Tim Burton
's
Sleepy Hollow
reunites the distinctive director with his equally noteworthy musical collaborator,
Danny Elfman
. His orchestral score for the film features the mix of darkness and wonder that has graced
Burton
's previous films and other fantasy and horror movies like
Army of Darkness
and
Dolores Claiborne
. Much of
's score is grim and tense, using eerie strings, haunting vocals, and ominous brass and percussion to convey the supernatural suspense of
's version of
Washington Irving
's classic tale. However,
Elfman
also captures the ethereal, romantic side of the story on gentle woodwind and string pieces. A highly dramatic, evocative score,
may or may not be enjoyable listening outside of the film's context, but it definitely adds another level of depth to an already compelling movie. ~ Heather Phares