On mounting a rising ground, which brought the figure
of his fellow-traveller in relief against the sky, gigantic in
height, and muffled in a cloak, Ichabod was horror-struck
on perceiving that he was headless!--but his horror was still
more increased on observing that the head, which should
have rested on his shoulders, was carried before him on the
pommel of his saddle!
of his fellow-traveller in relief against the sky, gigantic in
height, and muffled in a cloak, Ichabod was horror-struck
on perceiving that he was headless!--but his horror was still
more increased on observing that the head, which should
have rested on his shoulders, was carried before him on the
pommel of his saddle!
.
~Washington Irving, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
~Washington Irving, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Since so many of you showed up at the manor ball with Johnny Depp, I thought you might enjoy a post on Sleepy Hollow, 1999. Now, this isn't one of my top faves, but it is a classic Tim Burton artistic piece and well worth a watch. It is dark, but also full of comedy and I wouldn't really call it a horror film.As you probably already know, it does veer from Irving's original
story, adding more thrill and mystery to the plot. Depp is absolutely adorable as a fearful Ichabod Crane, who portrays the role of a detective, rather than the lowly school teacher. Christina Ricci's cool portrayal of Katrina gives the character an other- worldly aura, which adds to Burton's palette. There's also some amazing prosthetic heads rolling and quirky Burtonesque gadgets used by Depp to solve the case. Michael Gambon, Jeffrey Jones, and a flamboyant Christopher Walken round out the cast. The film won an Oscar for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, which was indeed well deserved, especially for the fabulous Burton forest, which is actually one huge set. So, since it is the season for the willies, pop some more corn, kick up those woolly socks and enjoy this ghoulish tale!
Willow, your blog is always so informative.
ReplyDeleteThank you ....
As an ancestor of Washington Irving, I'm not extremely fond of the Tim Burton version of this tale, but I do appreciate Burton's wild imagination and creativity. He's made some great films. And of course, I'm an avid Depp fan.
ReplyDeleteOne of my children's favourite films.
ReplyDeleteFirst time on your blog, over from David's, just lovely! How old is your house? Is it the same as in the UK where as lovely as it is to live in, the upkeep and repairs are legendary (rather like the house)..MH
ReplyDeleteI have always enjoyed this film and am a fearful avoider of horror movies, so I would have to agree it's not. All very atmospheric and J-Depp gives a great comedic performance.
ReplyDeleteAnother wonderful Halloweenesque post! I've not seen that version of the movie - and now I must!
ReplyDeleteLynette, you are a descendant of Washington Irving?! How very intriguing! Tell us more! I'm a huge genealogy buff.
ReplyDeleteI agree. This is a terrific film which will hold your interest. It is a film which should not be compared to the original but it stands on its own.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
Come visit anytime,
Troy and Martha
PS: Some Alaska Sunday photos are up today.
It's an exercise in HDR Photography.
.
Lady Willow, thank You for the information... The movie is cute...
ReplyDeleteHalloween is in a week... Brrr...
Have a good night !
Not being a fan of scary movies, I would never have chosen this film except for the brief introduction to it that I saw on cable this past spring. My interest was piqued so I ordered it from Netflix. Johnny Depp's portrayal of Crane was delightful. Nobody infuses quirky characters with likable humanity like him. And Burton's weird and whimsical detective contraptions were intriguing.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is a good little movie, isn't it? Not a fave, but still pretty darn good. That scene in the preview here is creepy with the little child. I'd forgotten that. And Depp is perfect, as is Ricci. An excellent Halloween flick.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds very entertaining...especially since the last Ichabod I watched was from Wishbone the Dog on afternoon PBS tv. :)
ReplyDeleteBetsy I think that's the last version I watched too.
ReplyDeleteI love Johnny Depp and Tim Burton's spin on this. I love the picture with the steampunk specs. :)
Willow,
ReplyDeleteMy last name is Erwin which is derived from the Scottish "Irvine". We hail from the Irvines of Bonshaw and Drum. Both Irving and I are descendants of the Irvines of Drum (William de Irwyn), in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drum_Castle
If you go to my blog you'll see our clan badge on the right. If you click on it, it will take you to a page of history about Drum Castle as well as our clan. :)
ReplyDeleteI don't even remember this film...how odd to have missed a movie with Johnny Depp...
ReplyDeleteI always liked the name Ichabod Crane. Love Johnny Depp!
ReplyDeleteOoh, love Johnny Depp. I've never seen this, and I'll see if I can pick up the DVD. I actually know a man who looked a bit like Icabod Crane, except for the nose. Fussy and particular.
ReplyDeleteThanks Willow.
I have always enjoyed the older cartoon version of The Headless Horseman.
ReplyDeleteGreat post.
Take care,
Doreen
That was a great film...Depp was great as Crane. The suspense/horror genre is not my favorite, but there are exceptional films sometimes, like this one. Happy Days. :o)
ReplyDeleteHello from a Black Book in France and I've seen you on marc aurel's blog as well.
ReplyDeleteAdd me to the list of Johnny Depp fans.
ReplyDeleteYes, Burton is a splendid film maker and spinner of tales.
Oooooh I soooo loved the video clip!
ReplyDeleteThe Legend of Sleepy Hollow was a favorite tale for my Daddy to tell me! He would gather me and several of my equally squeally friends around and scare us to bits with it.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I wasn't thrilled with the Burton version, although I do love the art direction in all his movies.
Happy Monday!
'Ichabod' - I'd never thought about it, but it is a strange name isn't it? - my doctor reminds me of an Ichabod Crane, except he wears his head right atop his shoulders and I prefer it that way.
ReplyDeleteThe Manor is going to be so sparkly when WT arrives! Wish you were here doing my kitchen floor! :)
ReplyDeleteThis is always one of my favourite movies to watch in the fall. I try to see it each year before Haloween. Thanks for reminding me!
ReplyDeleteI read you 'secret' on Elizabeths blog. I had better make sure I put my best pictures in the top 5!!!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I wasn't real thrilled that Burton veered from the original Sleepy Hollow story (one of my fav Halloween stories!). The movie itself was interesting though, if taken as yet another different story. I'm more traditional, I guess. Like the old stuff better.
ReplyDeleteHope y'all are doing well and enjoying nice fall weather. I sure enjoy your blog. I'm going to start 'following' your postings more. CYA! ;o) ♥ ∞
This is one of my favorite films to watch during the month of October. It is quintessential Tim Burton and has all the flairs and attention to detail that I expect from him. Sleepy Hollow is a film I have come to enjoy more and more as I watch it year after year, picking up on little things that I didn't notice before. It is deliciously creepy and is a nice re-imagining of the classic Irving tale.
ReplyDeleteI don't know why I didn't see this film, but not I really want to! I should pick up a copy for the weekend!
ReplyDeleteWillow, because you had this awesome video with Johnny Depp in it, I went to HMV in downtown Toronto and bought the DVD. I'm going to watch it before bedtime tonight.
ReplyDeleteBarbara, get ready for the willies! Heads do roll! :P
ReplyDeleteWe love this movie and bought it this past summer...It's a fun version..
ReplyDelete