The first time I really noticed Tom Hardy was in a crackling film entitled Bronson. He was so convincing in that movie, so magnetic that I went back and found him in previous movies that I had seen already and had no idea he was in like Star Trek: Nemesis and Black Hawk Down. His range was dynamic and his talents were so undeniable that I became a Hardy fan. I didn't think he'd be able to top himself after seeing this years Mad Max: Fury Road but it was his performance in that film that compelled me to see Legend. The movie is about the Kray twins, Ronald and Reginald who were gangsters back in 60's England. Reggie was the somewhat more level headed of the two, who saw himself initially as a businessman rather than a gangster. Ronald was the beast, a man prone to sudden acts of violence and anger so profound that you never knew what might set him off, a man who embraced the word gangster. Hardy captured these two distinct personalities in such grand ways that you cease to see him and instead you see the twins. It was, without any subterfuge an epic performance and one that will be talked about for years to come. That's not to say the movie was perfect, there were some holes in the story and a lot of underdeveloped characters buzzed around the twins but since Hardy dominates the screen in a myriad of ways (even his walk is a character) then you may find yourself not really caring about the Krays crew.
Now believe it or not there was some serious talent in this movie alongside Tom. Emily Browning plays Frances, the wife of Reggie, David Thewlis plays Leslie Payne, the Krays business advisor and money launderer, Chazz Palminteri plays Angelo Bruno, the middle man between the Krays and Meyer Lanski. Paul Bettany makes a frightening and funny appearance as does Sam Spruell who plays Jack "The Hat" McVitie. Taron Egerton, fresh off his turn as Eggsy in Kingsman also makes as much of his secondary character Mad Teddy Smith as possible. It's a talented lot to put it mildly but they all take a backseat to the man. If you are not a Tom Hardy fan, first I ave to ask, what in the hell is wrong with you? Secondly do NOT see this movie as he's in virtually every shot being smug and menacing. I won't give any of the plot away (especially since you can read up on the Krays on their Wikipedia page for yourself) but Brian Helgeland's screenplay was adapted from John Pearson's book The Profession of Violence and if it's anything like the movie, it's a must read.
I've never been to London but I doubt any sets had to be built for Legend. Shot entirely in the UK I would imagine the hardest thing to come by production wise were the cars. The costume designers did an excellent job of dressing one man two different ways in order for him to portray two different personlities. I'm sure some pieces had to be made but it wouldn't surprise me if most of the clothes were purchased from second hand shops. Legend's look was also crafted by Oscar nominated cinematographer Dick Pope. The framing, the camera movement and placement were perfect and made you feel like you were very much a part of the action. The score by Carter Burwell was a jazzy soundtrack which surprisingly fit perfectly alongside the pop songs of the day. It was a nice light touch. I highly recommend Legend to everyone. It will convert you into a Tom Hardy fan if you aren't one by now and if you are a Hardy fan, than this is your early Christmas gift. Enjoy and I'll see you at the theater.
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