In the world of cinema, where legends are born and careers are made, the story of "Legend" stands as a fascinating anomaly. This 1985 fantasy film, starring Tom Cruise and directed by the iconic Ridley Scott, defied expectations and became a box office flop, despite its impressive credentials. Today, we delve into the intriguing tale of this cinematic misstep and explore the factors that led to its initial failure, as well as its eventual redemption.
The Allure of Legends
When two industry giants like Cruise and Scott come together, one would expect nothing short of a blockbuster. After all, Scott's previous works, such as "Blade Runner" and "Alien," had established him as a master of his craft. Meanwhile, Cruise, on the rise to superstardom, had already proven his mettle with films like "Taps" and "Risky Business."
However, "Legend" proved to be a different beast altogether. The film, centered around a battle between good and evil, with Cruise playing a forest child and Mia Sara as the human Princess Lili, faced numerous challenges during production.
Behind the Scenes Chaos
The making of "Legend" was far from smooth sailing. Tim Curry, who played the villainous Darkness, endured a grueling makeup process, transforming him into a devilish character. But that was just the beginning. Ten days into filming, the entire set caught fire, a devastating setback that could have derailed the entire project. Yet, Scott's resilience and resourcefulness prevailed, and production resumed within days.
The script, written by William Hjortsberg, also underwent extensive revisions, a sign of the creative struggles the film faced. With 15 drafts over four years, it's no wonder the film's artistic issues plagued Cruise, who later expressed regret over his involvement.
Critical Reception and Box Office Woes
Upon its release, "Legend" struggled to find its audience. Critics were harsh, with a mere 33% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. In an era before the internet and on-demand trailers, critical reviews held significant sway over audience choices. The film's $25 million production budget was not recouped, as it only managed to gross $23.5 million worldwide.
A Second Chance at Life
Despite its initial failure, "Legend" found new life thanks to the advent of VHS and cable TV. Over time, audiences began to appreciate Scott's dark and stylish fantasy epic, especially after the release of his director's cut. Today, it is regarded as a hidden gem in Scott's impressive filmography, a fantasy box office bomb that deserved a second chance.
The film's core creatives, including Scott and Cruise, went on to achieve great success. Scott directed cinematic classics like "Gladiator," while Cruise became one of the biggest movie stars, starring in franchises like "Mission: Impossible" and "Top Gun."
In conclusion, "Legend" serves as a reminder that even the most talented collaborations can face challenges. Yet, its eventual redemption showcases the resilience of both the film industry and the creative minds within it. It's a story of perseverance and the power of second chances, proving that sometimes, the biggest flops can become hidden gems.
