​FILMS

legend

2015 review number 150:

Legend: (Drama/Thriller): 73 out of 100: A movie about the notorious Kray twins has already been made and that was back in 1990 which starred the Kemp brothers from music group Spandau Ballet. Like The Krays, Legend details the exploits of the twin crime lords of London during the 1960s. I have seen The Krays but that was 25 years ago and I don't remember much of it. The performances by the Kemps certainly don't match the electrifying dual role performance Hardy gives as the mentally unstable Ronnie and head honcho Reggie.

 

The movie is narrated by Frances (Emily Browning), soon-to-be wife of Reggie (Tom Hardy). Ronnie (Tom Hardy) has just been released from a mental hospital where he has been diagnosed with psychotic tendencies. Reggie is the more stable of the twins but prone to outbursts of extreme violence. He is dashing and debonair, with a penchant for owning nightclubs. Once they have eliminated their opposition led by Charlie Richardson (Paul Bettany), they become the dominant crime figures of London, especially in the East End. Against Ronnie's will, Reggie employs a fixer, Leslie Payne (David Thewliss), who can arrange deals with people like Angelo Bruno (Chazz Palminteri), head of a Mafia family. These deals solidify their position as notorious criminals of the underworld and it's up to people like Detective Chief Superintendent Leonard "Nipper" Read (Christopher Eccleston) to end their reign.

 

Hardy is able to distinguish between the two characters he portrays. With fake nose and glasses, he is able to project Ronnie's child-like tendencies and openly gay pursuits. As Reggie, he is cool and suave unless provoked. Together, they are dynamic in the scenes they 'share'. One scene where they are fighting each other is especially memorable in showcasing the brutality that existed in their lives. The violence doesn't hold back there with numerous scenes of savagery exhibited by not only the Kray twins, but employees and opposition as well.

 

The narration by Emily Browning's character papers over some of the cracks in the story. It's a bit intrusive to have her narrating because she recounts certain events in which she wasn't even part of. Where is the logic in that? Although the story is engaging for the most part, there's a repetition to all the violence that prevents this film from being a great one. Written and directed by Brian Helgeland, there are signs of brilliance for which we expect from someone who wrote the screenplays of Mystic River and L.A. Confidential, but there's also several inadequacies that he demonstrated in films like A Knight's Tale and The Order aka The Sin Eater.

 

The soundtrack provides songs of the era so if you enjoy that type of music, you will appreciate the songs that are either the original version sung by performers in nightclubs. As quite a few of the scenes were shot in the nightclub, it was crucial to get the songs right to add to the mood of the narrative.

 

Those unfamiliar with the East End accent will have to pay close attention to some of the dialogue as it can be difficult to understand at times. When Cockney slang is spoken, that's when you wish that subtitles were provided.

 

Legend is a mostly exciting recreation of the lives led by the Kray twins although it isn't a standout among gangster films. It will be remembered more for the tour de force dual performance by Tom Hardy than the whole movie itself.

 

Starring Tom Hardy, Emily Browning, David Thewliss and Chazz Palminteri

(131 minutes)

Parental advice: Coarse language, violence, sexual references and adult themes

Additional scene during or after credits: No

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ey7S4hko_Mc (Movie trailer)

(Reviewed on Wednesday 7th October, 2015)

 

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