Institute History
Description
"Legends in Concert" is the longest-running and most successful stage act in Las Vegas. Each night, the likenesses of Judy Garland, Marilyn Monroe, and Elvis Presley perform their greatest hits to packed audiences at the Imperial Palace. liana Bar-Din's Legends gives us a backstage look at the three celebrity impersonators who, for the better part of the past six years, have engaged in illusion. Through its humor, poignancy and sensitivity, the film focuses on their struggle to bring their heroes to life and make thousands of people's dreams come true, while at the same time attempting to become legends in their own right. However, their premiere standing amongst celebrity impersonators is completely due to the show's creator, producer, director, guider, and mentor, Johnny Stuart.
In this film about illusion, identity, and self-determination, director Bar-Din keeps her attention centered on the human side of her subjects, always concentrating on their charm both in and out of character. Because the film was shot over the course of several years, we can witness the growth in the abilities and stature of each performer, and the strong bonds between each of them and their characters. Extra attention is given to Monica Mans (Judy Garland), whose personal identity slowly becomes consumed by that of Garland. Bar-Din notes that it is a curious, unusual world these people live in, and she fills Legends with enough humor to keep us entertained, but avoids exploitation and humiliation. Instead she focuses on her subjects' desires and attempts to fulfill them.