Looking at literature through a director's critical camera lens is an effective way to view a piece of literature as well as history. Through a visual adaptation of Washington Irving's "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow", Tim Burton takes on the challenging task of effectively entertaining an audience as well as retelling a part of history. Burton tries to recapture Irving's story by combining the physical surroundings of the 18th century with the element of Hollywood. Burton's interpretation works adequately in various parts of the movie but eventually takes on a life of its own by the grandiose scene of Hollywood. This portrayal of literature neglects the literary but does attempt to situate the audience historically.
             Icabod Crane, characterized by Irving as a "tall, but exceedingly lank, with narrow arms and legs, hands that dangled a mile out of his sleeves" (950) dramatically changes in Burton's representation. Burton utilizes the popular young handsome face of Johnny Depp. The identity of Crane drastically changes as this element of Hollywood inserts itself, creating a barrier in portraying Irving's story accurately. The lead male, Depp, enters the town of Sleepy Hollow, not like the lanky man Irving portrays, but exuding professionalism and expecting respect from the townspeople. Although Crane is inaccurately cast, the character of Katrina Van Tassel played by Christina Ricci, is similar to Irving's description. Irving writes Katrina "was a blooming lass of fresh eighteen...and rosy-cheeked" (1288). Throughout the film her character consistently looks like a person who could have lived in the 18th century.
             Along with the character of Katrina Van Tassel, the environment in which Burton chooses to set the film does represent a true depiction of a small town. The greenery, the houses, the music, the parties, and the government all display interesting par...