Sleepy Hollow - Tim Burton


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Introduction

This review is written in an attempt to determine the German Expressionistic elements found in Sleepy Hollow directed by Tim Burton in 1999. The theory to use is semantic/syntactic approach to genres. 

Theory Discussion

Semantic approach which is related to the visual aspects of the film determines the German Expressionistic elements in the film such as Gothic settings with dramatic shadows, unnatural acts of characters as well as realities in the film. 

In terms of Syntactic approach which is the thematic aspects of the film, revolt, madness, self-analysis, primitive, and sexual savagery determines the German Expressionistic elements in the film. 

Synopsis

Ichabod Crane is sent to Sleepy Hollow to investigate a series of bizarre murder cases where the heads of victims cannot be found at the scene. Ichabod does not believe in the locals when they tell him that the murderer is actually a headless horseman, he begins his investigation as he only believes in science and facts. 

 During the investigation, he finally sees the headless horseman with his own eyes but he still insists there must be cause and effect behind all these cases. He finds out about the truth behind the witchcraft and headless horseman. He finally solves the case when the headless horseman gets back his skull and return to his grave. 

Analysis

In order to express German Expressionistic elements in this film, high contrast visuals could be seen thru lighting and settings of the filming set. There were also high contrast lighting in shots with thunders and lightnings in the film to create stronger effects when the plot is getting more intense. 

In terms of revolt, the main character, Ichabod Crane insisted to use scientific method to deduce crimes, hence it was about him versus the New York states. Besides, there was also witchcraft as an act of revolt against the legal system in the film.

About self-analysis, there was a part where Young Masbeth decided to follow Ichabod Crane after his father died. He was shown having some self-reflection time near the grave of his father before deciding it. 

For madness, there's a scene where the Stepmother took revenge by killing people via the headless horseman. Besides, Ichabod's father also expressed madness by killing Ichabod's mother when he was young because she was accused as a witch back then.

Conclusion


In conclusion, Sleepy Hollow expressed German Expressionistic element very well in terms of visual aspects and thematic aspects shown in the film. 


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