Tom Cruise and Ridley Scott's collaboration on the 1985 fantasy film 'Legend' was a box office flop, despite the involvement of two cinematic legends. This article delves into the fascinating story behind the film, exploring the challenges faced during production, the critical reception, and the eventual legacy of 'Legend'.
A Unique Collaboration
The pairing of Tom Cruise and Ridley Scott was an intriguing one, given their respective reputations and careers at the time. Cruise, on the rise after 'Risky Business' and 'Taps', was yet to achieve superstardom with 'Top Gun'. Scott, fresh off the success of 'Alien' and 'Blade Runner', was a veteran filmmaker with clout. However, 'Legend' was a departure for Scott, who had never ventured into the fantasy genre before.
Production Challenges
The making of 'Legend' was fraught with difficulties. The production faced a major setback when the entire set burned down just 10 days into filming. This was a significant blow, but Scott's resourcefulness and resilience ensured that filming resumed in a matter of days. The challenges didn't end there; the script, written by William Hjortsberg, underwent 15 drafts over four years, indicating the level of effort required to bring the story to the screen.
Critical and Commercial Struggles
Despite the talent involved, 'Legend' underperformed at the box office, earning just $23.5 million worldwide against a $25 million budget. Critics were not kind, with a 33% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. In the mid-1980s, critics held significant influence over audiences, and the lack of online resources meant that 'Legend' struggled to find its footing.
A Second Life
However, 'Legend' eventually found its audience. The film's artistic issues were addressed in a director's cut released years later, and it is now embraced as a hidden gem in Scott's filmography. The movie's core creatives went on to enjoy successful careers, with Scott directing cinematic classics like 'Gladiator' and 'Thelma & Louise', and Cruise becoming one of the biggest movie stars of all time, starring in the 'Mission: Impossible' franchise and 'Top Gun: Maverick'.
Personal Reflection
In my opinion, 'Legend' is a fascinating case study in the challenges of filmmaking. It highlights the importance of a well-crafted script and the impact of critical reception in an era where word-of-mouth was crucial. Despite its initial struggles, the film's legacy is a testament to the resilience of its creators and the power of a second chance. Personally, I find it intriguing how a film that was initially dismissed can eventually find its place in cinematic history, and I believe it serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected collaborations can lead to the most fascinating stories.
