Sleepy Hollow

Sleepy Hollow is for me, next to Edward Scissorhands, the most visually compelling film from Tim Burton's oeuvre, and one I like to return to once in a while, even though I already know how it ends. It is that exquisite audiovisual execution that draws me to Sleepy Hollow repeatedly. In addition to the stylish sets and grim make-up effects, the film features a stunning musical score by Danny Elfman – the opening sequence alone sends shivers down my spine. Story-wise, the film has some flaws, and as I mentioned before, due to the almost detective plot, it works best on first viewing, yet I can’t give this genre mix with horror and fantasy elements a miss. Last but not least, I have to praise the stellar cast featuring the "fearless" Johnny Depp, the cute Christina Ricci, the bloodthirsty Christopher Walken and the demonic Miranda Richardson. (13/07/2009)

A stylishly polished spectacle, perhaps the most visually interesting piece by Tim Burton. The choice of props and sets, along with the makeup of the actors and the lighting of scenes, intentionally creates an almost theatrical atmosphere, paying homage to the classic horror films of the 1930s. Excellent performances by Johnny Depp, the devilishly repulsive Christopher Walken, and the sweetly fragile Christina Ricci. The charming jokes shamelessly belittle my beloved rational enlightenment and pay tribute to the world of myths and fairy tales. Overall impression: 95%. (07/05/2007)

Watching this movie again brought back some nostalgia, and I vividly recall how much it blew me away on the big screen two decades ago. Not that I didn't enjoy it today, but let's be real – the screen at home just doesn't do it justice. The film's got this awesome dark atmosphere, solid tension, and characters that are both well-written and a bit bizarre – classic Tim Burton just the way I like him. Plus, they nailed it with Christina Ricci in the lead female role. I mean, come on, if you've seen her as Wednesday Addams, you get why she's perfect for these parts. And hey, Miranda Richardson's there too, and I've been a fan for ages. So, despite any flaws, there are a lot of positives here for me. / Lesson learned: Don't lose your head. (27/07/2022)

A purely Tim Burton affair with the usual combination of family/fairytale atmosphere and haunting environment. Against the backdrop of Danny Elfman's enchanting melodies, the viewer is treated to a proper dose of bat and human head chopping, and the resulting great feeling of chills running down the spine, mixed with occasional light-hearted atmosphere in the foreground, featuring the excellent neurotic Johnny Depp. (22/04/2007)

Visually and musically, a breathtaking experience. Burton proves with every shot that in the 1990s there was no one who could adapt the mood of the scenes exclusively to the nature and colours of the environment so thoughtfully. Many of the scenes are absolutely brilliant and the thick atmosphere presses the viewer into their seat, the actors led by the then still likeable Depp, Gambon and the traditionally demonic Walken only accentuate everything good. It's just a pity that the film gradually fits more and more into the box of innocent fable, which by its deliberate expressiveness and self-awareness knocks the otherwise peculiar horror story down a notch from the highest filmmaking league. Still, there has probably never been a better made and more entertaining homage to the scary genre in Hollywood. 85% (19/07/2018)