As more movies spark up with little room for influencing new generations, it’s important to look back on classic movies that could have contributed more than you think. As someone who grew up primarily around older generations, I got to experience the beauty of classic films that you could only find in the janitor’s closet of an abandoned Blockbuster. Brought back to theaters and Netflix for its 40th anniversary, Jim Henson’s “Labyrinth” sheds some light on the beautiful feeling that nostalgia in old movies can bring.
Jim Henson’s “Labyrinth” just had its 40th anniversary, and it’s clear that although it didn’t hold in the original box office upon its original release, there’s no denying the cultural significance of the film.
The film follows Sarah (Jennifer Connelly) babysitting her baby brother. After becoming frustrated with him, she wishes for him to be banished to the Goblin King (David Bowie). However, the Goblin King holds her brother prisoner and threatens to turn him into a goblin himself once the time runs out. To retrieve her brother from turning into a goblin, she must go through the Goblin King’s labyrinth, an elaborate maze with near impossible puzzles and mystic creatures.
The film is very “in your face” about being made in the 1980’s. The disturbing, yet charming, puppetry throughout the movie gives it that dream-like feeling that is displayed constantly along with the plot of the movie. While some people seem to find this nonsense dream feeling unreasonable, I find it charming.
As Ebert points out the flaws in nightmare movies, I believe that’s the exact thing I enjoy about these movies. The fun, little logic story is something beautiful about creativity. Sometimes it just doesn’t have to follow certain rules if done right. When I go into a movie blind, I usually have no expectations but for it to make me feel something. “Labyrinth” goes above and beyond especially for its time to make you feel. The aesthetics alone give you senses that really capture you in the moment and other-worldly setting.
“Labyrinth” may not be your textbook well laid out movie, but it’s certainly a movie that lives on through your heart. Its 40th anniversary reminds people just how far movies have come as well as one of the original meanings for movies: To create something that brings an audience something to feel.