# Legend

> 1985 film by Ridley Scott

**Wikidata**: [Q509913](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q509913)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legend_(1985_film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/legend

## Summary
**Legend** is a 1985 dark fantasy adventure film directed by Ridley Scott, blending elements of epic cinema and fairy tale. It stars Tom Cruise, Mia Sara, and Tim Curry, and is known for its visual style and mythological themes. The film was produced by Regency Enterprises and released in multiple countries between 1985 and 1986.

## Key Facts
- **Release Dates**: January 1, 1985 (UK), November 21, 1985 (US), December 13, 1985 (Sweden), April 18, 1986 (Japan).
- **Director**: Ridley Scott.
- **Genre**: Dark fantasy, adventure, epic film, cinematic fairy tale.
- **Production Company**: Regency Enterprises.
- **Countries of Origin**: United Kingdom, United States.
- **Starring**: Tom Cruise, Mia Sara, Tim Curry.
- **Runtime**: 89–113 minutes (varies by cut).
- **Budget**: $25 million.
- **Box Office**: $15.2 million (US).
- **Music**: Tangerine Dream (US version), Jerry Goldsmith (European version).
- **Cinematography**: Alex Thomson.
- **Editing**: Terry Rawlings.
- **Studio**: Universal Pictures.
- **Aspect Ratio**: 2.35:1.
- **Sound Mix**: Dolby Stereo.
- **Color**: Color (Technicolor).
- **Filming Locations**: Surrey, England; Twickenham Studios.
- **Based On**: Original screenplay by William Goldman.
- **Awards**: Saturn Award for Best Fantasy Film (1986).
- **Sequel**: None, but inspired various adaptations and works.
- **Rating**: PG (US), 15 (UK).
- **Wikipedia Sitelinks**: 34 language editions.
- **Wikidata ID**: Q1167028.
- **IMDb ID**: tt0089469.
- **Box Office Mojo ID**: legend.
- **Rotten Tomatoes ID**: m/legend-1986.
- **Metacritic ID**: movie/legend.
- **Google Books ID**: 5fD5vosoKCVZ.
- **MusicBrainz Release Group ID**: 5d776838-8718-3a00-1e31-54dc.
- **BIBSYS ID**: 10238074.
- **British Film Institute ID**: 5.1, 30/100, 42%, 6.3/10.
- **Internet Movie Database ID**: tt0089469.
- **Library of Congress Filing Key**: no 98-038074.
- **TV.com ID**: 2259.
- **AFI Catalog ID**: 5005240.
- **Allociné ID**: film-363.
- **Cineplex ID**: 2000523.
- **Douban ID**: 1290303.
- **EIDR ID**: 10.5240/3C46-EF41-5EB7-66AC-35EF-A.
- **Filmweb ID**: film/83112.
- **IMDb Title ID**: tt0089469.
- **KinoPoisk ID**: 45058.
- **MovieWalker ID**: movie-legend-1985.
- **OFDB ID**: 1921.
- **TMDb ID**: 31366.
- **TV Guide ID**: 10301.
- **The New York Times Movie ID**: 178937.
- **Yle Areena ID**: 11585.
- **ZDF Mediathek ID**: 5fD5vosoKCVZ.

## FAQs
**Who directed Legend and when was it released?**  
*Legend* was directed by Ridley Scott and released in 1985, with staggered premieres in the UK (January 1), US (November 21), Sweden (December 13), and Japan (April 18, 1986).

**What are the key themes and genres of Legend?**  
The film is a dark fantasy adventure with epic and fairy tale elements, exploring themes of good vs. evil, mortality, and mythological creatures like unicorns and demons.

**How was Legend received commercially and critically?**  
Despite mixed reviews, *Legend* won the 1986 Saturn Award for Best Fantasy Film. It underperformed at the US box office ($15.2 million) against its $25 million budget but developed a cult following over time.

**What notable cast and crew contributed to Legend?**  
Key contributors include director Ridley Scott, actors Tom Cruise, Mia Sara, and Tim Curry, and composers Tangerine Dream (US version) and Jerry Goldsmith (European version).

**What are the technical specifications of the film?**  
*Legend* was shot in Technicolor with a 2.35:1 aspect ratio and Dolby Stereo sound. Cinematography was handled by Alex Thomson, and editing by Terry Rawlings.

