Week One: Writing Assignment

There are many instances where the gothic has pervaded our popular culture. In fashion, film, literature, and music, the gothic has it's niche. In this particular instance, I will be talking about Tim Burton's Sleepy Hollow. 

This film is an adaptation of Washington Irving's famous gothic story of the same name. Tim Burton has a very distinct style of filmmaking. All of his films have a pervasive gothic tone. His use of color, or lack thereof I should say, focus, lighting, and subject matter all combine to create very gothic films. And Sleepy Hollow is a perfect example of Burton's gothic imagery. 

To begin with, Sleepy Hollow opens as a mystery. The character Ichabod Crane moves to the town of Sleepy Hollow to investigate a string of strange murders. The town itself and the nature of the investigator's visit immediately create a gothic atmosphere. The foggy weather and creepy forest only assist in setting this tone. As Crane begins his investigation, he is warned about the strange myth surrounding the town involving the 'Headless Horsemen'. Omens, curses, and myths are huge components of gothic literature and film. It only helps that the myth that is conveyed to the character is incredibly supernatural. The ghoulish imagery of a headless rider galloping through a dark and stormy night immediately creates a surreal and gothic experience for the audience. The same imagery terrifies the residents of the town. At one point, one of the important townsmen hangs himself in fear of the mysterious rider. As the film continues the characters radiate feelings of the gothic: loneliness, sorrow, tragedy, and distress. Crane is an outsider in a town where his probing investigation is unwelcome. 

To continue, partway through the movie the romantic interest, Katrina, has her mother and father tragically killed by the hands of the horseman, leaving her alone. In the end, it is reveled that Katrina's mother is truly the one that is controlling the horseman and causing the deaths of the townsfolk. This villainous act forces the cunning Crane to confront the horseman and break the curse. The movie ends with the Horseman ushering the villain into the depths of hell. All of these elements and events create a new piece of classic gothic horror. Burton's has a keen eye for the gothic, which allows him to make traditional gothic stories. No modern director can do gothic like Tim Burton.