Nearly four decades after its release,Labyrinthremains one of film’smost quintessential fantasy entries. Though the picture started out as abox office bomb, it has become a classic that has transcended generations and has evengarnered talks of a sequelhelmed by none other than the greatRobert Eggers. It’s not hard to see why the movie remains so beloved. FromDavid Bowie’s iconic Goblin King toJennifer Connelly’s breakout performanceas Sarah, and, of course, the music, the film truly holds up in nearly every way. However, perhaps the film’s best (and most underrated) attribute is its focus on practically created characters. While movies today have an endless number of digital tools at their disposal,Labyrinth’s goblins and creatures still outrank many modern creations and serve as a masterclass for genre filmmaking.
‘Labyrinth’s Creatures Still Look Incredible
Being the brainchild ofthe legendaryJim Henson,Labyrinthis filled with incredible puppetry. But what makes the inhabitants of the Goblin King’s domain so realistic is their dynamic design and groundbreaking execution. There are literally hundreds of characterscreated by practical effectsand,even as the picture approaches its 40th anniversary, each goblin and creaturestilllooks astounding. It’s rather incredible, considering how many hundreds of characters there are, and the diversity that comes with each design. The famous “Dance Magic” sequence is filled to the brim with a slew of different puppets, some of which are built traditionally, while others are costume hybrids, and it’s truly a gorgeous sequence to watch. Sure, the song is incredible, but it’s the chaos of the room that really makes the sequence pop.
I Never Wanted the ‘Labyrinth’ Sequel, Until Now
Dance, (movie) magic, dance!
Then, of course, there are the specific characters, such as those who travel with Sarah. Ludo (Rob Mills/Ron Mueck), Sir Didymus (Dave Goelz/David Shaughnessy), and Hoggle (Shari Weiser/Brian Henson) are true marvels. Ludo and Hoggle specifically are not only incredible puppets, but incredible feats of engineering. According tothe Jim Henson Company,Hoggle was brought to life through a mix of puppetry and animatronic work. Weiser served as the in-costume puppeteer, donning Hoggle’s costume, while his more advanced facial movements were crafted by four other puppeteers, using radio controllers to operate 18 motors within Hoggle’s head. The result is a lifelike character that CGI has rarely been able to match. Sure, other fantastical characters such asPirates of the Caribbean’s Davy Jones (Bill Nighy) andLord of the Rings’ Gollum (Andy Serkis) come close, but, as CGI has become a more saturating force in big genre films,the characters have become less convincing. And, asLabyrinthproves, convincing special effects characters rely on live actors.
The Practical Nature of ‘Labyrinth’ Makes the Movie Work
Theperformances of David Bowieand Jennifer Connelly are iconic inLabyrinth. They really created a dynamic duo with these roles, but the believability of their characters is maximized by how realistic the puppet characters appear. After all, the film is extremelyhigh fantasy, and considering that most of their scenes are performed exclusively alongside theirHenson co-stars,believability is key to making the film work. The live performers' talent is fantastic, for sure, but if the other characters didn’t work, it really wouldn’t have mattered. We see this today, wheregreat films are ruined by bad CGI, with many being recent releases. However, the practical characters ofLabyrinthnot only hold up, but also elevate the world. Their believability makes the over-the-top action of the picture feel tangible. Despite the Goblin King’s world being a mix of backdrops and trickery, the characters make the labyrinth feel real, earthy even. Had these characters not worked, the whole movie would have fallen apart without question. Of course, the incredible characters ofLabyrinthneed a believable world to inhabit, and the production design does not disappoint.
‘Labyrinth’s Sets Still Look Incredible
In this day and age, it seems the art of practical sets has become all but a thing of the past. More and moremovies are relying on green screen, orthe volume, a digital technology that, while impressive, has navigated the industry further away from practical sets. But the vast world of the labyrinth is just as incredible and even more tangible. It’s rather astonishing to watch even today. Despite their fantastical nature, the designs ofBrian Froudfeel just as real as they are grand. For an older fantasy, Jareth’s kingdom still looks gorgeous. In fact, the sweeping practical designs are so thorough and are also shot so well that they often surpass many oftoday’s CGI attempts. Take his palace, for example. From his throne room to the endless staircase, it feels like much more than a set;it feels like a real place, even though it defies possibility, a feat that few modern-day pictures are able to replicate. It’s truly a fully formed world that comes alive in each masterful frame.
Labyrinthremains a quintessential classic, and that is in large part due to the innovative characters that inhabit the titular location. Jim Henson and his team created groundbreaking designs that rival and surpass modern-day techniques. Crafting a world as imaginative as that of the Goblin King’s domain is not easy, but the genius behind the scenes makes it a place that feels real, and for a movie that is unmatched in legacy and continues to delight each generation.
Labyrinthis available to stream on Hulu.
