Expert: Jamie Soule - 4/5/2001

Question
Hi there!

  I first fell in love with David when I was twelve years ols and I watched the movie Labyrinth. Since then, he has been one of my main icons, and I have enjoyed his films (The Hunger) and his music (loved Glass Spider).

My question is that I was wondering if the creaters of Labyrinth actaully created Jerrith's charachter with David Bowie in mind, it seems to have been so perfectly matched as to be either on purpose of Fate. His lyrics could not have been better, and I wanted to know what one of his last songs meant in the movie, the one that goes "You've run so far, you've run so long, yuor eyes can be so cruel, just as i can be so cruel, live without the sunlight, love without your heart beat, I cant live within you." He knew that he was about to lose, but this whole thing was going on in her head anyways, right? I had long wished that they would make a sequel to the movie, but I dont see that happening. One last thing...do they have this out on DVD, with any more info I can see on the making of the film, directors notes and actors comments? I adore the film and I would love any and all other info on it that you could give me. Thank you so much for your time!!!

OH! One last thing, a friend told me David was in the movie "The Dark Crystal", yet I have seen it many times and I could not find his voice or influence anywhere!! Thank you agian!

Love and Light,

 Heather

Answer
Hi Heather.

First may I ask you kindly to rate me after you have read my response. It is important for me to know how well I am doing answering questions. I thank you in advance.

Labyrinth. Believe it or not this film is rarely discussed among Bowie fans. which is unfortunate. One thing I do know is that the film is either loved or hated.  It tends to receive a much kinder review from newer fans as opposed to mostly violent condemnation from older fans. I do not believe that it is the movie  itself that fans vent against, it is Bowie himself. The reason is that these fans had listened mostly to his seventies material. This period saw Bowie at his most productive and most creative. It was during this period that Bowie literally changed the direction of the recording arts by "inventing" new directions with the aid of some other  musicians who easily fit into the category of "genius."  You see, a short ten years earlier these fans were going from Station To Station into the Berlin Trilogy of Low, Heroes and Lodger accompanied by the two albums Bowie also wrote in this period for Iggy Pop. Lust For Life and The Idiot. The Trilogy ended and Scary Monsters was released.  It was Let's Dance that saw a complete departure from an "artist" to a more "commercial" phase which shocked most of the older fans.  Although there were fears of Bowie becoming commercial Let's Dance was tolerated for the most part as many believed it was another "character" and  Bowie would move on.  The release of Tonight in 1984 however made a nightmare come true.  It is rated the worst Bowie album made with reason. This album, and I agree, is a disgrace and I am still pondering how he could have even thought of it let alone made it and release it.. What is also baffling is the fact  he admitted making it.  Labyrinth coming out within two years and being commercial automatically drew the wrath of many fans. In reality though the film rates as extremely good when compared to some of his other films such as Just A Gigolo and Merry Christmas Mr.Lawrence which are best forgotten.

The team which created Labyrinth was a group of extremely talented individuals and it is a rare opportunity to see them all working together. George Lucas the executive producer . He is known for Star Wars and Raiders Of The Lost Ark  which are two of many highly successful films.  The conceptual design was by Brian Froud.  Froud  worked with  Jim Henson prior to Labyrinth on "The Dark Crystal."  The door knocker that is upset about the ring in his nose is one of his more unforgettable inventions. Froud's son Toby has a part in Labyrinth as well. He plays the role of Sarah's brother who is abducted by Jareth. Then there is Terry Jones, of Monty Python fame, who wrote the screen play and the list goes on.

There have been a few films with Bowie's character in mind as the lead. The most notable is The Man Who Fell To Earth. Director Nicholas Rogue waited at Bowie's house for eight hours one night and begged him to take the role. His role as Jack Celliers in Merry Christmas Mr.Lawrence was written for him as well. Now as far as Labyrinth is concerned Jim Henson did envision Bowie as the lead. He said, " Way back when we first started working on the story, we came up with this idea of a Goblin King. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have music and someone who can sing?' David was their first choice . Bowie said when he read the script and saw that Jim wanted to put music to it, "It just felt as though it could be a really nice, funny thing to do."

Bowie wrote and performed five songs for the film As The World Falls Down,  Magic Dance,  Underground, Within You  and Chilly Down.  Now Heather I will be up front with you. If you want to know the  lyrical meaning of Station To Station, Quicksand, Heroes, Warzawa or  almost every other Bowie song I can tell you.  Could you give me some time to research these lyrics you asked about?

The DVD is available and includes a documentary. You can find it here:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000K3D4/abbagirskatestor/102-6760102-7...

Heather please do not forget to rate me and if you need any information I am ready to help. Just ask. The pleasure is mine.

Jamie