Legend review: Tom Hardy and Tom Hardy are excellent in this new Krays [comedy] drama from Brian Helgeland.
Legend review
From the co-writer of the classic LA crime movie L.A. Confidential, Brian Helgeland, comes a re-telling of the story of the famous Kray brothers, Ronnie and Reggie. in a bold move, British actor Tom Hardy assumes both roles in the gangster epic Legend, which also stars Christopher Eccleston, Paul Bettany and Australian actress Emily Browning.
Legend is set in mid-1960s London, the city bursting with creativity. The Beatles have taken the pop world by storm, Carnaby Street is swinging its tits off, and the fashion, film and photography worlds have exploded. Helgeland’s film is immersed right in the middle of that world, and concentrates on the Krays at the height of their grip on London where the brothers have transferred from the East End to run clubs in the city’s famous Knightsbridge and Mayfair areas, mingling with celebrities of the day like Frank Sinatra, Barbara Windsor and Joan Collins.
Legend review
Loosely based on the book ‘The Profession Of Violence,’ Helgeland’s story is narrated by Frances Shea (played by Browning), the young girlfriend, and future wife of Reggie (Hardy). The film takes in the story of their courtship, which is glamorously wrapped around the criminal exploits of the infamous brothers throughout the colourful decade. There’s Ronnie (also Hardy), twin brother to Reggie, whose presence throughout plays as almost an almost third-wheel to the young lovers as their relationship develops. As the pair’s reign expands, and the young woman diminishes their bond, a weak link is exposed, which could see their empire collapse.
At the film’s press conference, writer/ director Brian Helgeland describes his Krays story as an almost truth; something of a ‘middle-ground’ between the events that actually happened, and the many, slightly exaggerated stories that have evolved of the infamous brothers as the last fifty-plus years have passed.
Legend review
What grabs you initially is the tone of the film. This really isn’t a gritty gangster film hat you may have expected it tobe. No, it plays very differently, almost like a comedy, and it has its audience in fits of giggles throughout. Helgeland approaches the narrative in a very unique way, tipping a hat more to American gangster films rather than dirty East-End movies. There’s even a massive nod to the famous Copacabana sequence from Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas early on in the movie, where Browning’s Frances and Reggie go on their first date to one of his clubs. A subtly, unobtrusive touch.
The film is bright and colourful, very much like the brothers’ life as it evolved from the tough streets of East London to their celebrity-like status as they moved into the West End and beyond. Dick Pope’s cinematography is magnificent, and a world away from his work with Mike Leigh. London is portrayed in the way it should be in the 1960s. It’s not at all bleak, and moves at a swift pace through its hefty 130 minute-plus running-time, Hardy dominating from the off playing expertly the two roles with ease and with very little CGI involved; the show-stopper being a bloody fist fight between the two brothers near the end of the second reel.
Legend review
Assisted with great support from Browning as the doomed future Mrs Kray, and Christopher Eccleson as the relentless Scotland Yard detective Nipper Read, intent on bringing the brothers down. There’s also a great turn from David Thewlis who plays the sleazy, suited brief Leslie Payne, the catalyst of the Krays ultimate downfall. Keep an eye out for brief, almost extended cameos from a menacing Paul Bettany as gangland rival Charlie Richardson, and a brilliant, and very missed Chazz Palminteri as American gangster Angelo Bruno.
Legend is an expertly directed, well-written affair full; a nostalgic trip to a land that no longer exists. This is undoubtedly Hardy’s film, and he’s excellent through; almost one of him present in every scene. Ignore the gimmick of him playing dual roles as there’s so much goodness on offer here from this acting master class with the young actor channelling a matinee idol as Reggie, and a psychotic killer as Ronnie. Chances are, you’ll forget that its him playing both ten minutes in anyway. He’s that good.
Definitely the best Krays movie. A lighter, though still rather graphic retelling of their story. One not to be missed…
Legend review by Paul Heath, September 2015.
Legend is released in UK on Wednesday 9th September, and US cinemas on October 2nd.
