Labyrinth

Labyrinth is a unique film that was released in 1986, starting David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly, a fantasy that meets adventure. This film was written by Dennis Lee and also written and directed by Jim Henson. A man known for his puppeteer work. The mise-en-scene had a powerful impact on the films success. From the goblin king’s unique, along with his hair and makeup. 

There were many scenes in which the staging is so magical. Though today, the scenes may seem dramatic and even be considered gaudy. However in the late 80’s I would bet that the puppeteer work was ahead of its time. The goblins providing so much life in musical scenes. There are scenes with deserts, caves, mazes, of course the labyrinth, and the BOG OF ETERNAL STENCH 

 Labyrinth is one of my all time favorite films. I could probably recite the movie word for word! There are so many scenes that grasp the viewer’s attention. One of the most memorable lighting scenes consist of the “helping hands”.

Without the amazing makeup of this film, it wouldn’t be nearly as magical to the viewer. I remember watching this film in my early years, singing along to the catch tunes that Bowie sings. The film score does an amazing job building up anticipation, through the adventure. The makeup and costume of each character seriously differ to exaggerate the innocence and the dark and mysterious life of Gereth, the goblin king. Sarah, the protagonist, loses her brother accidentally by praying for the goblin king and his goblins to take the babe far away from her during a rough babysitting session. Sarah goes through great lengths to get back the baby brother from the labyrinth. Along the way, the girl meets several sidekicks that help her overcome the dangerous and challenging paths of the king’s labyrinth. 

The film uses props strongly, Jereth uses his crystal; balls to watch over the young girl whos trying to find her way to the castle in the time limit she’s facing. Those crystals also have other uses throughout the movie, not only to the crystals provide the goblin king with an eye, but they also create images, and can become food. 

Another important prop within the movie is the book that Sarah is reading in a courtyard, foreshadowing the very line that helps the girl defeat the goblin king. Other props have a special meaning within the movie, Sarah’s sidekicks that support her through the difficult journey seemed familiar because they were literally a part of the girls bedroom. Stuffed animals that become magical beings that arrive at a time of need. 

Sarah’s room props reflect a majority of the movie, she has a posters, a game called labyrinth, and also a musical figurine that reflects a masquerade scene in the film. The director put much thought into the details of the film. Some of the most important characters were previewed as little as a paper weight. All in all I believe that Jim Henson puts much thought into his film and makes a great example of what mise-en-scene is from a creative fantasy standpoint.