Is ‘Legend’ with Tom Cruise the Best Fantasy Film Ever Made?

The allure of fantasy films has captivated audiences for decades, with each movie striving to stand out in its own unique way. One such film, 'Legend,' released in 1985, surprisingly combines elements resembling classic fairy tales and video games, sparking endless discussion. But is it truly the best fantasy film ever made? Let’s delve into the details and give it a critical review.

Directorial Genius Visual Mastery

‘Legend’ is directed by the legendary Ridley Scott, a name synonymous with cinematic brilliance, from Alien to Blade Runner. Despite the prominently mythological and fantastical elements, Scott’s directorial vision was to place the movie in a visual storytelling tradition that would transport viewers to another world. The cinematography of the film is a homage to classic fairy tale art, drawing inspiration from the works of Arthur Rackham and Heath Robinson. This unique visual style is not just about aesthetics; it creates an enchanting atmosphere that lingers in viewers’ minds long after the credits roll.

Originality in Storiness Inspiration Potential

The film follows Jack, a forest elf played by Tom Cruise in a pre-scientologist era, on a quest to defeat the Darkness, a personification of evil portrayed by Tim Curry. Some have argued that legendary video games such as "The Legend of Zelda" may have found inspiration from this movie, with the similarities being striking. The video game's creator Shigeru Miyamoto is often rumored to have drawn inspiration from the film, despite the actual release dates of the movie and the game. However, a closer examination reveals that the movie was released in December 1985, while the video game was released in February 1986, making it physiologically impossible for Miyamoto to have been directly inspired by the film.

Cast and Acting

The performances in ‘Legend’ are commendable. Tom Cruise, who was renowned for his versatility by this point, carries the film with his portrayal of the diminutive elf, Jack. His natural chemistry on screen made the character endearing to the audience. Tim Curry, known for his versatility, delivers a remarkable performance as the Darkness, with his character's transformation and makeup especially noteworthy. The roles of these actors are woven seamlessly into the intricate narrative, ensuring that every scene has an impact, albeit minor.

Plot and Nodal Points

Despite the impressive visuals and performances, the plot of ‘Legend’ is somewhat thin and predictable. The hero's quest and the battles against an overwhelming force of darkness are standard tropes in fantasy films, making the narrative more generic than groundbreaking. While the film does manage to create a convincing world filled with enchantment and mystery, the middle section of the movie often feels stagnant and less engaging. As the story progresses, the ending becomes increasingly obvious, reducing the suspense and excitement. The viewer is left with a sense of letdown, even though the film concludes on an upbeat and heroic note.

Conclusivities and Ratings

In conclusion, ‘Legend’ is a film that is often both highly cherished and mercilessly criticized. On one hand, its visual splendor and the performances of its leads make it a watch worth aiming for. However, on the other hand, the thin plot and somewhat predictable outcome make it a moderate film, at best. It is clear that while ‘Legend’ may not be the best fantasy film ever made, it remains a significant entry in the genre.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Final Thoughts

While ‘Legend’ may not live up to its potential as the best fantasy film of all time, its contribution to the genre and its memorable performances from Tom Cruise and Tim Curry make it worth revisiting. Whether it makes it to the top depends on one's personal preferences and expectations, but it is undoubtedly a film that has stood the test of time and continues to intrigue and inspire.