Legend
Ridley Scott grew up in post-World War II England as part of a military family, an upbringing that instilled in him a disciplined approach he would later bring to his filmmaking career. Pursuing a growing interest in design and graphics at the Royal College of Art in London, Scott focused his efforts on production design and motion pictures, refining an eye for detail that would become his hallmark. Beginning his career directing television commercials, his innovative ads demonstrated a natural talent for creating vivid, atmospheric worlds, captivating audiences with his meticulous attention to detail and instinctive gift for impactful imagery.
Scott’s cinematic breakthrough came in 1979 with “Alien”, a landmark blend of science fiction and horror that delivered both visceral thrills and intense suspense, establishing both his signature tone and style. The film’s production design, a combination of stark realism and nightmarish surrealism, brought a sense of gritty authenticity to a far-off future, shaping its disturbing vision of contact with an alien. His preference for atmosphere over exposition allowed viewers to experience an unrelenting sense of dread with minimal explanation, leaving the alien creature shrouded in mystery and setting a new and still unmatched standard for the sci-fi horror genre.
After “Alien” and a year spent developing an unrealized adaptation of “Dune”, Scott turned his focus to “Blade Runner”, a project that would cement his status as a visionary in science fiction cinema. Offering a darker, more philosophical exploration of humanity’s future, the film delves into themes of identity and artificial intelligence against a backdrop of urban decay. While it struggled at the box office, the film’s rain-soaked, industrial Los Angeles set a new visual standard for the genre, its noir-inspired aesthetic making it a foundational text in sci-fi world building and a lasting influence on future depictions of dystopia.
Seeking a new creative challenge and eager to move beyond the gritty realism of his earlier genre-defining successes, Scott turned to fantasy with “Legend”, intending to explore the timeless themes of myth and folklore. Inspired by his childhood fascination with European fairy tales, Scott viewed the film as an opportunity to create a lush, darkly enchanting world that embodied the never-ending primal struggle between good and evil. This shift allowed him to push his creative boundaries, crafting an ambitious, immersive universe though lavish sets, intricate makeup effects, and an ethereal atmosphere, blending beauty and menace in an immersive, dreamlike setting.
“Legend” opens with an ominous prologue in which the villain Darkness – an embodiment of pure evil, with towering horns and crimson skin – broods over his plans to plunge the world into eternal night. Dwelling in a shadowy underworld, Darkness is driven by his hatred for innocence and beauty, sending his goblin minions to capture the two sacred unicorns that sustain all light and purity. In the nearby mystical forest, Princess Lili, a curious noblewoman, ventures with her beloved Jack, a humble forest dweller with a deep connection to the natural world, to a stream to see the enchanted unicorns.
Transfixed by the unicorns’ beauty, Lili reaches out to touch the stallion, breaking the natural balance and enabling the goblins to attack, poisoning him and severing his alicorn while the mare is captured. With one unicorn in captivity and Lili ensnared, the land succumbs to an eternal winter, prompting Jack to realize the gravity of their actions and set out on a quest to restore balance. Joined by a diverse band of allies – elves, dwarves, and fairies – Jack’s bravery is tested as he navigates an increasingly perilous underworld, journeying into Darkness’s lair to rescue Lili and the unicorn.
The film’s first hour is narratively simple, driven by archetypal characters and a straightforward storyline which occasionally affects its pacing in the slower, dreamlike scenes, detracting from any momentum in the plot. However, the striking introduction of Darkness, emerging theatrically from the shadows, shifts the film’s tone from eerie fantasy to chilling horror and re-energizing the story as it enters its final act. First signaled by the appearance of his cloven hoof, Darkness is the personification of cinematic malevolence; his presence immediately overwhelms the screen, exuding a menacing and terrifying power as he reveals himself and confronts the frightened princess.
Tim Curry’s brilliant portrayal of Darkness combines with Rob Bottin’s remarkable makeup design to create an imposing visage of evil, a blend of demonic features and human allure that is terrifying and mesmerizing. His physical presence, resonant voice and seductive, manipulative dialogue give the character a sinister charisma that only heightens the danger as he slowly realizes that even he has been touched by Lili’s innocence. The character’s underlying complexity regarding his struggle with his feelings for the princess adds a psychological dimension to the role, elevating Darkness beyond a simple antagonist to one of fantasy’s cinema’s most enduring figures.
In the end, Jack and Lili’s courage and resilience defeat the corruption and despair of Darkness, restoring light and natural order to the forest and bringing life and freedom back to the unicorns. Unfortunately, when “Legend” premiered in theaters, it would not claim a similar victory, struggling to resonate with audiences, its unconventional narrative structure and surreal, dark aesthetic proving challenging for mainstream appeal. However, in the decades since its release, it has gained a loyal fanbase who admire its intricate production design, memorable portrayal of Darkness, and surreal atmosphere that provides the film its hauntingly beautiful, almost timeless quality.
Today, “Legend” is appreciated not only as an artifact of 1980s fantasy cinema but also as an ambitious, though flawed, experiment in atmospheric storytelling, resonating with viewers who value immersive, dreamlike experiences. While it lacks the conventional narrative complexity expected by some, its strength lies in its bold visual and thematic commitment to a darker, mythic vision driven by mood and symbolism. Decades after its release, the film endures as a unique cinematic experience, inviting audiences to engage with fantasy on a sensory level and reflecting Scott’s willingness to take creative risks that remain distinctive and influential within the genre.