Review of Legend (1985) by Allan C — 22 Mar 2014

Ridley Scott's "Legend" has really grown on me over the years, while my dislike of Tom Cruise has increased as well. I wasn't a fan of cruise at the time and he seems even more bizarre now, but seeing him such a non-typical role in a fantasy film, almost made me forget it's him.

But Cruise aside, this film is visually an absolutely amazing film. If this film were made today, it would be filled with "Avatar" like CGI, but this film's use of real sets and practical special effects goes a LONG WAY in creating a real flesh and blood fantasy world.

The story (which is the weak point of the film) is a dark fairy tale involving unicorns, fairies, goblins, monsters, virgins, devils and other assorted forest folk. Cruise is a boy of the forest who must stop a devil-like creature from destroying light and creating eternal night by marrying virginal Mia Sara.

There's a terrific supporting cast of character actors that includes Tim Curry as Darkness, David Bennent, Billy Barty, and Robert, Picardo adn Meg Mucklebones, But the real star of the film is the production design and photography by Alex Thompson.

The film is a visual fest that make for a rich enough experience that it overcomes that stiff and mannered dialogue (though that may have been intentional). While not based upon any one particular fairy tale, the film touches upon enough fairy tales, fables and folklore that it really does feel like an epic retelling of the dark original versions of these sorts of stories, as opposed to the sanitized Disney versions.

And to clarify for anyone wondering, I watched the very short theatrical version. I do prefer the longer 113 minute director's cut with the Jerry Goldsmith score, though the Tangerine Dream score isn't all that bad either, though prog rock does feel out of place at times.

Overall, "Legend" surpasses most modern films for lavish visuals, which makes it well worth revisiting despite it's flaws.