The Making of Labyrinth: 40 Years of David Bowie's Cult Classic

AI Summary

The film Labyrinth, starring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly, was released 40 years ago. The movie, a dark fantasy, was initially met with mixed reviews but has since become a cult classic.

The Origins of Labyrinth

Labyrinth arrived 40 years ago with David Bowie at his most devastatingly charismatic, a breakthrough performance by Jennifer Connelly, and lots and lots of puppets. The film about the quest of stroppy teen Sarah (Connelly) to rescue her baby half-brother from the clutches of Jareth (Bowie), the nefarious goblin king, was a dark fantasy that played out like a trippy Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

The Visionary Director

Director Jim Henson, the creative powerhouse behind the Muppets and Fraggle Rock, breathed life into Labyrinth, and his company Creature Shop designed a dazzling array of puppets to appear alongside the human cast.

The Challenging Production

Auditions for the lead role of Sarah started in England in April 1984, before moving to the US. Jane Krakowski, Sarah Jessica Parker, Marisa Tomei, Yasmine Bleeth and Laura Dern were among the actors trying out. Brian Froud, conceptual designer and costume designer, recalled introducing Jim Henson to Helena Bonham Carter, but Henson ultimately cast Jennifer Connelly.

The Legacy of Labyrinth

Labyrinth started filming in April 1985 at Elstree Studios, Hertfordshire, with a $25m budget. The five-month shoot involved multiple animatronic creatures and puppets. Despite initial mixed reviews, the film has become a cult classic and is celebrated 40 years later.