Labyrinth: Created for Dreamers

A week ago, Justin and I went to see Labyrinth (1986), a fantastically wonderful fairy tale which celebrated its 30 year anniversary this year. Justin had already watched it before, loved it and even, apparently, owned it on DVD. I, on the other hand, watched it for the first time! Can you believe it? I can't! Me, who is all about fairy tales, magic, innocence, humor and romance - who writes stories not very different from Labyrinth herself, has never even watched this gem of a fairy tale! 

Truth be told, many many years ago, I tried to watch it. I think it was probably too late in the day, I was tired, and the very beginning of the movie pushed the wrong button in me - "how dare this young lady be so insensitive to a little child," I thought. Having a teenage girl now, I understand the main character so much better than I was able to back then, being a mother of a little child. Then, I think I just did not want to go much beyond that point, and fast and peacefully fell asleep. I never ever tried to watch this movie again. When I learned that it was shown on a big screen (with super comfortable recliner chairs, may I add - that increased my going to movies significantly in the last month or so!), I wanted to give it another try. All I knew was that David Bowie was in it, and that Jennifer Connelly was irresistibly adorable. That's all. I did not even remember that it was a fairy tale. 

I put together an outfit that I wanted to wear, but when it came to actually dressing and going, I felt my outfit wasn't crazy enough for the occasion. I mean, it was the 1980s. It was David Bowie. I just knew I had to be more bold, more edgy! I think in that very moment of realization, the spirit of Bowie visited, and the rest of my outfit came together in just a couple of minutes! There is only a jumpsuit from the original plan. The rest was all Bowie (thanks, David!). 

Needless to say, I feel in love head over heels with this movie! It is an absolute delight to watch and rewatch, again and again! Justin read that Jim Henson, the creator of Labyrinth, was disappointed with the reception of the movie so much that he never really got over it. He died 4 short years after the movie release. That year was big on blockbusters, comedies, and some whimsical and artsy movies too: Top Gun, Aliens, Ferries Bueller's Day Off, Blue Velvet, Big Trouble in Little China, Hannah and Her Sisters, and of course Star Trek. Lots and lots big titles, as you can see.

Such movies as Labyrinth, no matter how extremely rare they are, will never be as well received universally, by a large crowd. To tell the truth, they are not even meant for a large crowd. Even though the language of fairy tales is universal, it is understood and appreciated by rather a handful of souls who most of the time don't go to movies at all, simply because there is not so much out there to suit their gentle spirit. I read about Jim Henson, and he definitely was one such person himself - an eternal optimist, a grown child who never stopped believing in true magic. Not the kind that is sitting in the thick dusty tomes of long bearded wizards - but the kind that is found within oneself.

That is precisely why Henson was able to create this masterpiece. It is a simple story, but it is pure and true magic. No wonder there are fans who stay faithful to Labyrinth through the years - and no wonder that I have finally discovered it for myself. You made it for all of us, dreamers, Jim. And for those dreamers who are coming to this world now, long after you're gone. My daughter, for one.

The dreamy ball scene is one of the most beautiful in the movie, 

and quite unexpectedly sensual for such an innocent fairy tale.

I'll be frank with you - there are very few movies or TV shows that I like to watch time and time again. And when I find them, that's exactly what I do - I watch them over and over again. I think I only started realizing now that I am such a visual person. Maybe I needed to seek for a career in the movie industry, rather than academics or publishing fields. But it never even crossed my mind before. I think that stories told by movie makers are what touch me the most - only there are very few stories that really are on point with my own perception of life. Labyrinth is one of them.

Jumpsuit - ASOS Curve (old)

Vest with a fur collar - Torrid Insider (clearance)

Platforms - MIA via Nordstrom Rack

Purse - via TJ MAXX (old)

Necklace - Chico's Collectibles

Ring and bracelet - Lane Bryant (old)

Sunnies - Christian Siriano for LB

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