While David Bowie's musical genius is legendary, a generation of fans still feel a shiver of childhood fear and wonder from his iconic role in a beloved 1980s fantasy film. A decade after his passing, his legacy thrives not only in music but also in his 'frightening' performance as the Goblin King in Labyrinth.
From Ziggy Stardust to the Goblin King
Bowie had already explored otherworldly characters on screen, most notably in the 1976 cult hit The Man Who Fell to Earth. His portrayal of an alien perfectly mirrored his Ziggy Stardust persona. A decade later, his fascination with fantasy led him to the role of Jareth in Jim Henson's 1986 musical adventure, Labyrinth. The film was a creative collaboration with George Lucas's Lucasfilm, blending live-action with groundbreaking puppetry.
The story follows a teenage Sarah, played by a young Jennifer Connelly, who must navigate a magical maze to rescue her baby brother, Toby. She has just 13 hours to reach the castle at the labyrinth's centre after foolishly wishing the child away to Jareth's realm. If she fails, Toby will be turned into a goblin forever.
A Maze of Memory and Magic
Sarah's journey is filled with bizarre landscapes, strange creatures, and cunning traps designed to divert her. The film's enduring charm lies in its practical effects and the imaginative puppetry of Jim Henson's workshop. Fans on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes consistently praise its nostalgic power. One reviewer reminisced, calling it "an absolutely amazing moment in time where you could actually get lost in what's happening on the screen."
Another fan highlighted the unique collaboration: "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." Many argue the film is so perfectly contained that a sequel was never necessary. A dedicated viewer noted: "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."
From Royal Premiere to Lasting Legacy
Labyrinth premiered in London in 1986 with royal attendees, including the then-Prince Charles and Princess Diana. Despite this prestigious launch, the film was not an immediate box office smash. However, its status has grown exponentially over the decades into a beloved cult classic.
It is now celebrated for its artistic vision, set design, and Bowie's inimitable performance. As one admirer summarised, the film is "bursting at the seams with memorable characters, beautiful set pieces, and an inimitable performance by David Bowie." For those eager to experience or revisit the magic, Labyrinth is available to stream on Amazon Prime and can be watched for free on ITVX.
