MOVIE MONDAYS: LEGEND
Emily came back to town more than a few weeks ago to kick-start her last year at university and as we had not seen each other since before summer, we thought what better way to catch up than to go to the cinema and see Legend. So, one lovely Wednesday evening we made our way to a home away from home, brought each other up to speed on all things us and then eagerly entered the cinema to catch the last screening ofLegend.
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Before coming across the poster for this film I had no idea who the Kray twins were but boy did they live a very... interesting life. Tom Hardy's performance as both Ronald and Reggie Kray was phenomenal! And anyone who has watched the film will tell you that it definitely was the highlight of the film.
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Source: © 2015 - Universal Pictures
It is the 1960s in London and twins, Ronnie and Reggie Kray, are looking to make their names known, be respected and climb up the social ranks. This is the story Legend tells. Based on a true story and John Pearson's book 'The Profession of Violence: The Rise and Fall of the Kray Twins' this very dark, engaging film was directed & written by Brian Helgeland (42; Man of Fire; L.A. Confidential) and shed a little light on the alluring but brutal world the Kray twins lived in as gangsters which left me wanting to know more about that era in the UK. One part of the storyline that tickled me was the mention of Nigeria and the plans Ronnie had for it. It took me a while to get the giggles bubbling up inside of me under control so as not to alarm those sat beside me in the cinema. One part of the storyline that let me down ever-so-slightly was that it did not give us enough to go in terms of truly connecting with Frances Shea, despite her being a guiding light in this film. I did enjoy the soundtrack, which had me tapping my toes at times and smiling at the sound of Duffy's beautiful voice, and appreciated the unsuspecting humour which was a helping hand to wade through the blood-thirsty streets this story takes you down. Overall, I do indeed think this film is good and well-made.
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Source: © 2015 - Universal Pictures
I have already hinted at what I thought of Tom Hardy (Mad Max: Fury Road; Locke; The Dark Knight Rises) as both Ronnie and Reggie Kray but it has to be said that his performance as both brothers made you forget that they were not played by different actors. Props to the those involved in making both characters exist on screen so seamlessly as that could not have been too easy to do. Reggie Kray is more personable of the two but just as menacing as his on-another-level brother Ronnie who is just boarder-line psychotic. Frances Shea, a woman with a big heart and a strong desire to leave East London and its violence who caught the eye of Reggie Kray was played beautifully by Emily Browning (Pompeii; God Help the Girl; Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events). I just really wish her character was allowed to develop a bit more. But then I always want to know more than what stories give me so... David Thewlis
(Macbeth; The Theory of Everything; The Fifth Estate) played the role of Leslie Payne, a business-minded sort of man who saw potential in what the Kray twins could achieve. The driven, persistent and eager detective, Read was brought to life by Christopher Eccleston (The Leftovers; Thor: The Dark World; Doctor Who). They all, along with the rest of cast, gave such captivating performances, I found it difficult to not be intrigued by what series of events were to follow next.
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If the chance arises for you to watch Legend and you don't mind a crime thriller with a slight burst of romance, then I say do it. I do not think you will be (too) disappointed.
Mo x