The Sleepy Hole episode of WTF Occurred to This Horror Film? was Written by Ric Solomon, Narrated by Travis Hopson, Edited by Victoria Verduzco, Produced by Andrew Hatfield and John Fallon, and Government Produced by Berge Garabedian.
Again in 1820, writer Washington Irving created a brief story entitled The Legend of Sleepy Hole. It delivered to life the haunting character of The Headless Horseman. This legendary story would change into the stuff of nightmares and scare folks of all ages. So what was the subsequent smartest thing to do? That’s proper…adapt it right into a film! And never simply any film… we’re speaking about Disney’s The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (Document Scratch)…Sorry I meant Tim Burton’s 1999 Horror movie Sleepy Hole (watch it HERE). Of all of the diversifications to launch, this one is the proper model. So why and the way did this get made? And the way on Earth did Tim Burton find yourself directing this gothic masterpiece? Let’s discover out on WTF Occurred To This Horror Film.
In 1993, screenwriter Andrew Kevin Walker developed a script based mostly on Washington’s quick story. The script caught the eye of producer Scott Rudin. Rudin optioned the challenge to Paramount Footage with Kevin Yagher, a make-up results designer and half adapter of the screenplay, to direct the image. Paramount disagreed and demoted Yagher’s involvement to prosthetic make-up designer.
Leap ahead to 1998, Paramount’s then CEO Sherry Lansing revived the curiosity in bringing Sleepy Hole to life. Adam Schroeder, a film producer, had shepherded Burton’s basic Edward Scissorhands, and stated he was excellent for the job. Burton, after coming off the troubled manufacturing of Superman Lives, was employed to direct the movie. Tim Burton has typically been drawn to darkish and fantastical tales, and his distinctive visible model has made him a outstanding filmmaker within the realm of gothic and macabre cinema. “The Legend of Sleepy Hole” had all the time intrigued Burton as a result of its mix of horror, thriller, and folklore. He was significantly occupied with exploring the Headless Horseman character and the eerie environment of Sleepy Hole. Burton would go on to say that Sleepy Hole is a homage to Hammer Movie Productions comparable to Frankenstein, Bride of Frankenstein, Jason and the Argonauts and Scream Blacula Scream.
Tim introduced Andrew Kevin Walker to work on the rewrites of the script, however Scott Rudin would counsel that Tom Stoppard rewrite the script so as to add to the comical features of Ichabod’s mannerisms and emphasize the character’s romance extra.
Now onto casting. As we’ve all come to know, Johnny Depp is Tim’s first selection as a male lead, and as so, he was the person! Paramount begged Tim to contemplate others comparable to Brad Pitt, Liam Neeson and Daniel Day Lewis. Burton solely needed Johnny, and this could be their third collaboration collectively. After studying Stoppard’s rewrites, Johnny needed to vary Ichabod’s character and make him a fragile and fragile individual. He didn’t need Ichabod to be some motion star swooping into city to save lots of the day. The remainder of the forged included, Jeffery Jones, Christopher Walken, Martin Landau, Christina Ricci, Michael Gambon and Miranda Richardson.
In regard to filming, the manufacturing’s finances was $30 million and was to predominantly be shot in England. That’s the place Burton shot Batman, and he agreed to movie there. Manufacturing started on November 20, 1998, at Leavesden Movie Studios, which had simply wrapped manufacturing on Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. A lot of the manufacturing befell right here, however filming for the large Tree of the Useless set was shot at Shepperton Studios. Manufacturing then moved to the Culden Faw Property, Hambleden, for a month-long shoot in March of 1999. The city of Sleepy Hole was constructed there. Filming continued by April and a few final minute scenes have been shot unsing a sound stage in Yonkers, New York in Could.
Tim Burton’s distinct visible model was delivered to life by elaborate manufacturing design, gothic costumes, and atmospheric lighting. Cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki labored intently with Burton to seize the movie’s darkish and eerie ambiance. Manufacturing Design was performed by Rick Heinrichs who helped created the supernatural really feel to the movie. Heinrichs was additionally influenced by American colonial structure, German Expressionism and Dr. Seuss illustrations.
One sound stage at Leavesden was devoted to the Forest to the Discipline set. This scene is the place the Headless Horseman races out of the woods and right into a subject. This stage then was remodeled right into a graveyard, corn fields, a churchyard, and a snowy battlefield. I assume you possibly can say they bought their cash’s value with this sound stage.
