This is the latest version of Washington Irving's short story, and has a suspicious nineties twist to it.
It was written by Andrew Kevin Walker.
Ichabod Crane is now a New York pathologist, versus a school teacher, and is out to investigate some mysterious beheadings in a small town called Sleepy Hollow. Ichabod was forced into this small town because his 'crazy' scientific methods on policing were getting on the last nerves of all of his superiors back in New York. They figure that this is the best way to get rid of him without making it look like that's what they're trying to do.
When he arrives in Sleepy Hollow, he learns that everyone in the town believes that it's a Hessian ghost that's taking the heads. Crane is determined now to prove the town as well as his superiors back in New York that there is a scientifically valic explanation for the deaths, and he will not only prove that it is a flesh and blood person committing them, but he will also find the culprit and bring him back to New York for justice to be served.
At first, I was afraid to see this film because I hate gore. Just by seeing the trailer I could tell that this would be no Disney movie. But I was in for a pleasant surprise. Yes, the Headless Horseman does cut off heads; he's the Headless Horseman, that's what he does. But there is not much gore or blood to be seen. The Horseman's blade is hot (they say because it is from the fires of Hell) so the wounds immediately are bound and do not bleed.
All in all, I was pleasantly surprised by this film and found it to be actually very well done. Johnny Depp did a wonderful job portraying the odd but lovable Ichabod Crane, and Christina Ricci was the wonderfully eerie object of his affection. I strongly recommend seeing this film.
WARNING!!!!!! Though I tried to avoid to do so at too much of an extent, when writing the character bios I gave away some of the major plot points. Do not read these if you intend on seeing the movie and you want to be surprised.
The Hunted
Ichabod Crane
Katrina VanTassel
Young Masbeth
The Dead
