Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and its film adaptation: A comparative analysis

Abstract

This research study comparatively analyzed the film adaptation of Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Numerous adaptations have been created over the years, but this study focused on the 1999 film adaptation directed by Tim Burton. The similarities and differences on the adaptation were identified based on the resemblances and disparities of the plot, characters, setting, theme, point of view of the story. After analyzing the two mediums, it was found out that there were certain changes in the story. The adaptation altered several elements. The plot, point of view, and setting were changed. Some of the characters descriptions were altered in the adaptation and more were added. The time element was also changed. With this study, it is hoped that movie goers will be more open to consider reading the book from where the film is adapted, before watching the movie.