Legacy

In the interest of full disclosure, I let any reader know that I know the writer and director of the movie. However, what I aimed to provide here is an unbiased review based on our thoughts and observations as a person who has a great appreciation for cinema. I think generally speaking when you have relatively small films, which have not been distributed widely there is a reliance on those who actually saw the film to give their input. I was lucky enough to be able to attend the Tribeca premiere of the film and will try to provide my impression and humble opinion. First of I think it is quite difficult to pigeonhole the film, but since most people ask for some kind of points of reference when talking about a film, I'd say it's the Manchurrian Candidate, meets Phone Booth, meets Fight Club with some Hitchcock flair. Yea, I know not very succinct, but the best I can do. The movie relies heavily on the solid script and acting prowess of the lead, Idris Elba since the majority of the movie takes place in a rundown hotel room. Since it's a psychological thriller, which deals heavily with the distortion of reality, the success or failure of the movie lies squarely on Mr. Elba's shoulders. He showcases his potential as leading man and ability to be a commanding presence on screen. Overall, I think he did a very good job, even though I didn't fully agree with all of the choices he made with the character. The twists and turns and attention to detail with which the script was written require a good deal of concentration from the audience, but I think challenging content is something popular cinema has been extremely short on in recent years. I think working within the budget constraints ( the equivalent of less than 3 seconds in any Michael Bay chase sequence), well written script, tight acting and compelling story line make this an enjoyable movie, especially for anyone starving for intelligent and ambitious film making.

Legacy is an interesting film, to say the least. 90% of it is spent in a small hotel room, and follows the mental deterioration of a Black Ops soldier, recently returned from a botched mission in Eastern Europe, as he attempts a mission of self-retribution and revenge. It's a psychological thriller with stylistic hallmarks of greats from a bygone era ('Manchurian Candidate' and Hitchcock's 'Rear Window' spring to mind), where suspense and tension were paramount, instead of fast-paced action and explosive thrills.

A claustrophobic, slow-burning film like this lives or dies on it's performances, and Legacy really shines in that area, with Idris Elba playing the lead role with haunting intensity. The rest of the cast do great jobs as well.

The editing and cinematography are tight, and fit the dark, brooding mood of the film effectively.

The main story itself is gripping in all the right places, and is well paced, but there were one or two confusing moments where I felt a bit lost, and found myself wondering if I'd missed something important.

You owe it to yourself to check this out if you're a fan of strong acting, and clever, suspenseful thrillers.

I was lucky enough to have seen Legacy at its world premiere closing the 2010 Glasgow Film Festival, where it was introduced by the producers and the writer/director Thomas Ikimi. The audience was informed of an intriguing production history – Ikimi had to source funding from personal contacts in Nigeria, the film was entirely shot in Scotland but mainly set in New York, and Idris Elba, who was also the Executive Producer, took advantage of his connections in the US to acquire much of the cast. Despite a seemingly infeasible gap between the ambitious aspirations and the miniscule budget, it largely succeeds in sustaining a credible and engaging dramatic narrative centred around a 'Black Ops' soldier dealing with the consequences of a failed mission and his earlier actions.

Elba plays Michael Gray, and his compelling central performance (he is in almost every scene) begins with an armed encounter in which his unit's attempt to tackle a Ukranian-born arms dealer ends catastrophically. Following ten months in a military hospital to overcome the torture that he is subsequently subjected to, he returns to Brooklyn and moves in to a run-down apartment for a period of reflection and contemplation. The impressive, elaborate plot that unfolds comfortably melds action sequences and art-house elements, and moves in a range of directions that simultaneously focus on psychological deterioration, the nature of political success (Gray's older brother is a senator on the verge of announcing a presidential campaign) and the responsibilities of the media.

Elba's robust performance aside, the film also features strong supporting acts (including his Wire co-star Clarke Peters) and some outstanding technical flourishes. I particularly liked the vibrant sound effects, from the deafening explosive gunfire to the subtle resonances that perfectly complemented the claustrophobic apartment setting, and the minimal but effective score. My one minor criticism is common to this sub-genre – an unreliable narrator who blurs the lines between the imagined and the real can lead to occasional frustration/confusion for the audience. It is, however, highly recommended, and a very welcome development for film-making in Scotland.

I like to believe I am a man who prefers the different type of story and something that's a bit engaging and new. Legacy definitely offers that.

It takes place in a hotel room where Malcolm Gray (Idris Elba) uncovers a scandal linked with his brother who is a senator. All the while having flashbacks of his time on the force with his comrades and what he went through.

It's intense, gripping and you are never bored. Elba is truly fantastic and shows his range beyond Stringer Bell. The whole cast is amazing and I keep wishing Eamonn Walker had more scenes!!!! The acting throughout was truly amazing and the writing was clever as well as the direction that really drew you in to this puzzle of a film.

I do think there are a few things that could have made it more claustrophobic and emphasized the lonesome nature of this story but nothing in the world can ever be perfect. The film does enough to make it a must-watch.

"Legacy" stars Idris Elba as Malcolm Gray, a Special Forces operative. It's really fun to watch. It's the first feature from the writer/director, Thomas Ikimi...and a good one at that.

Story & Plot: The story was personal and touching. As a plot, it developed plausibly and in a compelling manner. It took a lot of twists and turns that I did not expect. Suspense, romance, action, buddy scenes...they were all there and they were all done well.

Acting: Great performances from the cast. Really like seeing Clarke Peters (The Wire). However, the weakest link was Idris Elba. His Malcolm Gray role was meant to be vulnerable, but Elba doesn't always achieve that. That difficulty makes sense since he's on top of the world: women drool over him, men respect him. Plus he's minted. Not exactly a guy in a vulnerable position. Still, he gave a solid performance in a role in which I'd never expect him.

Characters: The characters were three-dimensional and fun to watch. Malcolm Gray's military buddies (including Clarke Peters) were very fun to watch. They all had some great scenes.

Dialogue: Mostly natural. However, there were a few lines that came out of Malcolm Gray's mouth that didn't seem consistent with his character or with the actor playing him.

Cinematography/Editing: Great cinematography and editing. Helped to keep things tense and interesting.