.
