The pop icon passed away a decade ago this month, but his legacy lives on as his music continues to be played, and in the ‘frightening’ role he played in this 80s classic
David Bowie is renowned for his monumental influence on the music industry, but some fans will always remember him for the fear he instilled in them as children through his role in a whimsical film.
The icon had previously ventured into cinema with his performance in the 1976 cult classic The Man Who Fell to Earth, where he portrayed an extraterrestrial being. This character resonated with his Ziggy Stardust persona and the musical phase he was immersed in at that time. However, his fascination with fantasy and science fiction didn’t end there; in 1986, he embraced the role of Jareth in Labyrinth.
This musical fantasy flick was helmed by Jim Henson, in collaboration with Lucasfilm, and showcased real puppetry alongside human actors. A young Jennifer Connelly stars as Sarah, with David Bowie playing Jareth, and the plot follows her journey through the maze in search of her kidnapped baby brother.
Navigating the enchanting labyrinth proves to be a daunting task, riddled with perilous traps, but at its heart lies her brother Toby, who has been abducted by the Goblin King. After secretly wishing him away, she now has a mere 13 hours to traverse the labyrinth’s centre and vanquish Jareth.
Throughout her quest, Sarah encounters peculiar landscapes and forms alliances with puppet creatures who assist her in her mission. However, she also faces numerous temptations designed to distract her from rescuing Toby and preventing his permanent transformation into a goblin.
One admirer of the film left a glowing review on Rotten Tomatoes, gushing about the nostalgia it evoked for that golden age of cinema. They wrote: “An absolutely amazing moment in time where you could actually get lost in what’s happening on the screen. This is a childhood classic.”
Another viewer shared: “This is one of my favourite childhood movies. You can’t go wrong with David Bowie and a young Jennifer Connelly. The puppetry of Jim Henson will always be a great hallmark of the 80s, and this is just as iconic as the Muppets.”
Fans continue to heap praise on the filmmakers’ efforts, suggesting they perfected the narrative, which explains why no follow-ups have really been attempted. One reviewer noted: “For how amazing this film is, it’s surprising they never made a sequel or a spin-off series.
“We have a story with a clear goal, character growth, a fantastic world, and most of all, amazing characters. I love how there’s something new to see around every corner. Definitely Bowie’s best movie, Jim Henson’s best, and one of the best fantasy films ever made.”
When Labyrinth first hit cinemas, it enjoyed a prestigious premiere attended by King Charles and Princess Diana. However, despite the Royal fanfare, the film ultimately fell short of commercial expectations and didn’t achieve the blockbuster success producers had anticipated.
Despite initial reception, the film has grown into a beloved classic over the years, particularly celebrated for its groundbreaking puppetry work and imaginative set design. One fan praised it, saying: “Bursting at the seams with memorable characters, beautiful set pieces, and an inimitable performance by David Bowie.”
Source: Mirror
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