“Legend,” a 2015 film directed by Brian Helgeland, offers a gritty portrayal of the infamous Kray twins, Ronnie and Reggie, as they rise to power in the London underworld during the 1960s. While the film has garnered attention for Tom Hardy’s exceptional dual performance, portraying both brothers, it falls short when examined critically from the perspective of its glorification of the anti-social nature of crime.
“Legend,” a 2015 film directed by Brian Helgeland, offers a gritty portrayal of the infamous Kray twins, Ronnie and Reggie, as they rise to power in the London underworld during the 1960s. While the film has garnered attention for Tom Hardy’s exceptional dual performance, portraying both brothers, it falls short when examined critically from the perspective of its glorification of the antisocial nature of crime.
One of the central criticisms lies in the romanticized depiction of criminal activities throughout the narrative. “Legend” tends to glamourise the Kray twins, portraying them as charismatic figures rather than delving into the devastating consequences of their actions. The film, in its attempt to humanise the characters, at times seems to downplay the inherent harm and trauma caused by their criminal endeavours.
Furthermore, the movie falls into the trap of portraying criminal behaviour as a means of achieving power, wealth, and status, without adequately addressing the destructive impact it has on individuals and communities. By romanticising the Kray twins’ rise to power, the film inadvertently downplays the importance of social responsibility and the consequences of a life led by crime.
The lack of a substantial exploration of the victims’ perspectives also contributes to the film’s failure to provide a balanced portrayal. Crime is inherently antisocial, causing harm to innocent individuals and communities. Unfortunately, “Legend” overlooks this crucial aspect, focusing more on the charisma and allure of the criminal lifestyle.
In conclusion, while “Legend” showcases commendable performances and captures the era’s atmosphere effectively, it falls short in its critical examination of the antisocial nature of crime. The film’s romanticised portrayal of the Kray twins undermines the real-life consequences of their actions and misses an opportunity to shed light on the destructive impact of criminal behaviour on society.
One of the central criticisms lies in the romanticized depiction of criminal activities throughout the narrative. “Legend” tends to glamorize the Kray twins, portraying them as charismatic figures rather than delving into the devastating consequences of their actions. The film, in its attempt to humanize the characters, at times seems to downplay the inherent harm and trauma caused by their criminal endeavours.
Furthermore, the movie falls into the trap of portraying criminal behaviour as a means of achieving power, wealth, and status, without adequately addressing the destructive impact it has on individuals and communities. By romanticizing the Kray twins’ rise to power, the film inadvertently downplays the importance of social responsibility and the consequences of a life led by crime.
The lack of a substantial exploration of the victims’ perspectives also contributes to the film’s failure to provide a balanced portrayal. Crime is inherently anti-social, causing harm to innocent individuals and communities. Unfortunately, “Legend” overlooks this crucial aspect, focusing more on the charisma and allure of the criminal lifestyle.
While “Legend” showcases commendable performances and captures the era’s atmosphere effectively, it falls short in its critical examination of the anti-social nature of crime. The film’s romanticized portrayal of the Kray twins undermines the real-life consequences of their actions and misses an opportunity to shed light on the destructive impact of criminal behaviour on society.
By Pat Harrington
Picture credit: By Telegraph.co.uk, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=47721944
