While the world mourned the loss of music legend David Bowie a decade ago this month, his formidable legacy extends far beyond his revolutionary sound. For a generation of fans, he is equally remembered for the spine-tingling role he played in a beloved 1980s fantasy film that continues to captivate audiences.
From Ziggy Stardust to the Goblin King
Long before he terrified children as the Goblin King, Bowie had already made his mark on cinema. In 1976, he starred in the cult classic The Man Who Fell to Earth, a role that perfectly mirrored his own extraterrestrial-inspired Ziggy Stardust persona. His fascination with the fantastical, however, reached its peak a decade later.
In 1986, Bowie took on the role of Jareth in Jim Henson's Labyrinth, a musical fantasy adventure produced in collaboration with George Lucas's Lucasfilm. The film blended live-action with astonishing, real-world puppetry to create a unique cinematic experience.
Navigating a Maze of Magic and Menace
The plot follows young Sarah, played by a teenage Jennifer Connelly, who must navigate a treacherous, ever-shifting 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 boy away to the realm of Jareth, who has stolen him.
Throughout her perilous journey, Sarah encounters bizarre creatures and landscapes, forming alliances with puppet characters while resisting temptations designed to make her forget her mission. The stakes are high: if she fails, Toby will be turned into a goblin forever.
Enduring Praise and a Royal Premiere
Despite a prestigious premiere attended by the then-Prince Charles and Princess Diana, the film was not an immediate box office hit. Yet, in the decades since, it has grown into a revered classic, celebrated for its imaginative sets, pioneering puppetry, and Bowie's unforgettable performance.
Fans on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes consistently praise its enduring magic. One admirer called it "an absolutely amazing moment in time" and a childhood classic, while another highlighted the perfect combination of "David Bowie and a young Jennifer Connelly."
Many express surprise that no sequel was ever made, with one reviewer noting: "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."
For those eager to experience or revisit this piece of cinematic history, Labyrinth is available to stream on Amazon Prime and can be watched for free on ITVX. The film stands as a lasting testament to Bowie's unique ability to enchant and terrify in equal measure.
