There seem to be two opinion camps when it comes to this movie. Either you haven't read the original story and love Tim Burton's hot mess, or you love how close this is to the original but acknowledge it's pretty slow. I obviously am in the second group. This is actually a tie for my favorite version, along with the Jeff Goldblum one, mainly because I think Goldblum is the absolutely best Ichabod. But with that version, you get super kitschy, hyper seventies.
I would love to see the original script for this version. This writer worked on the 1985 Anne of Green Gables and this production is very close to that vibe, albeit with a much smaller budget. I love the more accurately historical atmosphere they are going for. Also the scenery, the costumes, and casting are excellent. I love the idea of opening the movie with the group in the tavern passing on the story to Washington Irving. That part is straight out of the Shire in the LOTR movies. My quibble is that I just get the feeling Katrina was supposed to be more of the lead and Brom was to be more of a romantic hero. But either the director or the suits said "No no no! Ichabod has to be the main character. And also this can't be remotely scary to children." Changes were made. And it really hurt the movie.
True to the original, this Ichabod is a pompous fool, a satire, and you're supposed to be happy he gets what's coming. Brent Carver is playing that guy exactly and he's really good at it. Unfortunately most of the satire and comedy has been dulled, and you're left with this unsympathetic guy as your main focus. To top it off, the director or editing has unfortunately left us with zero suspense and creep factor to energize the audience.
I do love the how Rachelle Lefevre as Katrina actually seems like a girl in her late teens and Brom not much older. In many other versions, they're way too old. I love that we get real character actors in all the other rolls as opposed to slick Hollywood/Hallmark Channel types. I feel that this movie wants so much for Katrina to be more of a main character. We need more of how she's ready for marriage and frustrated that Brom won't settle down and stop carousing. She's momentarily interested in Ichabod but quickly figures him out, but then use him to make Brom jealous. She's the sympathetic, likable character the story is missing as an anchor. I'm not talking making this into a chick flick. Just very few tweaks. Also maybe slightly more time emphasizing how the locals are infecting superstitious, neurotic Ichabod's head with tales of the Horseman, and then Brom noticing and using it as his advantage for playing his pranks. You also could develop Brom just a bit more since you do really do instantly like him when he meets Ichabod. He's capable at his job and sizes Ichabod up instantly. He's just immature. Then his jealousy drives him to finally grow up and get married. The movie really sets you up to be satisfied when Katrina gets her happily ever after.
The bones are all there for a great version of this legend. But again, it just seems like someone insisted the focus had to be all on comic villain Ichabod and diminish everything else, including the idea this is supposed to be a little scary with a dramatic ending. I live in hope someday, someone will make the definitive version. Until then, I still love watching this every Halloween.
I would love to see the original script for this version. This writer worked on the 1985 Anne of Green Gables and this production is very close to that vibe, albeit with a much smaller budget. I love the more accurately historical atmosphere they are going for. Also the scenery, the costumes, and casting are excellent. I love the idea of opening the movie with the group in the tavern passing on the story to Washington Irving. That part is straight out of the Shire in the LOTR movies. My quibble is that I just get the feeling Katrina was supposed to be more of the lead and Brom was to be more of a romantic hero. But either the director or the suits said "No no no! Ichabod has to be the main character. And also this can't be remotely scary to children." Changes were made. And it really hurt the movie.
True to the original, this Ichabod is a pompous fool, a satire, and you're supposed to be happy he gets what's coming. Brent Carver is playing that guy exactly and he's really good at it. Unfortunately most of the satire and comedy has been dulled, and you're left with this unsympathetic guy as your main focus. To top it off, the director or editing has unfortunately left us with zero suspense and creep factor to energize the audience.
I do love the how Rachelle Lefevre as Katrina actually seems like a girl in her late teens and Brom not much older. In many other versions, they're way too old. I love that we get real character actors in all the other rolls as opposed to slick Hollywood/Hallmark Channel types. I feel that this movie wants so much for Katrina to be more of a main character. We need more of how she's ready for marriage and frustrated that Brom won't settle down and stop carousing. She's momentarily interested in Ichabod but quickly figures him out, but then use him to make Brom jealous. She's the sympathetic, likable character the story is missing as an anchor. I'm not talking making this into a chick flick. Just very few tweaks. Also maybe slightly more time emphasizing how the locals are infecting superstitious, neurotic Ichabod's head with tales of the Horseman, and then Brom noticing and using it as his advantage for playing his pranks. You also could develop Brom just a bit more since you do really do instantly like him when he meets Ichabod. He's capable at his job and sizes Ichabod up instantly. He's just immature. Then his jealousy drives him to finally grow up and get married. The movie really sets you up to be satisfied when Katrina gets her happily ever after.
The bones are all there for a great version of this legend. But again, it just seems like someone insisted the focus had to be all on comic villain Ichabod and diminish everything else, including the idea this is supposed to be a little scary with a dramatic ending. I live in hope someday, someone will make the definitive version. Until then, I still love watching this every Halloween.