Get ready to dive into the magical world of Labyrinth, a film that has captivated audiences for four decades. In this oral history, we uncover the secrets and stories behind its creation, from the charismatic David Bowie to the innovative puppetry that brought the goblin kingdom to life.
The Birth of a Cult Classic
Labyrinth, a dark fantasy film released in 1986, tells the tale of Sarah, a teenager on a quest to rescue her baby brother from the goblin king, Jareth, played by the iconic David Bowie. Directed by Jim Henson, the mastermind behind the Muppets and Fraggle Rock, Labyrinth pushed the boundaries of visual effects and puppetry, creating a visually stunning and unique cinematic experience.
Despite its initial box office flop and mixed reviews, Labyrinth found its cult following when released on home video and DVD. Today, it is celebrated as a classic, inspiring comics, video games, and even a sequel in the works. But what makes this film so enduringly popular, and what secrets lie behind its creation?
Visionary Collaboration
The film's origins can be traced back to a limousine ride in San Francisco, where Jim Henson and conceptual designer Brian Froud discussed their next project. Froud's suggestion of goblins and a labyrinth sparked Henson's imagination, leading to the creation of a dark fantasy world. Terry Jones, of Monty Python fame, was brought on board to write the script, and George Lucas served as executive producer, ensuring a unique and star-studded collaboration.
Casting the Stars
The casting process for Labyrinth was a fascinating journey in itself. For the lead role of Sarah, auditions were held in both England and the US, with notable actors like Jane Krakowski, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Marisa Tomei trying out. However, it was Helena Bonham Carter who caught Brian Froud's eye, despite her lack of experience. Froud's intuition proved correct, as Carter went on to become a renowned actress.
For the role of Jareth, Henson had his heart set on a musician, and the choices were narrowed down to Sting, Michael Jackson, and David Bowie. Brian Henson, who voiced Hoggle, was a huge advocate for Bowie, having seen him in The Elephant Man and being a fan of his music. Bowie's electric performance as the mullet-haired, leather-clad goblin king is now iconic, and his involvement added a rock'n'roll edge to the film.
Puppeteering Magic
Labyrinth's puppetry was a masterpiece, with Henson's Creature Shop designing an array of creatures and characters. Karen Prell, a puppeteer for the Worm and other characters, described the intricate process, from hand-puppets to bunraku-style puppets with multiple puppeteers controlling different body parts. Dave Goelz, puppeteer for Sir Didymus, spoke of the meticulous rehearsal process, ensuring every movement and expression was perfect.
Hoggle, the cowardly dwarf, was a groundbreaking character, as he was the first to walk freely without wires. Brian Henson, who performed Hoggle's mouth, explained how they had to come up with reasons for Hoggle to keep his mouth open so the puppeteer inside could see. This led to Hoggle's grumbling mannerisms, a unique and memorable trait.
On Set Dynamics
The set of Labyrinth was a lively and creative space. Jennifer Connelly, who played Sarah, was only 14 at the time but was described as professional and fun to work with. She embraced the physical stunts and loved when things went wrong, adding to the lighthearted atmosphere.
David Bowie, known for his workaholic tendencies, found the experience akin to a vacation. He was fascinated by the puppetry process and often hung out in the workshop, eager to learn. He was down-to-earth and game for anything, even joining the crew for a pint in the studio pub.
Behind the Scenes Tricks
The crew had to get creative to keep Brian Froud's one-year-old son, Toby, engaged during filming. Toby, who played Sarah's brother, was cast because he only responded to his name, so they used party blowers and balloons to get his attention. In one scene, Toby appears to be high up on a set of stairs, but it was actually filmed on the floor with just a few steps, a testament to the crew's ingenuity.
There were also failed pranks, like the attempt to play Bowie's 'The Laughing Gnome' during the 'Magic Dance' scene. The crew tried to hook up a cassette player to the sound system, but it didn't work, much to their disappointment.
A Legacy of Laughter and Fantasy
Labyrinth's release was met with mixed reactions, and Jim Henson was deeply disappointed by the initial response. However, the film found its audience over time, becoming a beloved cult classic. Brian Henson believes its unique blend of camp rock'n'roll and deep fantasy resonates with audiences. Brian Froud notes the emotional journey the film offers, especially for young women, speaking to their place in the world and the transition from girlhood to womanhood.
The film's legacy is also seen in its impact on future generations of puppeteers and the continued appreciation for Henson's work. Karen Prell wishes Jim Henson could see the love and appreciation the film has garnered, making all the hard work worthwhile.
Labyrinth's enduring popularity is a testament to the vision and creativity of its creators, and its impact on popular culture is a lasting legacy.
