‘David Bowie was a crazy workaholic’: Labyrinth at 40 – an oral history
‘David Bowie was a crazy workaholic’: Labyrinth at 40 – an oral history
David Bowie was a crazy workaholic - Forty years after its release, the 1986 film Labyrinth continues to captivate audiences as a visionary blend of human actors and puppetry. Directed by Jim Henson, the visionary behind the Muppets and Fraggle Rock, the movie features David Bowie at his most magnetic, Jennifer Connelly’s breakout role, and an array of intricate puppets that bring the fantastical world to life. Originally conceived as a dark, surreal fantasy, the story of Sarah’s quest to rescue her brother from the goblin king Jareth evolved into a poignant coming-of-age narrative, blending whimsy with deeper themes of identity and self-discovery.
The Creative Vision Behind the Film
Jim Henson, whose Creature Shop had already revolutionized puppetry in television and film, sought to push boundaries further with Labyrinth. The project began soon after the release of The Dark Crystal, a film that had already established Henson’s reputation for crafting immersive worlds. Terry Jones, the British comedian and Monty Python co-founder, was enlisted to write the script, while George Lucas served as executive producer, lending the project a sense of grandeur. Henson’s goal was to create a story that would seamlessly integrate human performances with quirky, animated puppets, a concept that would become the film’s defining feature.
“Should we do another one?” Jim asked in the back of a limousine after a screening of The Dark Crystal in San Francisco. I replied, “What about goblins?” Jim’s eyes lit up, and in that moment, the idea for a labyrinth took hold. It was a vision of a baby surrounded by goblins, and I knew we had something special.” – Brian Froud, conceptual designer
The decision to cast Jennifer Connelly as Sarah came after a lengthy audition process. Connelly, who had been acting since childhood, was just 14 when she landed the role. Brian Henson, the puppeteer and voice of Hoggle, recalls the casting process with a touch of humor. “Jim had a knack for spotting talent, but he also had a unique way of testing actors. We met in England, and he introduced me to a girl. She laughed, and it felt like she was laughing at me. I said to Jim, ‘That’s her?’ He replied, ‘No, I don’t think so, because she’s done nothing.’ I insisted, ‘I don’t care, she’s going to be a star.’”
Despite the film’s groundbreaking visuals, its initial reception was mixed. Audiences were initially unimpressed, and the $25 million budget led to a box office underperformance in the United States. However, the film found its audience over time, becoming a cult classic through home video releases and its growing reputation among fans of fantasy and stop-motion animation. The story’s blend of adventure and introspection, paired with Henson’s innovative puppetry, has since resonated with viewers who appreciate its unique charm.
The Puppets: A Delicate Dance of Craft
Creating the characters that populate Sarah’s world required a meticulous approach. Karen Prell, who operated the Worm—a blue-haired creature with a cockney accent—describes the challenges of bringing the puppets to life. “There were two versions of the Worm,” she explains. “A large hand-puppet for close-ups and a tiny, finger-sized one for wide shots. For the bigger version, I used a joystick to control the eye movements, while the smaller one required precise coordination to capture its playful, mischievous essence.”
“The firey gang, those hedonistic, orange-furred beasts, were massive bunraku puppets. Each puppeteer was responsible for a different body part, which meant the entire team had to synchronize their movements perfectly. It was like a symphony, with every member playing a crucial role in the performance.” – Karen Prell, puppeteer
David Bowie’s portrayal of Jareth, the enigmatic goblin king, was central to the film’s success. As Brian Henson notes, the choice of a musician for the role was deliberate. “Dad wanted a rock icon,” he says. “He was fixated on Sting, Michael Jackson, and David Bowie. I was a huge fan of Bowie’s work, especially Modern Love and Let’s Dance. It was thrilling when he decided to cast Bowie, as it brought a level of charisma that defined the character.”
A Legacy Forged in Shadow and Light
While the film’s initial run was modest, its enduring appeal has solidified its place in cinematic history. Connelly’s performance as Sarah, a determined and resourceful teenager, became a defining moment in her career. The film’s mix of puppetry and live-action also set a new standard for visual storytelling, influencing later projects in both film and television. Critics who once dismissed the movie have since hailed it as a pioneering work, with its surreal visuals and layered narrative now celebrated for their creativity.
Behind the scenes, the collaboration between Henson and his team was instrumental in bringing the film to life. Dave Goelz, who puppeteered Sir Didymus and the Hat, reflects on the technical challenges. “Rehearsing with Didymus required precise timing and a deep understanding of the character’s movements. We had to plan every step of the performance, down to the way the eyebrows lifted and the eyes shifted on specific syllables. It was a process that demanded both artistry and precision.”
“Hoggle’s design was particularly complex. Four puppeteers worked together to animate his face, with me handling the mouth. The reason he was always grumbling was because Shari Weiser, who was inside the puppet, needed the mouth open to see. It became a running joke, but it also added to the character’s charm.” – Brian Henson, puppeteer
As the film approached its 40th anniversary, its legacy became more pronounced. Henson’s work on Labyrinth demonstrated the potential of puppetry in cinematic storytelling, proving that even in the age of CGI, handcrafted characters could evoke deep emotional connections. The movie’s themes of growth, responsibility, and the journey from childhood to adulthood continue to resonate, offering a timeless narrative that transcends its initial box office performance. For fans and critics alike, Labyrinth remains a testament to the power of imagination and the artistry of its creators.
From its debut to its cult status, the film’s journey reflects the unpredictable nature of art. While it was not an immediate commercial success, its ability to captivate audiences over time has ensured its place as a landmark in fantasy cinema. The combination of Bowie’s magnetic performance, Connelly’s youthful brilliance, and Henson’s groundbreaking puppetry creates a work that is as enchanting as it is technically masterful. As the cast and crew reflect on its creation, they underscore the passion and dedication that transformed Labyrinth into a beloved classic, even if it took decades to find its audience.