Sleepy Hollow (Sci-fi - Mystery Horror) - Jonathan

Sleepy Hollow is 'retro future' styled; Sci-fi mystery horror film. It correlates with many codes and conventions typical of a Sci-fi movie, such as the 'steampunk' influence for mise en scene and the set, the use of Sci-fi gadgets and tools that appear futuristic especially in contrast to the era the film is set in, the fantasy element of having a mythological headless antagonist, the use of a dark and exaggerated colour design throughout, the use of cuts and transactions such as mid cuts and low angle shots to emphasise characters physiques and to attempt to hide the headless horsemen from the audience from being viewed from a higher angle. This use of the codes and conventions makes this movie very fantasy orientated but at the same time retain a large influence from the hybrid mystery horror genre, it is because of this combination of genres that the film is allowed to reach a larger audience. The use of 'steampunk' fashion and set design is also very aesthetically pleasing and interesting for the audience to watch due to its uniqueness and rarity in (relatively) big budget productions. The mythical and supernatural aspects of this film is also very engaging as its use of fantastical characters who are well renowned (the headless horseman) means the film is more likely to already have a cult fan base which means it has its basis for a target audience.



As shown in the above clip the atmosphere and use of low angle and close up shots appear to challenge the codes and conventions of the Sci-fi genre as they communicate more of a retro, period drama or horror thriller tone. Yet this combined with the use of authentic steampunk misé en scene (clothing/make up and character design for the Hessian) works well as the hybrid genre is mixed. The dark lighting in the indoor scene as well as the chilling and eerie outdoor set also seem to challenge these codes and conventions of the Sci-fi genre.

But this opposition is what makes the movie unique, the dark macabre horror elements are combined with the supernatural (the headless horseman) this gives a very centred Sci-fi movie darker qualities and allows it to use the codes and conventions associated with these genres swell while still retaining agreement with the codes and conventions of the Sci-fi genre.

The movie is set in the past with almost authentic sets and character costumes but with a retro future influence as well, the social groups presented are the rich and wealthy to the middle class as well as law enforcement, the military and mercenaries and outcasts such as the twins. While the majority of social groups presented may not be directly relateable the class divide is, so is the divide between the educated Mr. Crane and the inhabitants of Sleepy Hollow, there is an eeriness about this and the unfamiliarity of this for the audience is what makes this movie so alluring to watch. The wealthy appear to have an excess of power and choose to abuse it similar to how many modern movies present the wealthy.












The opening of sleepy hollow is similar to the overall atmosphere of the movie, in terms of cuts, colour and set design as well as costumes and lighting, it has both Sci-fi and mise en scene influences. Some of these are evident by the above screenshot of the horseman drawing his sword whilst riding horseback.


This film was also distributed by Paramount pictures, a well known company, this was a smart tactic because this allowed the movie to reach a much larger audience while still retaining its fan-base. The age rating for this film varies greatly between countries, ranging from 12A, PG-13 to R. This is due to its fairly graphic use of gore and violence. Yet there is only a minor use of strong language and sexual content, this is possible an attempt to try to reach a younger audience. The use of well renowned actors such as Johnny Depp and Christopher Walken also increases the likelihood of the film reaching a larger audience. The use of great sound design is also a pivotal part in capturing the audiences attention as it makes the film appear more professional and the exaggeration at points namely when the horsemen is drawing his sword seems to be conventionally Sci-fi.

The audience can expect to see a steampunk styled horror Sci-fi movie with supernatural influences. The post production advertising highlighted these factors of the movie for the desired audience.