Review of Legend (2015) by Daniel D — 13 Sep 2015

Hardy's performance borders on comical at times, the portrayal of Ronnie Kray in particular descended into the farcical. Helgeland opts for style over substance when approaching this piece, but even the gloss and the glamour of what he imagines 60's London was like, can't atone for the lack of coherent narrative, cringeworthy (at times) dialogue and over use of particular shots. The film felt like a series of violent incidents jumbled together in the hope that a rhythm and story would emerge from the mix. To often the director relies upon tight close up shots to build a sense of tension, but this persistent choice only leads to more.

Important scenes losing an intensity that otherwise would have radiated from the screen. As an audience we are used to seeing Ronnie and Reggie's 'killer stare' so often that by the time the vital moments arrive, the power of these scenes and moments become watered down. A genuinely unsatisfying exploration of the Kray twins, I may give the Kemp brothers effort a watch!