Tom Cruise’s Fantasy Movie Legend Is One of Ridley Scotts Worst Movies

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As a long-time cinephile who has watched countless movies from the golden age of Hollywood to the present day, I must say that Legend (1985) stands out as one of the most intriguing and yet enigmatic films in Tom Cruise’s remarkable career. This fantasy film, directed by the legendary Ridley Scott, was a commercial and critical misfire, but it remains an interesting chapter in both their respective careers.

In a span of around four decades in Hollywood, Tom Cruise‘s cinematic flops can be easily counted on one hand. Although some highly anticipated films didn’t meet their projected earnings, none of his movies have been as financially disappointing as the 1985 fantasy film Legend, directed by renowned director Ridley Scott.

In the movie titled “Legend“, Tom Cruise portrays Jack in the Emerald Forest, a pure forest dweller who safeguards his beloved Princess Lili (Mia Sara) from Blix, the Darkness’s Master (Alice Playten). This enchanting woodland fairytale brimming with eerie creatures was a box office flop and a critical disappointment. Interestingly, it marked Tom Cruise’s last foray into fantasy films and his only collaboration with director Ridley Scott. With “Legend” turning 40 next year, it’s high time we delve deeper into the unusual creative clash between Ridley Scott and Tom Cruise.

What Is Legend About?

Three years following his direction of what many consider the best science fiction film ever made, Bladerunner, Ridley Scott faced both critical and commercial setbacks with Legend, a romantic fantasy movie that carried the charm of classic fairy tales. Written by William Hjortsberg, this film revolves around Princess Lili (Sara), an embodiment of innocence and purity who is pursued by Blix, the Lord of Darkness. In his service are the minions Pox (Peter O’Farrell) and Blunder (Kiran Shah), who doggedly track Lili through the forest. It is in this forest where she finds solace from a land-dwelling love interest named Jack (Cruise).

As Jack instructs Lili about the forest and its indigenous creatures, Blix persists in her quest to plunge the world into unending shadow. The Darkness (Tim Curry) is made tangible, transforming the woods into a terrifying landscape inhabited by grotesque versions of goblins, elves, ogres, fairies, unicorns, hags, wisps, dwarves, and other traditional fairy tale characters. Jack safeguards Princess Lili while engaging in an ancient struggle between light and dark, good and evil.

Regardless of receiving praise for its stunning visuals and award-nominated make-up, the film Legend failed to impress critics and audiences when it premiered in Europe in August 1985 and North America in April 1986. The main criticism leveled at the movie was that its storyline was unoriginal, as it had three different endings and struggled to find a satisfying resolution.

Legend Ranks as one of Ridley Scott’s Biggest Cinematic Missteps

Having spent numerous years perfecting his skills in TV commercial directing, Legend became Ridley Scott’s fourth full-length feature film. Known for his exceptional work, this esteemed filmmaker first ventured into features with The Duellists in 1977, and went on to create two timeless masterpieces. In 1979, Scott introduced Alien to the world, while in 1982, he fascinated audiences with the sci-fi epic Bladerunner. With his career seemingly soaring, the positive momentum from his first three films was disrupted by Legend, one of Ridley Scott’s few critical and commercial disappointments.

With a dismal Metascore of 30 and a disappointing 41% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film “Legend” is considered one of Ridley Scott’s least well-received movies during his esteemed career. At the time it was released, it was his poorest-reviewed production, and even today, it remains a significant blemish in Ridley’s 40-year long filmography. Other films that have also received critical scrutiny include “1492: Conquest of Paradise” (Metascore 47), “A Good Year” (also 47 Metascore), and “The Counselor” (48 Metascore).

Criticized as a disjointed blend of previously told fairy tales and religious narratives, even Tom Cruise’s immense charm couldn’t save Legend. Consequently, Cruise and Ridley Scott chose not to collaborate again in the future. Yet, Cruise found unprecedented fame partnering with Ridley’s younger brother, the esteemed Tony Scott.

Cruise Rebounds with Ridley Scott’s Brother, Tony Scott

1985 saw Ridley Scott’s career soaring high, much like Tom Cruise’s. Before taking up the role in Legend, Cruise had already made his mark with two successful films from 1983 – All the Right Moves and the hit Risky Business. With such a promising start, Cruise seemed destined to become a major movie star. However, the release of Legend put a halt to his rapid ascent. The film was met with harsh criticism from critics and failed to make profits at the box office, earning $23.5 million against a budget of $25 million (as per The Numbers).

Fortunately, after Legend, Cruise chose Top Gun as his next project, a blockbuster hit that catapulted him to unprecedented fame. Since 1986, Cruise has maintained his position among the elite in Hollywood, consistently delivering exceptional action movies. Interestingly, just a year after experiencing his lowest point under Ridley Scott’s direction, Tom Cruise achieved his greatest success under the guidance of Ridley’s brother, Tony Scott.

Following the massive success of Top Gun, Tom Cruise and director Tony Scott teamed up again for the lighthearted stock car racing film Days of Thunder, which hit theaters in 1990. Unfortunately, they were working on a sequel to Top Gun when Tony Scott passed away in 2012. In tribute to him, the enhanced version of Top Gun: Maverick was released.

After the release of “Legend”, Ridley Scott shifted gears with the crime drama “Black Rain” in 1989. In 1992, Ridley Scott produced one of his finest and most successful films, “Thelma & Louise”. Since then, neither Tom Cruise nor Ridley Scott have ventured into another fantasy film, either collaboratively or individually. “Legend” is now available for streaming on Tubi.

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2024-10-19 19:31