When time got here for post-production, Industrial Gentle & Magic would take the helm. There have been 150 visible results that the group was concerned with, whereas Kevin Yagher would supervise the human and creature results. Framestore additionally assisted on the visible results and The Mill dealt with movement management pictures. Burton opted to make use of as restricted numerous digital results as doable. For the headless horsemen digital results to work, stuntman Ray Park wore a blue ski masks for chroma key impact so ILM may digitally take away his head. Burton labored with editor Chris Lebenzon to form the ultimate narrative and pacing of the movie. They crafted the tense and atmospheric tone, balancing horror, thriller, and darkish humor. The movie’s sound design performed an important function in making a haunting environment and Danny Elfman composed the rating, which added depth and emotion to the scenes.
The plot of Sleepy Hole is about within the late 18th century and follows Ichabod Crane, a New York Metropolis constable with progressive investigative strategies. Crane is distributed to the secluded city of Sleepy Hole, the place a sequence of mysterious decapitations have terrorized the neighborhood. The victims are believed to have been slain by the legendary Headless Horseman. Crane, a skeptic who believes in scientific reasoning, turns into embroiled within the superstitious world of Sleepy Hole. As he delves deeper into the case, he meets Katrina Van Tassel, the gorgeous daughter of a rich native household, and develops emotions for her. Crane’s investigation leads him to uncover darkish secrets and techniques, hidden identities, and an internet of betrayal throughout the city. As he encounters the ghostly Headless Horseman and witnesses his relentless pursuit, Crane struggles to resolve the thriller and convey justice to Sleepy Hole.
Sleepy Hole was launched on November 17,1999 within the yr most individuals say is the best yr for films. The movie was a industrial success, grossing over $206 million worldwide towards a manufacturing finances of round $100 million. It carried out nicely on the field workplace, interesting to audiences with its mix of horror, thriller, and Tim Burton’s distinct visible model. The movie obtained favorable critiques from critics, who praised its visuals, performances, and Burton’s path. Some critics have identified that the movie depends closely on its visuals and magnificence, typically on the expense of a extra compelling narrative. Nevertheless, opinions on movies are subjective, and totally different people might have various tastes and preferences. The atmospheric gothic aesthetic and darkish humor resonated with many reviewers. Johnny Depp’s portrayal of Ichabod Crane was significantly acclaimed for its quirky and eccentric allure. It was additionally well-received by audiences, with many embracing its mixture of horror, fantasy, and darkish comedy. The movie’s distinctive visible model and Burton’s distinctive storytelling appealed to his fan base and attracted new viewers.
Sleepy Hole obtained recognition through the awards season. It was nominated for 3 Academy Awards: Finest Artwork Path (which it gained), Finest Cinematography, and Finest Costume Design. The movie’s visually gorgeous manufacturing design, intricate costumes, and atmospheric cinematography have been extensively acknowledged. The movie was additionally nominated for 3 BAFTA awards and profitable two for Finest Manufacturing Design in addition to Finest Costume Design. It was a favourite on the Blockbuster Leisure Awards profitable for Favourite Actor, Actress and Favourite Supporting Actress as nicely.
Paramount Residence Video launched Sleepy Hole on DVD and VHS on Could 23, 2000. Earlier than Blu-ray was the selection for high-definition residence media, Paramount would get caught within the craze of HD DVD and launched it on this format in 2006. Paramount got here to their senses and would launch movie on Blu-ray in 2008. For its twentieth Anniversary, Paramount launched a Blu-ray digibook with a photobook containing the unique story on September 24, 2019. And since that is such a beloved and celebrated movie, on September 5, 2023, Paramount will launch the movie on 4K in addition to a separate 4K metal e-book. As you possibly can see, there are lots of methods to view this movie in each normal and high-definition format. Or, if that isn’t vital to you, there’s all the time streaming providers to select from.
Through the years, Sleepy Hole has maintained a robust following and continues to be appreciated for its atmospheric visuals, memorable characters, and gothic tone. It has change into a cult favourite amongst followers of Tim Burton’s work and gothic horror. It’s one in every of my favourite movies by the skilled director. Should you grew up within the 90’s, you’d completely put Tim on the prime of your listing as probably the greatest administrators. Whereas it will not be Beetlejuice or Edward Scissorhands, it’s definitely one in every of Tim’s greatest, particularly within the horror style and continues to be a fan favourite over 20 years later.
Sadly, Paramount is within the works of rebooting the basic movie with Lindsey Beer each writing and directing it. Will this reboot show to be pretty much as good as Tim’s gothic horror film? Will Johnny Depp’s substitute have the identical charisma? Will Christina Ricci play a legacy character? Solely time will inform.
In abstract, Sleepy Hole was each a industrial success and obtained constructive critiques. Its visually placing manufacturing design, fascinating performances, and Burton’s distinct directorial model contributed to its enduring recognition amongst audiences and solidified its place as a notable entry in Tim Burton’s filmography.
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