Original Post Date - 23 Feb 2007

Directed by Ridley Scott
Starting Tom Cruise, Mia Sara and Tim Curry
Released in 1986

What is the draw to this film that keeps me coming back to it? The incomparable proof that unicorns are real and Hollywood keeps them for themselves? The outrageously handsome Tom Cruise wearing skin tight clothes (and armor) for the whole of the film?

Uh uh baby. Tim Curry as Darkness. Man makes Evil sexy.

Legend is the quintessential high fantasy film. You have light verses darkness, elves, fairies and unicorns, the simpering royal princess and her crush, the woodland raised boy, and most importantly the one vile deed that changes everything in the blink of an eye.

I originally saw this film when I was eight or nine. Didn’t understand half the complications going on, only fell in love with handsome Jack and those ultra realistic unicorns. Darkness terrified me as a kid. I only cared for the righteous defeat of evil by the powers of good that were wielded by Jack and his forest friends.

And there was one more thing that held my attention, almost more than the film. The soundtrack that was provided by Tangerine Dream (with some vocals by Yes’ Jon Anderson). The scene in Darkness’ home where he seduces Lily with the ebony gown is the scene I most remembered as a child. The seduction was lost on me, but the music and dress burned themselves into my memory.

But as I grew older and continued to watch the movie I was left unsatisfied. I began to understand the implications of what would happen if Darkness won, but Lily’s “change” from light to dark left me wanting more. The whole thing just started to feel unfinished.

Then I got my greedy hands on the “Ultimate” version of Legend and found the British release of the film. You know - the one with exquisite Jerry Goldsmith’s score.

I don’t think I’ve watched the American version since. The UK release of Legend is what the story should have been to begin with. The rock and roll score is gone, replaced with the lilting and haunting melodies that underscore and finish the scenes. Lily is no longer a simple, pampered and simpering princess; you actually get a feel for her as becoming truly evil instead of fakery when she’s dealing with Darkness. Jack’s role didn’t scream pure naivety anymore, he actually comes off as clever in many scenes and you lose the feeling that he’s an expert with the new sword and shield as soon as he has to use them. And Darkness….

Well, let’s just say I wasn’t terrified of him anymore. You get an understanding of Darkness that was lacking before. There’s times, even knowing how it ends, you want to cheer for him. You get an introduction that was missing and helps complete the film and you get an ending that isn’t the predictable Hollywood drivel.

I’m not saying that this film would be any easier for a child to understand, but here it is complete. And at least with the Ultimate edition you get both versions, just in case you still have a weakness to see a dancing black dress moving to a nice rock n’ roll score.

And no matter what version you watch, you just can’t resist the appearance of Voyager’s Doctor, Robert Picardo as Meg Mucklebones.

Rating: