Film Preview: Legend (2015)

Page Revisions:

(September 6, 2015) Original
(November 15, 2015) Updated Release Date (changed from 10/2/15)

Release Date:

November 20, 2015

Synopsis:

From IMDb: “The film tells the story of the identical twin gangsters Reggie and Ronnie Kray, two of the most notorious criminals in British history, and their organised crime empire in the East End of London during the 1960s.”

Poster Rating: C+ / C / C- (3) / C / C- (2) / B-

Review: (#1) It’s a sedate version of countless designs of the past. The hefty use of blue hues creates distinction where other recent designs have focused on reds or blacks. That gives it some measure of depth even if it isn’t particularly creative. (#2) While like many of the other designs depicted here, what gives it a slight bump in terms of quality is the inclusion of a female figure in the deep blue background.

(#3-#5) Although design #5 doesn’t match the color scheme of the other two, their concept is identical. Perhaps a deduction should have been made for the use of the overdone black-white-red motif, but they are all so compatible that it doesn’t matter. (#6) This pale imitation of the first design just doesn’t have the same breadth or detail of its companion.

(#7 & #8) These character posters borrow the visual style of the rest, but don’t give much needed depth or distinctiveness. (#9) It’s not the most creative design, but it’s the only one that’s tried something entirely different even if it doesn’t ultimately succeed. Perhaps its the lack of rewarding color scheme or the insignificance of the figures in the bottom left. It’s decent, just not great.

Trailer Rating: B

Review: There’s something entirely formulaic about this trailer, selecting images that paint a portrait, but never give sufficient depth to the subjects. It’s an intriguing premise and Tom Hardy appears to deliver an acting tour-de-force, but ultimately the film will live or die on the audience’s reception.

Oscar Prospects:

While the film might be Oscars cuppa, Tom Hardy is already earning solid praise for his turn as twins. While it may seem like a stunt in concept, the trailer bares out the possibility that it might be a perfect decision.