In Defense Of: “Legend” (1985)

Every Frame Oozes Fantasy Flair And Style

Despite receiving mixed to middling reviews from film critics at launch, Legend was still nominated for numerous awards, including an Oscar for Best Makeup, along with three BAFTA Award nominations for Best Costume Design, Best Makeup and Best Special Visual Effects, respectably. The film’s cinematography also received a nod from the British Society of Cinematographers as it won its most prestigious Best Cinematography Award.

It’s no real secret, then, that Legend seriously looked the part back in the day. But the real surprise is that its visuals have aged surprisingly well. Like many of Ridley Scott’s other popular movies, such as Blade Runner, Alien or The Martian, Legend is a piece of otherworldly, visionary world-building, something that’s very much the British director’s revered bread and butter.

As opposed to the aforementioned films’ sci-fi settings, Legend is the vision of a different sort of mystical, magical ‘alien’ world, but it still very much feels like a Ridley Scott movie. Its distinct setting, along with its strong visual imagery and identity, is one of the film’s strongest characteristics.

At its core, it’s a pic that’s blessed with some impeccable set design, and incredibly gorgeous cinematography, too. Every frame simply oozes fantasy flair and style, and the imaginative imagery is arguably some of the most iconic in the world of fantasy cinema. No small feat, indeed.