Film Review: Labyrinth(1986)
- Ellen Rouse-Barron
- Feb 3, 2016
- 3 min read
"Stop! Look what im offering you. Your dreams." This film certainly is everything you could dream for, and more. An ungenerous, 16-year old girl is given 13 hours to solve a Labyrinth and save her baby brother, when her wish for him to be taken away was granted by the Goblin King. A masterpiece directed by Jim Henson, of whom also helped write this adventure, fantasy, musical, alongside Dennis Lee and Terry Jones. It includes the extraordinary performances from the legendary David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly as the main characters.
Sarah (Jennifer Connelly), whom has a large imagination and a love for fantasy stories, had grown tired of the fact she must stay home and watch over her baby brother, Toby. So one day, when she could take it no longer, while telling the story of how the Gobling King (David Bowie) had fallen in love with the girl who takes care of a screaming baby and had given her certain powers, she calls upon the goblins to take him away. However, when she realises her made-up story had come true, Jareth the Goblin King (Bowie) appears, Sarah (Connelly) pleads for her brother back, but he states "What's said is said", and so offers her her dreams and to forget the baby. Of course, Sarah (Connelly) declines and asks again for her brother and so Jareth (Bowie) gives her thirteen hours to solve his Labyrinth, and get to his castle beyond the goblin city where he has hidden Toby, before he becomes one of them forever. Within the Labyrinth she faces "dangers untold and hardships unnumbered", and with each challenge learning to become less selfish, handle hard decisions and sacrifices, as well as make friends along the way.
This film is one of my all time favourites and i have been brought up with it and others alike (e.g 'The Dark Crystle' another Jim Henson creation). Its creepy characters have a somewhat interesting appeal and you can't help but want to watch it. As a child, of course i was terrified of all the creatures she encountered, i'm still not too sure about them now, but i watched this film on reapeat nevertheless becuase i loved to see them. I loved to watch its every unique quirk, and i am still yet to see another film alike. All of the characters throughout can be seen in Sarahs room. It is so well put together by its auteur auther; Jim Henson, who is known for his use of puppets, of which have a great impact in this movie and the audience. Hensen also achieved greatness with the engaging storyline, containing constant battles of feelings; for you can never tell with Jareths' everchanging emotions if he is doing this all for Sarah or for himself. Does he love her or does he not?
The casting was, undoubtable, the best decision ever made. Michael Jackson was actually considered to play Jareth, but Henson prefered Sting, until his children told him that David Bowie would have a more lasting appeal. David Bowies' already eccentric style and personality really brought his character to life, his odd eyes and imperfect teeth make him who he is and put more Bowie into Jareth. As the Gobling King is strange and unusual, he should look the part. Bowie also made you believe the role, he was very convincing as the Gobling King, as if he was born for it. Jareth is a compelling character, as he is someone you love but shouldn't. He is cruel, that's exactly what draws you in, you can't help but wish for the Goblin King to take you away. His emotions show the most towards the end, and even though he is still playing games, you can see how he really feels by his facial expressions and in his song, which breakes your heart, even knowing that it shouldn't because he's the villainous antagonist, but it still does because he shows that he done it all for love, in his own deranged way. It was all for Sarah.
"You remind me of the babe." And this babe should definantly go watch this movie, because if you haven't... what are you doing with your life?! It will be unquestionably one of the best films you could ever watch, and it has a great moral to it.
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