In Defense Of: “Legend” (1985)

It’s Dark And Gritty, But In A Really Good Way

CGI and green screen special effects were starting to become in vogue in the 80s. Though they were only beginning to find their footing in movies like 1982’s Tron and 1985’s Young Sherlock Holmes, Legend decided to follow the more traditional practical effects route. Thankfully, there’s virtually zero CGI in the whole film and as a result, its emphasis on practical makeup and special effects is a massive boon to modern eyes, and helps the feature to age more gracefully when compared to its more green screen-focused brethren.

Not only have its practical special effects aged well, but its dark and gritty tone has, too. Compared to its other genre kinship, like Labyrinth or Willow, Legend has a much more adult and darker tone that helps differentiate itself from the glossier, more family friendly fare of the era.

I’d even go as far as describing Legend as a more meticulously crafted and artistic interpretation of the fantasy formula, with its bold imagery and potent, poetic visuals. Really, it’s a celebration of the gothic fantasy genre, and a love-letter to all those dark classical fairy tales we all grew up with.

Tim Curry Makes For A Wonderfully Memorable And Creepy Antagonist

Hellbent on bringing an eternal winter upon Scott’s mythical world, Tim Curry’s nefarious Prince Of Darkness is arguably one of the most iconic faces in the whole of fantasy cinema. Curry’s theatrical background assists in accentuating the dramatic strength and impact of the antagonist’s scintillating ruminations about light and dark.

Add to this, the actor’s powerful on-screen presence, as well as the aforementioned top-notch makeup and costume design, and you have one of the most distinctly memorable fantasy adversaries in the genre. In essence, Tim Curry makes for an imposing and unforgettable antagonist who not only looks the part, but sounds the part, too. I mean, just look how big his horns are: they’re ludicrously huge.

Tim Curry’s sensational performance is undoubtedly a huge part of what makes Legend, well, legendary.