"The babe with the power!" I love your analysis here, especially about Jareth's character. One thing that stuck out to me was your idea that Jareth represents this kind of unconditional love for Sarah, which she's not feeling that she gets anywhere else. I wonder how he also represents a kind of toxic love -- the kind she thinks she wants, but doesn't really -- that would entrap her, and put her in the role of being of service to him. What she ultimately discovers is that she wants her own kingdom, and already has one, and that all Jareth wants is for her to join his. In that way, I've always read the movie as deeply feminist. As a little girl, I was so drawn to her declaration that her kingdom is as powerful as his -- and that's all it takes to break the spell he has over her.
Anyway. LOVE this. And would love a deeper close reading on what you hinted at, that each of the riddles and trials she faces represents the challenges from her real life. That's such a cool idea!
Yes, yes, yes! Not mentioned in my essay, but that moment that she recites the lines from the play is the same moment he says, "Just fear me - love me - do as I say, and I will be your slave!" and she doesn't even bat an eye. She just keeps going. To me, this was a moment in childhood that I believed women could not only say "no" but completely ignore the wants of someone who intimidates them to stand on their own.
I love how you put it -- "What she ultimately discovers is that she wants her own kingdom, and already has one." What a beautiful takeaway. That is going to stick with me for a long time! Thanks for reading and commenting!
OMG I totally forgot Jareth says that. That's like...a miniature performance of toxic patriarchy. "Fear me, love me," because for him, those are the exact same thing. I love that Sarah just FLIES past that nonsense to set herself free. Yes!
"The babe with the power!" I love your analysis here, especially about Jareth's character. One thing that stuck out to me was your idea that Jareth represents this kind of unconditional love for Sarah, which she's not feeling that she gets anywhere else. I wonder how he also represents a kind of toxic love -- the kind she thinks she wants, but doesn't really -- that would entrap her, and put her in the role of being of service to him. What she ultimately discovers is that she wants her own kingdom, and already has one, and that all Jareth wants is for her to join his. In that way, I've always read the movie as deeply feminist. As a little girl, I was so drawn to her declaration that her kingdom is as powerful as his -- and that's all it takes to break the spell he has over her.
Anyway. LOVE this. And would love a deeper close reading on what you hinted at, that each of the riddles and trials she faces represents the challenges from her real life. That's such a cool idea!
Yes, yes, yes! Not mentioned in my essay, but that moment that she recites the lines from the play is the same moment he says, "Just fear me - love me - do as I say, and I will be your slave!" and she doesn't even bat an eye. She just keeps going. To me, this was a moment in childhood that I believed women could not only say "no" but completely ignore the wants of someone who intimidates them to stand on their own.
I love how you put it -- "What she ultimately discovers is that she wants her own kingdom, and already has one." What a beautiful takeaway. That is going to stick with me for a long time! Thanks for reading and commenting!
OMG I totally forgot Jareth says that. That's like...a miniature performance of toxic patriarchy. "Fear me, love me," because for him, those are the exact same thing. I love that Sarah just FLIES past that nonsense to set herself free. Yes!
Thank you for writing this essay!
Started reading but then got outraged over the everyone you knew hated Labyrinth. HATE LABYRINTH??? Never! Wretched people with no taste, gah.
Okay, will actually read once I get over this insult to Labyrinth.