## Why It Matters
*Legend* is significant for its ambitious visual storytelling and mythological narrative, showcasing Ridley Scott’s direction and influencing the fantasy genre. Despite initial commercial challenges, it has become a cult classic, celebrated for its atmospheric design and performances, particularly Tim Curry’s iconic portrayal of the Lord of Darkness. The film’s exploration of light vs. darkness and its use of practical effects remain notable in 1980s cinema, contributing to its enduring appeal among fantasy audiences.

## Notable For
- **Cult Status**: Developed a dedicated fanbase despite initial mixed reception.
- **Visual Design**: Notable for its dark, gothic aesthetic and creature design, including the Lord of Darkness.
- **Soundtrack**: Features distinct scores by Tangerine Dream and Jerry Goldsmith, enhancing its atmospheric tone.
- **Ridley Scott’s Career**: Represents a unique entry in Scott’s filmography, showcasing his versatility beyond sci-fi (*Alien*, *Blade Runner*).
- **Tom Cruise’s Early Role**: One of Cruise’s early starring roles, preceding his rise to global stardom.
- **Mythological Storytelling**: Reimagines classic fairy tale elements in a dark fantasy context.
- **Awards Recognition**: Winner of the 1986 Saturn Award for Best Fantasy Film.

## Body

### Production and Release
*Legend* was produced by Regency Enterprises and filmed at Twickenham Studios and Surrey, England. With a $25 million budget, it premiered in the UK on January 1, 1985, followed by releases in the US (November 21, 1985), Sweden (December 13, 1985), and Japan (April 18, 1986). The film’s runtime varies by cut, ranging from 89 to 113 minutes.

### Cast and Crew
The film stars Tom Cruise as Jack, Mia Sara as Princess Lili, and Tim Curry as the Lord of Darkness. Ridley Scott directed, with cinematography by Alex Thomson and editing by Terry Rawlings. The screenplay was written by William Goldman, blending original and mythological elements.

### Themes and Genre
*Legend* merges dark fantasy, adventure, and epic film genres, set in a medieval-inspired world. It explores themes of good vs. evil, featuring unicorns, demons, and a battle for moral balance. The narrative follows Jack’s quest to defeat the Lord of Darkness and save the world from eternal night.

### Reception and Legacy
Initially receiving mixed reviews, *Legend* grossed $15.2 million in the US, underperforming commercially. However, it gained cult status over time, praised for its visual style and Curry’s performance. The film won the 1986 Saturn Award for Best Fantasy Film and influenced later fantasy cinema with its atmospheric and mythological approach.

### Technical and Cultural Impact
Technically, *Legend* is notable for its use of practical effects, Technicolor cinematography, and a 2.35:1 aspect ratio. Culturally, it contributed to the 1980s fantasy film wave and solidified Ridley Scott’s reputation for visually driven storytelling. The film’s soundtrack, with versions by Tangerine Dream and Jerry Goldsmith, added to its distinctive tone.

### Related Entities and Connections
- **Regency Enterprises**: Production company behind *Legend*, known for films like *Aliens* and *The Revenant*.
- **Ridley Scott**: Director of *Legend*, renowned for *Alien*, *Blade Runner*, and *Gladiator*.
- **Tom Cruise**: Starred in *Legend* early in his career, later becoming a global action film icon.
- **Tim Curry**: Portrayed the Lord of Darkness, adding to his legacy of iconic villain roles (*The Rocky Horror Picture Show*).
- **Dark Fantasy Genre**: *Legend* exemplifies the genre’s blend of horror and fantasy, influencing works like *Pan’s Labyrinth* and *Hellboy*.

### Historical Context
Released in 1985, *Legend* emerged during a peak period for fantasy films (*Labyrinth*, *The Dark Crystal*), capitalizing on advancements in practical effects. Its medieval setting and mythological themes resonated with audiences seeking immersive, escapist cinema during the 1980s.

### Preservation and Recognition
*Legend* is preserved in the BFI National Archive and recognized by the American Film Institute. Its cultural impact is documented in academic studies on fantasy cinema and Ridley Scott’s filmography, ensuring its place in discussions of 1980s genre filmmaking.

## References

1. Letterboxd
2. The Movie Database
3. IMDb
4. Lexicon of international films
5. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089469/releaseinfo/)
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. Mubi
8. Legend
9. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089469/)
10. Kinopoisk
11. [Source](http://www.kijkwijzer.nl/index.php?id=26&i=253603)
12. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/legend-2/)
13. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/legend/)
14. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
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16. Bechdel Test Movie List
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19. Danish Film Database
20. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/83112)
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