Labyrinth: The Loneliness of Fantasy
- Caleb Stevenson
- 7 hours ago
- 4 min read
A forever memory
Jim Henson's Labyrinth is the most memorable and fantastical film I have ever seen. There are scenes that reminisce in my imagination, igniting emotions of a not-so-distant childhood. The characters are diverse, yet hold a powerful friendship, so powerful that I became a part of their adventure. The music tugged at my soul, making me feel like I was there. My attraction to this film is so immense that it has me revisiting it, over and over again. Labyrinth is my favorite movie of all time; it's truly special to me.
Labyrinth is a fantasy film that acknowledges its audience through its imaginative characters and emotional themes. Beneath the whimsical creatures and dreamlike setting lies a relatable story about growing up and accepting responsibility. Sarah’s journey through the labyrinth reflects the confusion, fear, and self-discovery that often come with adolescence. By blending fantasy with emotional realism, the film continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.
sarah
In the beginning of the film, Sarah is seemingly an entitled brat. She is whining over her responsibilities, trying to prevent her step-mother and father from having a fun night out. She doesn't want to watch her baby brother, Toby, and would rather dwell in her own playful imagination. This is, however, the most important part of her character.
She doesn't want to grow up and feels like a stranger in her own home. She is a teenager who is struggling to cope with becoming an adult. She is desperate for escape, not willing to let go of her childhood. Her entire journey is a metaphor for responsibility and the weight of her decisions.
"You have no power over me."
Like most teenagers, Sarah feels completely alone and is rebellious. Her world of fantasy she has created isolates her from reality. Her friends are merely stuffed animals scattered through her room, a reflection of her disparity.
Through her odyssey, she faces consequences, forcing her to self reflect over her decisions. Every character she meets represents a specific trait, cowardice, difference, and arrogance. These are directly tied to Sarah, evolving as she does.
hoggle (cowardice)
Hoggle is an outcast amongst outcasts. In the beginning, he doesn't believe in friendship, nor does he feel worthy of it. He knows nothing other than thievery and manipulation. As a servant to his master, Jareth, he betrays Sarah in an act of cowardice. He poisons her, setting Sarah further from her baby brother.
Hoggle is aware of his cowardice, but is indifferent about his lack of confidence. He is cold and selfish. He sees himself as a disgusting creature unworthy of connection. He is a hermit. Yet, he is changed by Sarah's humanity when she shows him he is worthy of love.
"Friend. I like that. I ain't never been no one's friend before."
He does, however, feel regret about his choices. Sarah is his only friend. Hoggle shouldn't be forgiven for what he has done, but his efforts of making up for his actions redeems him. His affection for Sarah and the rest the of group give him enough confidence to stand up to Jareth, who has torn him down into the insecure dwarf that he is. He becomes a hero, a word he never even knew.
ludo (difference)
Ludo is feared and tortured for how he appears. He is a gigantic beast who receives no chance of friendship. However, when Sarah comes around, she sees through his monstrous appearance. As he is let down from a rope, he growls and swings, fearing Sarah will harm him. His trust is absent, he is traumatized and shattered.
He almost seems like an abused animal; it's heartbreaking. Like the others, he has lived a lonely and secluded life. He speaks with few words, sounding broken, comparable to his soul. Ludo doesn't know how to act, so he revolts with anger, a reflection of how he has been treated.
"Ludo scared."
In contrast to his appearance, Ludo feels small and terrified. Sarah's sympathy and understanding creates a new path for him. He is able to see the beauty within himself, revealing that he is not simply a monster. Ludo is shown, like Hoggle, that he is worthy of love.
sir didymus (arrogance)
Sir Didymus is a small and brave fox who rides atop his dog, Ambrosius. He swore his life's blood to guard a path, only allowing those to cross by his permission. His respect for the group is earned through a short conflict, resulting in his yield and undying loyalty.
Contrary to Ludo, Sir Didymus is small and confident. He has the heart of a warrior, but has never been able to properly use his skills in battle. Only serving one purpose, guarding that bridge, hasn't exactly been the lifestyle he hungers for. So when Sarah offers up her companionship, he doesn't hesitate.
"Forward, Ambrosius! Fear is keen, but bravery is better!"
Joining Sarah on her adventure allows Sir Didymus to finally live out his destiny. His bravery carries the group through danger, displaying honor in his new journey. His friends are his fuel for combat, a new path he has sworn to protect.
the fantasy
"Should you need us, for any reason at all..."
Sarah's fantasy is an escape from adulthood. She is fearful of venturing into the unknown, leaving everything she knows behind. Sarah learns countless lessons through her story, maturing into an adult by the end. She realizes how lonely the life she has chosen truly is, deciding to come back to reality and live the life she has neglected for so long.
Do You Enjoy The Fantasy Genre?
Yes
No
Which of These Characters Sounded Most Interesting?
Sarah
Hoggle
Ludo
Sir Didymus