Legend (2015) Review

The 2015 crime thriller Legend, directed by Brian Helgeland, is a fascinating dive into the lives of the infamous Kray twins, Reggie and Ronnie, who ruled the East End of London in the 1960s. Played masterfully by Tom Hardy, the film blends dark humor, violence, and tragedy, offering a compelling if somewhat uneven portrayal of their lives and criminal empire.

The Story

Legend is based on John Pearson’s book The Profession of Violence: The Rise and Fall of the Kray Twins, which chronicles the brothers’ ascent from small-time gangsters to feared mobsters with significant influence. The film focuses on their duality—their contrasting personalities and the dynamic between them—as well as their relationships, particularly Reggie’s romance with Frances Shea (Emily Browning), which serves as the emotional core of the story.

The narrative begins with the Kray twins firmly established in London’s underworld. Reggie, the suave and ambitious brother, runs their operations with charm and intelligence, while Ronnie, unhinged and brutally violent, embodies chaos. Together, they consolidate power by intimidating rivals, striking deals with corrupt politicians, and expanding their empire. However, their volatile relationship and Ronnie’s mental instability threaten to unravel everything.

The story is told from Frances’ perspective, a creative choice that humanizes Reggie and emphasizes the tragic consequences of his life of crime. Her voiceover narration gives the film a melancholic tone, reminding viewers that the glitz and glamour of the Krays’ world come at a heavy price.

Tom Hardy’s Dual Performance

The film’s greatest strength is Tom Hardy’s portrayal of both Reggie and Ronnie Kray. Hardy’s ability to fully embody two distinct characters is astonishing. Reggie exudes charm and a sense of control, with a calm demeanor that hides a ruthless streak. Ronnie, on the other hand, is unpredictable, openly gay in an era when it was taboo, and prone to violent outbursts.

Hardy’s physical transformation for each role is subtle yet effective. Reggie’s sharp suits and measured movements contrast with Ronnie’s bulkier frame, awkward gait, and exaggerated facial expressions. The actor’s ability to seamlessly switch between the two personalities, often in the same scene, is a testament to his talent. One particularly memorable moment is a fight between the twins, where Hardy’s performance is so convincing that it’s easy to forget one actor is playing both roles.

Despite Hardy’s brilliance, the film occasionally struggles to balance its focus between the two brothers. Reggie receives more screen time, which makes sense given his central role in the narrative, but it sometimes feels like Ronnie’s character is underexplored, reduced to a caricature of madness rather than a fully fleshed-out individual.

The Supporting Cast

Emily Browning delivers a strong performance as Frances Shea, providing a lens through which the audience can view the Krays’ world. Her portrayal of Frances’ vulnerability and growing despair is heartbreaking, particularly as she becomes trapped in Reggie’s violent world. However, her character’s arc feels underdeveloped at times, and her narration, while evocative, occasionally veers into overly sentimental territory.

David Thewlis as Leslie Payne, the Krays’ business manager, brings a sense of weary pragmatism to the story. His interactions with the twins, particularly Ronnie, add layers of tension and dark humor. Christopher Eccleston as Detective Leonard “Nipper” Read provides a dogged counterpoint to the Krays, though his role is relatively minor and underutilized.

The Setting and Cinematography

One of Legend’s standout features is its recreation of 1960s London. From the smoky nightclubs to the grimy streets of the East End, the film captures the era with meticulous detail. Cinematographer Dick Pope uses a vibrant color palette to highlight the Krays’ glamorous lifestyle, juxtaposed with darker, more muted tones during moments of violence or despair.

The nightclub scenes, in particular, are visually stunning. They pulsate with energy, showcasing the twins’ charisma and their ability to command a room. These moments of glitz and glamour are underscored by a sense of menace, reminding viewers that the Krays’ world is as dangerous as it is alluring.

Themes and Tone

Legend explores themes of loyalty, power, and the destructive nature of ambition. The relationship between Reggie and Ronnie is at the heart of the film, portraying the complexities of familial bonds. Reggie’s attempts to control Ronnie and maintain their empire are both a source of strength and their ultimate downfall.

The film’s tone is an unusual mix of humor and tragedy. Ronnie’s eccentricities and blunt honesty often provide comic relief, but these moments are tempered by the brutality of the Krays’ actions. This tonal inconsistency can be jarring at times, making it difficult to fully immerse in the story. While the humor adds a layer of entertainment, it occasionally undermines the gravity of the narrative.

The Pacing and Structure

At just over two hours, Legend sometimes struggles with pacing. The first act is engaging, establishing the twins’ empire and their dynamic. However, the second act meanders, with certain subplots—such as Ronnie’s dealings with American mobsters—feeling underdeveloped. The film regains momentum in the third act, but the uneven pacing detracts from its overall impact.

Frances’ narration provides a cohesive thread, but her perspective limits the scope of the story. The focus on her relationship with Reggie, while poignant, sidelines other potentially rich aspects of the Krays’ lives, such as their interactions with rival gangs or their influence on London’s political landscape.

Violence and Morality

As a crime film, Legend does not shy away from depicting violence. The brutality of the Krays’ world is portrayed in graphic detail, from barroom brawls to cold-blooded executions. These scenes are visceral and impactful, serving as a stark reminder of the cost of their power.

However, the film’s moral stance is somewhat ambiguous. While it does not glamorize the Krays’ actions, it also doesn’t fully condemn them. This ambivalence leaves viewers to grapple with their own feelings about the twins, which can be both thought-provoking and frustrating.

Final Thoughts

Legend is a film that thrives on the strength of Tom Hardy’s dual performance. His portrayal of the Kray twins elevates the movie, making it a compelling watch despite its flaws. The film’s rich period detail, dark humor, and exploration of complex relationships add depth, but its uneven pacing and tonal inconsistencies prevent it from reaching its full potential.

For fans of crime dramas and character studies, Legend offers an intriguing glimpse into the lives of two of Britain’s most notorious gangsters. While it may not fully live up to its title, it remains a memorable entry in the genre, driven by Hardy’s tour-de-force performance.