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In Hollywood, audiences are often captivated by actors who undertake the challenge of portraying multiple characters in a single film, showcasing their range and depth. Iconic performances like Lindsay Lohan in The Parent Trap and Nicolas Cage in Adaptation have left lasting impressions, much like Lupita Nyong’o’s dual role in Us. Adding to this legacy, Tom Hardy made waves in 2015 with his performance in the biographical drama Legend.
The film delves into the tumultuous rise of the Kray twins, notorious gangsters in 1960s London, capturing their complex relationship. Hardy takes on the challenge of portraying both Reggie and Ronnie Kray, providing viewers with a thrilling glimpse into their criminal empire. As the film marks its 10th anniversary, now is an opportune moment to re-examine Hardy’s impressive feat in embodying these real-life figures.
‘Legend’ Delves into the Krays’ Turbulent Dynamic
Set against the gritty backdrop of 1960s London, the narrative follows the Kray twins as they scheme to assert their dominance over the criminal landscape. Drawing inspiration from John Pearson’s book, The Profession of Violence, Legend intricately weaves together the Krays’ professional exploits with their personal lives, particularly spotlighting Reggie’s romantic involvement with Frances Shea, played by Emily Browning. Amidst the violence and extortion, the brothers’ contrasting personalities create a compelling narrative filled with conflict.
Together, they craft a reign of terror as they confront rival gangs and battle for control. However, their divergent methods of embracing power spark significant conflict; Reggie’s attempts at maintaining stability are hampered by Ronnie’s increasing instability. Eventually, their notoriety attracts the scrutiny of Detective Leonard “Nipper” Read (Christopher Eccleston), who is intent on bringing their criminal endeavors to an end.
With Hardy’s dual role at the forefront, the film juxtaposes charisma with chaos, illustrating the fine line between brotherly loyalty and personal ambition.
Release Date
September 9, 2015
Runtime
132 minutes
Director
Brian Helgeland
Producers
Brian Oliver, Olivier Courson, Amelia Granger, Ray Mallouk, Buddy Patrick, Tyler Thompson, Quentin Curtis, Peter Mallouk, Michael Bassick, Chris Clark, Ron Halpern, Kate Solomon, Christopher Woodrow, Tom Hardy, Tim Bevan, Liza Chasin, Eric Fellner
Hardy’s Masterful Dual Performance in ‘Legend’
Director Brian Helgeland, who also wrote the film, drew upon his past experiences and connections with individuals involved in the Kray’s world, piquing his interest in sharing their story. His encounter with Freddie Foreman, a former associate of the twins, inspired him to delve into their unique and often tumultuous relationship. Helgeland expressed that he wanted to portray Reggie’s struggle in managing Ronnie’s increasingly erratic behavior.
Filming a dual role was no small feat; Hardy dedicated 35 days to embodying both characters, carefully shifting between them for each scene. Notably, a pivotal fight sequence required Hardy to physically confront himself, with the assistance of his stunt double, Jacob Tomuri. Hardy later reflected on this experience, noting how it was not simply a matter of him playing both characters, but rather a collaboration that brought depth to their interactions.
Legend was released on September 9, 2015, and enjoyed a successful run at the British box office, spending several weeks among the top films, grossing $43 million against a $25 million budget. Critics acknowledged Hardy’s commendable performances but had mixed feelings regarding the film’s screenplay and pacing. Despite this, he garnered multiple accolades, including a BIFA and recognition from the Toronto Film Critics Association as Best Actor, describing the challenge of playing both twins as “the hardest thing that I’ve tried to do in my career.”
Hardy elaborated on the difficulty of playing dual roles, particularly contrasting the complexity of the unpredictable Ronnie against the more straightforward nature of traditional leads, which he described as “plod, plod, plod” and often unchallenging.
How To Watch Tom Hardy in ‘Legend’
Fans of Tom Hardy and the gangster genre can explore this compelling crime drama on Peacock. Additionally, Legend is available for rent or purchase on Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango to witness the dynamic range of one of today’s most talented actors.
Source
movieweb.com