Step into a world drenched in glitter, dappled sunlight, and the deepest shadows imaginable. Forget your typical sword-and-sorcery epics for a moment. In 1985, director Ridley Scott, still riding high on the gritty sci-fi triumphs of Alien (1979) and Blade Runner (1982), took a sharp turn into pure, unadulterated fairy tale territory with Legend. It wasn't quite like anything else then, and honestly, it still feels unique today – a film painted with light and shadow, existing somewhere between a dream and a meticulously crafted Renaissance painting brought to life. For many of us discovering it on a worn VHS tape, perhaps rented on a whim based on the cover art alone, it was a visual feast unlike any other.
### A Forest Primeval, A Looming Darkness
The premise is deceptively simple, echoing countless classic myths. Jack (Tom Cruise, remarkably fresh-faced and earnest, pre-superstardom), a forest-dwelling innocent, must save the captured Princess Lili (Mia Sara, in her ethereal film debut) and prevent the demonic Lord of Darkness (Tim Curry, utterly transformative) from plunging the world into eternal night by destroying the last unicorns. Assisting Jack are a band of fae folk – the elf Honeythorn Gump, the mischievous sprites Screwball and Brown Tom, and the grumpy dwarf Oona. It’s pure archetype, less concerned with intricate plot twists and more focused on creating an overwhelming sense of atmosphere. William Hjortsberg's screenplay embraces the tropes, letting the visuals and performances carry the magic.
And oh, those visuals! Legend is arguably one of the most visually stunning fantasy films ever made. Ridley Scott poured his meticulous eye for detail into every frame. The enchanted forest, built entirely on soundstages at Pinewood Studios in the UK, felt impossibly lush and alive – sunlight filtering through ancient trees, pollen floating like fairy dust in the air. It was a world you desperately wanted to step into, teeming with hidden wonders. The sheer artistry on display is breathtaking, even now.
### The Devil's in the Details (and the Makeup Chair)
Of course, you can't talk about Legend without bowing down to Tim Curry's phenomenal portrayal of the Lord of Darkness. Buried under layers of brilliant red prosthetics, massive horns, and hooves – a process reportedly taking over five grueling hours each day – Curry delivered a performance that transcended the makeup. He’s seductive, terrifying, surprisingly charismatic, and utterly magnetic. His booming voice and commanding presence make Darkness one of cinema's all-time great fantasy villains. The sheer physical commitment was immense; stories abound of Curry feeling claustrophobic and having to be carefully cut out of the foam latex suit after long shooting days. It remains a masterclass in creature performance, brought to life by the legendary Rob Bottin (the genius behind the effects in The Thing).
While Cruise is earnest and capable as the heroic Jack, and Sara embodies the naive-yet-curious princess archetype well, it’s Curry who dominates every scene he’s in. The supporting cast of fae creatures, achieved through clever costuming and makeup, add to the film’s otherworldly charm, even if their dialogue occasionally dips into slightly twee territory.
### Trials by Fire and Sound
The production of Legend faced its own epic challenges, mirroring the quest within the film. Most famously, near the end of shooting, the massive forest set built on Pinewood's legendary 007 Stage tragically burned to the ground. Miraculously, no one was seriously injured, but it forced Scott and his team to adapt quickly, filming the remaining scenes on rearranged sections of the surviving set pieces – a testament to filmmaking ingenuity under pressure. The film’s budget ballooned to around $24.5 million, a hefty sum for the time, yet it struggled at the US box office, initially grossing only about $15.5 million domestically.
Perhaps contributing to its lukewarm reception, particularly stateside, was the controversial decision by Universal Pictures to drastically re-edit the film for American audiences. This involved cutting nearly 20 minutes and, most significantly, replacing Jerry Goldsmith's lush, romantic orchestral score with a contemporary electronic soundscape by Tangerine Dream. While the Tangerine Dream score has its own atmospheric merits and fans (it certainly screams '80s!), it undeniably changes the film's tone, making it feel more like a pop fantasy music video at times. Thankfully, Goldsmith's magnificent original score, preferred by Scott, can be heard in the European cut and the later-released Director's Cut (2002), which also restores much of the lost footage and provides a richer, more coherent narrative experience. Finding that version is like discovering a hidden level in a beloved old game.
### A Cult Classic Forged in Light and Shadow
Despite the initial hurdles and mixed critical reactions (many found it beautiful but narratively slight), Legend slowly found its devoted following, becoming a true cult classic through home video – precisely the kind of discovery celebrated here at VHS Heaven. Its influence can be seen in countless fantasy visuals that followed, and its commitment to practical effects and handcrafted artistry feels even more special in today's CGI-dominated landscape. It’s a film that dared to be a pure visual poem, a mood piece steeped in ancient folklore.
Is it perfect? No. The plot is slender, some dialogue feels dated, and the pacing can meander. But its ambition, its breathtaking beauty, and Tim Curry's unforgettable performance elevate it far beyond its narrative simplicity. It captures a sense of wonder and danger that feels genuinely magical. Watching it again is like flipping through a treasured book of fairy tales – familiar, perhaps a little worn around the edges, but still capable of transporting you to another realm.
Rating: 8/10
The score reflects the film's undeniable visual mastery, Curry's iconic turn, and its potent atmospheric spell, acknowledging the narrative thinness and the initial release woes. It earns its points through sheer artistic vision and enduring cult appeal. Legend remains a mesmerizing, if flawed, jewel of 80s fantasy cinema – a dreamlike adventure best experienced when you’re ready to simply get lost in its world.