Universal Pictures released the biopic Legend in 2015 depicting the rise of the Kray Twins in London during the 1960’s. Directed by Brian Helgeland Legend stars Tom Hardy as both Ron and Reggie Kray, notorious London-based gangsters during the 60’s. The reason this is considered a portrayal of an LGTBQ+ character is because Ron in the film is openly homosexual. This film passed the Vito Russo test due to the fact that the film features an LGBTQ+ character that would have an undeniable impact on the film if removed and Ron isn’t defined by his sexuality. It is a plot device as he has male partners in the film and is even involved in a scandal involving several male London officials, but the film focuses less on the fact that he’s gay and more on the fact that Ron is actually insane. The reason this film was chosen as a case study is due to the fact that Tom Hardy is identifiably straight, but portrayed an identity that doesn’t belong to him. This isn’t to say his portrayal was negatively representing the LGBTQ+ community or used as a punchline.

The film respects Ron Kray by not entirely focusing on his sexuality, but early on in the film it appears to do so. The third time we see Ron is when he meets Reggie’s girlfriend, Frances. Reggie leaves the two alone for a moment and one of the first things Ron says to Frances after they’ve met and are sitting together is, “I’m a homosexual, Frances.” He says this in order to clarify why a young man has just walked out of Ron’s home smiling at him as he walks away. The film defines Ron early as mentally unstable, but makes it a point to not relate his sexual identity to his mental health. This is only the first time Ron’s sexuality is the main focus of a scene.

The second time is when Reggie and Ron meet Angel Bruno (Chazz Palminteri). Angel Bruno works for the American mafia and has cut a deal with the Kray twins in London in order to expand business and turn London into the Las Vegas of Europe. Angelo tells Ron that when he’s in Philadelphia he should find a nice Italian girl. Ron responds with, “I like boys. Italian. Greek.” Angelo is slightly taken back by Ron’s openness, but commends him for his bravery in being so open without really knowing Angelo.

Ron’s sexuality is almost never a real focus of a scene which allows for other aspects of Ron’s identity to be focused on more. This is refreshing as with most portrayals of LGBTQ+ characters are often defined by that part of their identity with little room for further character development. Despite the role of Ron Kray being written and played respectively there is still the question of whether Tom Hardy was right for the role.

The decision for Tom Hardy to portray Ron Kray wasn’t because Tom was the right person to portray gayness on the big screen, but because he was a good fit for a character who wasn’t defined by their sexuality. Ron is shown as being aggressive and violent; an archetype Tom Hardy is used to playing. Tom Hardy portrayed infamous London criminal Charles Bronson in 2008’s Bronson. If the film was about Ron’s acceptance of his sexuality, then Tom wouldn’t be the right fit and it would be a completely different film.

While this may be good step for LGBTQ+ cinematic representation, the argument can be made that Tom Hardy still shouldn’t have played the role not being gay himself. Despite the film not being authentic, I can defend it based on its plot involving Ron. One could argue that you wouldn’t want an able-bodied person playing a disabled character on screen, but I think there’s more going on than people give credit to. Reggie’s sexuality is never really a question in the film since he becomes involved with Frances (Emily Browning) early on. Therefore, it makes sense for Tom Hardy to be cast as him. Reggie is described to have been a fighter growing up with violent tendencies and an appreciation for crime. As mentioned earlier, Tom Hardy is no stranger to these kinds of roles. One of the greatest parts about the film is the fact that it depicts twins, so who could be better to play Tom Hardy’s twin than Tom Hardy himself. Both roles needed to be taken into consideration when casting Tom and I personally defend their choice.

It is extremely important to diversify the acting community and authentically portray certain identities, but when a film isn’t able to authentically portray an identity it’s important that they do so respectfully without defaming the community that character is a part of. Legend does this very well as characters aside from Ron who are openly gay such as Mad Teddy Smith (Taron Egarton); a boyfriend of Ron’s, are not portrayed negatively due to their sexual orientation. They are portrayed as negative characters, but this is because of the fact that these people being depicted were actual criminals. Ultimately, Tom Hardy did a great job not trying too hard to dawn an identity that doesn’t belong to him and so many struggle with and the film did a great job by portraying Ron Kray as a well-rounded, developed character