Legend

Legend, directed by stylish visionary Ridley Scott in 1985, is an opulent, visually stunning and quintessentially 80s fantasy that lives up to its lofty title. The movie features a young and effervescent Tom Cruise in one of his earliest roles, a pre-Ferris Bueller's Day Off Mia Sara, and Tim Curry, famous for his iconic roles within the Rocky Horror Picture Show and Pennywise in Stephen King's It, as he delivers a deliciously captivating performance.

Featuring an eerie, ethereal music score by Tangerine Dream, Jerry Goldsmith and Jon Anderson, the movie provides a soundtrack that perfectly complements its mystique and enchantment, adding a layer of depth to the narrative. Its rich visuals are in true Ridley Scott fashion, Love and Darkness, Good and Evil, are a feast for the eyes, with each frame bursting with detail. From the lush forests to the mystical creatures and the gloomy, glimmering underworld, Legend is a testament to the power of imagination.

The plot revolves around the perennial themes of light versus dark, good versus evil, innocence versus corruption. Tom Cruise stars as Jack, our unlikely young hero who lives in harmony with the forest animals. Embodied in typical Cruise fashion as the handsome and heroic figure, Jack is characterized by his goodness, naivety and courage, qualities that lead him straight into the heart of a high stake adventure.

Jack’s love interest is an ethereal princess named Lili, played by the doe-eyed Mia Sara. Living a life of privilege and curiosity, she ventures into the forest where she encounters Jack. Their worlds collide in ways neither of them could have foreseen, and a grand adventure begins.

The antagonist, brilliantly manifested by Tim Curry, is named Darkness. A primordial, demonic villain enveloped in red, Darkness embodies all that is menacing and wicked. Curry's portrayal is both charismatic and terrifying, filling the screen with a malevolent energy that keeps audiences enthralled. Darkness seeks to unravel the natural world order and bring about an everlasting night by attempting to kill the last two remaining unicorns who are the guardians of light.

The epic quest storyline draws heavily from traditional folklore, replete with fairies, goblins, and magical beings, treating viewers to a visually striking fusion of myth and legend. As the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that it’s more than just the usual tale of good versus evil. The script, filled with poetic language and Shakespearean undertones, subtly introduces layers of love, innocence, bravery, and loss into it, adding an emotional depth to the narrative.

The film addresses enduring philosophical themes about duality, the delicate balance between light and dark, and the inherent good and evil that lives in us all. Scott does a commendable job using the fairy tale medium to explore these larger existential questions, creating a complex and layered narrative.

Legend showcases exemplary special effects for its era, which serves to heighten the impact of the visually rich settings and characters. Among the movie's most distinct aesthetic achievements are Rob Bottin's makeup for the villain Darkness and the wonderfully detailed miniatures that depict the magical forest and gothic underworld. These elements reinforce the atmosphere of the fairy tale fantasy, capturing the viewers in its dreamlike charm.

The film garners well-deserved attention for its distinct visual atmosphere that stands out even amongst other fantasy films of the period. Ridley Scott's meticulous attention to detail along with the performances of the lead actors make Legend a cherished example of 80s fantasy cinema.

In the plethora of fantasy films, Legend holds its torch high with its blend of Shakespearean undetones, grandeur of scale, thematic depth, and iconoclast aesthetic appeal. While Tom Cruise went on to manifest his movie star status later in the 80s, his portrayal of Jack in Legend stands as a testament to his versatility. Mia Sara delivers an enchanting performance that does justice to the character's transition from a naive princess to a wiser young woman. However, it is Tim Curry's performance that stole the show, embedding Darkness into the pantheon of unforgettable movie villains.

Despite the passage of time, the allure and magic of Legend have not faded. As it explores the intricate lines between good and evil, light and dark, it remains a visually stunning masterwork of fantasy, a beloved cult classic that invites viewers to get lost in its enchanting, mesmerizing fairy-tale world.