Rediscovering Labyrinth: 13 Things to Notice

Screencap from TriStar Pictures

13 Things You Might Not Have Thought (And Some You Did) While Watching Labyrinth

The Feminist Film of 1986

With such criticism lobbed at male-written and directed features, it’s remarkable how well Jim Henson’s Labyrinth holds up as a feminist film. Sure, it doesn’t pass the Bechdel Test since Sarah is the only female of significance whose conversations are about men. However, Sarah thinks on her feet, leads her male comrades into battle and saves herself in several instances. She even has the forethought to figure out how to pop a bubble, from the inside!

The predominant reason for its feminism, though, is the relationship with David Bowie’s Goblin King. Sarah’s creepy relationship with the guy notwithstanding, Sarah ultimately learns being under a man’s thumb is no way to live. Though Jareth describes himself as “generous,” Sarah understands his manipulative and controlling ways. She refuses Jareth’s offer to “love me, fear me and I will be your slave” because it would simultaneously require him to “rule you.” As I’ve gotten older Bowie’s offer sounds good enough to me – he’s Bowie after all! – but it’s refreshing a story that tells girls they should be their own ruler.

Next: The Bowie