Ridley Scott on the American and the European cut

In the January 1986 issue of CINEFANTASTIQUE magazine, Ridley Scott said about Legend:

“European audiences are more sophisticated. They accept preambles and subtleties whereas the U.S. goes for a much broader stroke. Americans are governed by the media, which I consider totally unhealthy. On MTV the younger generation, especially, watches sub-par montages all day long which makes them impatient. Nowadays 16-22 year-olds seem to have missed the educational process that makes them aware of classical references enough to be attracted by them. It’s a sad fact of life but you are obliged to take note of that. You would be a fool not to.
The American cut of LEGEND is much simpler. The clockmaker’s cottage sequence, showing the real world, is being removed so the film will open on Jack and Lili meeting in the glade. Therefore the comparison in really obvious terms of what Darkness’ rule has meant before and after Lili enters the cottage will be lost. Also Darkness’ entrance may be moved up to stop the audience from getting restless.”