David Bowie spent his lifetime exploring various forms of music, media and characters. I guess you could say he was doing side quests. So, in a legendary project, Bowie took on the role of Jareth, the Goblin King, alongside Jennifer Connelly’s Sarah for the 1986 Jim Henson-directed film Labyrinth.
Henson gave Bowie complete freedom when making the soundtrack for this film. One of its most well-known and memorable songs is “Magic Dance,” accompanied by a scene of Jareth, the Goblin King, jiving with his mischievous goblin army and Sarah’s toddler younger brother.
“You remind me of the babe (What babe?) /
The babe with the power (What power?) /
The power of voodoo (Who do?) /
“Magic Dance” is chock-full of strange, spunky synth and keyboard, but unknown to many, its special sound effects were performed by Bowie himself. When filming the scene for “Magic Dance,” Bowie continuously attempted to coax giggles, gurgles or even screams out of the toddler they were filming with. Still, the kid was persistent, leaving Bowie to do the background sounds himself.
Labyrinth, for many, is seen as a cult classic. Although I didn’t see the movie for the first time til recently, many grew up watching it every Halloween, and it can often spook young children. With its comically outdated special effects, old-school Jim Henson puppets and tight costumes, it is the epitome of ‘80s fantasy film and a perfect watch for the Halloween season.
