In Tim Burton's adaption of Washington Irving's "Sleepy Hollow" he incorporated the theme and characters of the story along with bits of minuscule information to match. Tim burton keeps the story line relatively the same with the exception of Icabods profession and how the headless horseman lost his head. He also gave the horseman a new identity, he was a murderous ghost that is summoned by a grduge possessed step mother.
To me Burton is only truly using the names from Irving's story to help I hands the horror effect of his movie. Burton's loose adaption of the film barely related to the story. To begin Icabod was a school teacher who was unattractive and lived pillar to post amongst the village. In Burton's adaption Icabod was a constable who was well respected and attractive. Unlike the story Icabod was more of important role to society. He had purpose but just as all of Burton's main characters his past still haunts him. He was not religious he based his thoughts soley on science. He neglected witchcraft because it reminded him of his mother that was murdered by his father.
The romantic relationship that linked Katrina and Icabod was more serious as well. Katrina was more than just a girl who would be his meal ticket for the rest of his life he deeply cared for her and she did the same for him. She went as far as protecting Icabod from any harm that may come his way. Brom Bones was so insignificant in the film. You almost think. Brom Bones who? Anofher factor Burton inhanced was The Headless Horseman. He have him the persona of a carnage hungry soldier who lost his head by his own sword in defeat
In my opinion Burton made the story so much more worth listening to. He have the story depth and action. By altering the genre and turning it into a murder mystery he opened the door for such a larger audience. In my opinion he helped Washington complete a work of art.
Jacueline, you are kind of confusing with what you want to stay. I'm not sure if you think the movie is actually similar to the short story or if you think they are barely connected? But in my opinion they are very different. Unlike you, I don't think Burton was just trying to enhance a horror film. I just believe that he was making a story that he found very interesting, into something that was his. He changed many things so that he could call it his work. Burton isn't like other producers who will make a movie just the way they were before. He wants to change it to his perspective and make it his own. As for Katrina and Ichabod's relationship, I agree that they really care about each other! But you never said anything about how in the story Katrina made fun of him, just that in the movie they care deeply about each other. Also, I don't agree that Brom Bones is not significant. In the story he is basically the reason that Ichabod left town. And in the movie, because of his arrogance we see that the headless horseman isn't just killing anyone and that he is killing only those of who he has plans to kill. In my opioion Burton isn't just making the movie a horror stroy but as you said he is completing a work of art.
ReplyDelete-Caitlin Wadsworth