Inside the Labyrinth (1986)

Inside the Labyrinth Poster

A behind-the-scenes look at Jim Henson's 1986 fantasy film, 'Labyrinth', featuring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly.

Film Overview
"Inside the Labyrinth" is a dream feature film directed by the famous Jim Henson, produced by George Lucas, and conceived with the assistance of Brian Froud. The film was released in 1986. It stars popular artist David Bowie as Jareth the Goblin King and Jennifer Connelly as Sarah Williams, a teenage woman. The film is renowned for its muppet characters, fantastical world-building, creative plot, and the exceptional music made up and sung by Bowie.

Plot Summary
The film's plot revolves around Sarah, who is at first disturbed with her child sibling Toby and want him to eliminated by the Goblin King, Jareth. However, to her shock and dismay, her dream comes to life. Jareth takes Toby to the heart of a maze, and this triggers Sarah's mission to save her sibling. Sarah gets in a bizarre and charming world filled with wonderful characters, puzzles, and unusual lands. She has 13 hours to fix the labyrinth, or her brother will be changed into a goblin forever.

Main Characters
Jennifer Connelly provides an engaging efficiency as Sarah, a teen who imagines a whimsical, amazing life. She begins her journey in a fit of childish animosity however over the course of the story showcases bravery, creativity, and durability in her pursuit to save her brother. David Bowie expertly represents Jareth, the seductive, strange and temperamental villain. His charisma and commanding phase existence add depth to his character. His tunes throughout the movie add a notable musical component to the story, boosting the fantastical state of mind of the movie.

Other Characters and Themes
The film also features a vibrant range of distinct, puppet characters developed by Henson's team. These characters help or prevent Sarah's progress through the Labyrinth and consist of the likes of Hoggle, a dwarf; Ludo, a gentle beast; and Sir Didymus, a heroic fox-terrier. These characters, each with their own quirks and intricacies, include levity to the movie and address themes of friendship, bravery, and self-realization.

Music and Songs
"Inside the Labyrinth" likewise stands out for its music, composed and performed by Bowie himself. His electropop tunes like "Magic Dance" and "Underground", to name a few, elevate the film's dream feel and sit completely within the narrative structure.

Important Reception
Upon release, "Inside the Labyrinth" received combined reviews due to its dark styles and intricate narrative for a household motion picture; nevertheless, it has given that gotten a cult following and is valued for its art direction, puppetry, unique effects, and great nuances. It is considered among Henson's a lot of enthusiastic jobs, a testament to his innovative prowess, and a traditional addition to the '80s fantasy category. The partnership of Henson, Lucas, Froud, and Bowie brought a distinct cultural touchstone, making "Inside the Labyrinth" iconic.

Conclusion
In conclusion, "Inside the Labyrinth" is a fantastical exploration of a young girl's journey through a wonderful maze to conserve her young brother. It's marked by ingenious puppetry and memorable musical interludes by David Bowie. Despite its preliminary combined reception, it has more than time become a cult classic, commemorated for its special blend of dream, music, and puppetry that renders it unique from other films of its era.

Top Cast

  • Jim Henson (small)
    Jim Henson
    Self
  • David Bowie (small)
    David Bowie
    Self
  • Charles Augins
    Self
  • Brian Henson (small)
    Brian Henson
    Self
  • Brian Froud
    Self
  • Terry Jones (small)
    Terry Jones
    Self
  • Michael McCormick (small)
    Michael McCormick
    Self
  • Ross Hill
    Self
  • Jennifer Connelly (small)
    Jennifer Connelly
    Self
  • Shari Weiser
    Hoggle
  • Michael Moschen
    Juggler