The Krays: The Myth Behind the Legend

The Krays: The Myth Behind the Legend is a captivating 2015 British documentary that takes a detailed look at the notorious Kray Twins, Ronnie and Reggie, who were renowned gangsta figures in the East End of London during the 1950s and 60s. Featuring interviews with people who knew them intimately, this film presents a complex and comprehensive portrait of these infamous figures, unraveling the myths that have been woven around them to reveal the brutal reality beneath the legend.

The film combines historical and contemporary footage to create an atmospheric, immersive exploration of a past world that is both fascinating and frightening. The narrative portrays a grim timeline of the Twins' rise to power, providing an insight into the dark side of Britain’s underworld at a moment in history when the Krays were at the pinnacle of their reign, commanding fear and respect in equal measure.

Maureen Flanagan, a former pin-up model and close personal friend of the Krays, leads the narrative as the central figure in the documentary. Not only was Maureen a part of fashionable Swinging London of the sixties, she also had an inside track to the Krays’ personal lives and their ruthless operations. Her firsthand experiences and intimate knowledge of the gangsters add to the documentary’s authenticity and provide an invaluable perspective on the brothers' characters and actions.

Another significant character in the documentary is Frankie Fraser, a prominent figure in the criminal underworld of London who had dealings with the Krays. His gruff wit and candidness lend an air of brutal honesty to the narrative, offering insights into the violent realities of life among London's gangsters. Even more intriguing is the insight provided by Lenny Hamilton, a small-time crook who had a notorious altercation with the Krays. His experiences offer a nuanced perspective on the Krays, from his youthful admiration to the brutal reality check he received at their hands.

The gritty stories shared by these characters are juxtaposed with photographs and archival materials that demonstrate the Krays' contradictory status as celebrities within their community. Throughout the film, these materials serve as a stark reminder of the dichotomy between their public image as charismatic figures and their private identity as violent criminals, a contrast that has contributed significantly to their persistent myth.

One of the key elements of the film is the unraveling of the myths and misconceptions about the Kray Twins. The documentary does a commendable job in separating truth from fiction in the tales that have been told of them. Simultaneously, it contextualizes the Twins within the larger framework of organized crime in London, painting a vivid picture of a city in the throes of its own gritty transformation.

The film also highlights the social conditions and circumstances that influenced the Krays’ lifestyle and their ascendancy in East End's crime scene. Their connection to various notable personalities and the growing sophistication of their operations hint at how deeply the twins were embedded in the society and culture of their time.

Central to the narrative is the strong and complex bond between the Kray twins themselves. The documentary explores the symbiotic relationship they shared – a bond that enabled them to build and sustain their empire of crime. This exploration into their relationship is deeply humanizing and adds another dimension to the mythos surrounding these men.

In The Krays: The Myth Behind the Legend, Director Zackary Adler not only sheds light on the complex lives of the infamous brothers but also summons a vivid picture of a lost era. The film, with its mix of archival footage and personal testimonials, manages to balance a sense of nostalgia with the startling brutality of their reign – an arc that is both fascinating and chilling.

This movie is a must-watch for those who have an interest in true crime, history, and socio-political atmospheres of past eras. Delving deep into the world of one of London's most notorious criminal duos, The Krays: The Myth Behind the Legend is a compelling study of the intersection of crime, personality, and society.