ridley ScottS “Legend”: A Fairy Tale Flawed, Yet Fascinatingly Out of Character
A captivating yet unconventional entry in the acclaimed director’s filmography, Ridley Scott‘s 1985 fantasy “Legend” remains a point of intrigue for cinephiles, standing apart from his more recognizable works like “Alien” and “Gladiator.” The film, starring a young Tom Cruise and Tim Curry, presents a visually stunning but tonally complex fairy tale that suffered a tumultuous post-production, resulting in drastically different cuts for European and U.S. audiences.
The story unfolds in a timeless realm where Princess Lili (Mia Sara),a beacon of purity,finds her idyllic world threatened by Darkness (Tim Curry),a demonic entity persistent to extinguish all light and innocence. He dispatches his goblins to steal the horns of the last unicorns, plunging the land into eternal night. Lili’s love for the forest dweller Jack (Cruise) and her devotion to the unicorns become the focal point of a battle between good and evil, requiring Jack to team up with a band of quirky elves to rescue them.
“Legend” distinguishes itself through its deliberate pacing, a characteristic most apparent in the Director’s Cut. Released in Europe in 1985, this version offers a more expansive and patient narrative compared to the truncated theatrical release that arrived in the U.S. in early 1986. The story behind the differing cuts is now almost as legendary as the film itself. According to accounts, Scott was compelled by the studio to make important alterations before release, a situation mirroring the struggles Terry gilliam faced with his film “Brazil” the same year.
While Gilliam fiercely resisted studio interference, ultimately winning a public battle to preserve his vision, Scott conceded to the studio’s demands. He accepted the suggested cuts, resulting in a U.S. version that contrasts sharply with the longer, and widely considered superior, European cut. both iterations possess strengths and weaknesses, with a key divergence lying in thier respective musical scores.
Visually, “Legend” lives up to expectations from the director of “Alien” and “Blade Runner.” Every frame appears meticulously crafted, evoking the aesthetic of a Thomas Kinkade painting brought to life through a Tolkien-esque lens. One can almost envision the on-set instructions: “Cue the rabbits…cue the birds…and the horses…and the smoke machine…and the butterflies, and the owl!”
The film oscillates between
As Jim Henson demonstrated in “Labyrinth” (1986), it’s crucial to avoid letting supporting elements overshadow the central narrative. regardless of the version viewed, the second act of “Legend” suffers from an excessive amount of sneaking around in the snow.
Before Darkness appears on screen, the film’s makeup effects are already astonishing. The actors deliver expressive performances despite being concealed beneath Rob Bottin’s Oscar-nominated creations. The scenes between sara and Curry are notably elegant, contrasting with the more awkward interactions involving Cruise and the elves. Curry’s portrayal of Darkness, complete with a deep, resonant voice, is reminiscent of the devil from “South Park.” Even more unsettling is Robert Picardo, virtually unrecognizable under layers of makeup as Meg Mucklebones.
“Legend” proves too frightening for young children but too earnest for adult audiences. Scenes of terrified characters being dragged to their doom are particularly disturbing, rivaling the horror found in “Alien” (1979). The film’s original PG rating seems baffling in retrospect. Despite a strong opening at the box office, “Legend” ultimately underperformed in the U.S., prompting scott to shift his focus to contemporary cop thrillers.
A significant flaw in both versions lies in the sluggish pacing of the second act. The initial earnestness gives way to genuine horror, a tonal balance that Peter Jackson would later master in “The Lord of the Rings” series. It’s a flawed film, undeniably, but one that demands to be seen at least once, especially for fans of Scott’s work. The recommendation is to begin with the European version, then revisit it with the 1986 U.S. cut for a comparative experience.
