German Expressionism In Sleepy Hollow

Burton’s film Sleepy Hollow is one of the most recognizable examples of modern expressionism that takes inspiration from German films of the twenties. Many of the characteristics associated with German Expressionism are utilized in this movie. It shares the same thematics as many German Expressionist films. In the film the use of abstract sets and lighting is crucial to the tone of the film.

The themes of fear, science and supernatural are also reminiscent of German Expressionism films, especially The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari where a city is terrorised by a seemingly unknown supernatural force but is resolved with science and logic. This is played upon with characters that fear the unknown and overcome their fears by having faith in science

One characteristic prevalent executed throughout the film is the use of chiaroscuro, or use of the contrast between dark and light. The opening scene of the film is a perfect example of this. In the opening scene, the filmmaker uses the contrast of light and dark using lightning. The pursual of the man by the Headless Horseman was made more intense by the use of a dark obscureness that was randomly lifted for a second or two by the flashing lightning. It added to the otherworldly ambiance that is associated with German Expressionism. Another notable instance in which lighting is used is the scene in which the young Killian boy lights a candle a puts it within a special lamp that projects fairytale images upon the walls. The shadow and light projected images add to the eery scene as the young Killian boy’s father fights for his life against the Headless Horseman. The images are of the darker parts of tales - with witches, wolves, and fearsome beings. Another striking scene is when the Headless Horseman’s horse rears its head, standing on its hindlegs as the Horseman raises his axe against the backdrop of the moon, creating a silhouette. It almost resembles a shadow play, which was utilized by a German animator in 1910 to create silhouette animation. This creates a flat, surreal effect to the scene. Thus, you see silhouettes whenever the Headless Horseman makes his