P E R S P E C T I V E | N OV E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5
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"Restless, moving…on the edge…they think their world
is limitless…the lure of power…and beware of Ronnie's
smile." Apparently, Ronnie Kray smiling would be a warning
to the rest of the Firm (as the Krays' gang were known)
that he was about to have a psychotic episode. These were
some of the discussions I had with Brian Helgeland about
Legend. I had read the unexpectedly lyrical script in one
go, during a hot sweaty night on a set in Puerto Rico and
was instantly transported to the brutal, cold, but fascinating
1960s London of the Kray twins' criminal empire.
Above: Concept Artist
Elo Soode's atmospheric
concept sketch of Market
Street also acted as a
guide for visual effects
extensions. For this scene
where Reggie persuades
Frances to return, a
whole East London street
was painted, treated
and dressed. The Art
Department used the
names of many of their
Jewish friends because East
London shops of the time
had a large percentage of
Jewish owners, dating back
to the 19th century.
