I mentioned in a recent comment that I was working on a “Jareth Chapter.” Well, on Wednesday I finished that chapter (phew!) but it still has to go through approvals (*fingers crossed*). I’m not going to comment on the specifics of that chapter because 1) until it wouldn’t be prudent until it’s been approved, and 2) this less you know about this chapter prior to reading, the better. Instead I thought I’d talk a little bit about the challenge and joy of writing for Jareth.
I keep a copy of the original Labyrinth screenplay handy as a reference when writing this series (not that It’s all that necessary – I can recite most of heart at this point, as can many of this site’s readers, I’m sure). When it came time to do the “Jareth Chapter,” I did an experiment, cutting out only the lines that Jareth says. All told he has approximately 100 lines of dialog comprised of just under 600 words. For comparison, Tom Wilkinson says about 700 words in the first 5 minutes of Michael Clayton, and he’s a supporting actor! Granted, not exactly an apples to apples comparison, but one thing is certain – Jareth doesn’t say a lot.
If that word count seems a little low, I should clarify – those are spoken words said by Jareth. If you include lyrics to the soundtrack, add another 900 words to that total. While the music and lyrics are an integral part of our understanding of the characters, they exist on a different reality form the non-musical scenes. Jareth speaking is a villain – a bully who preys on peoples weaknesses. Jareth singing represents temptation – he is a seducer, a lover and a tortured soul. Both of these aspects define Jareth, but looking at the script without the songs, it becomes quite apparent how distinct these two sides are.
The casting of David Bowie really makes this split personality work. He sells the seductive side even when (especially when?) he’s being dickish to Sarah and her friends. It’s such perfect casting. Imagine if Henson’s mentioned alternate option, Michael Jackson, had been cast in the part. He might have created memorable pop songs and led the Dr. Beverly choreographed goblins in more spirited numbers, but would he be believable as the seducer? (Well, Sarah’s supposed to be 16, so… – NO! Not going there. I like Michael).
Returning to Return to Labyrinth, the first volume showed Jareth as trickster. In volume 2, we see him vulnerable. In volume 3, you’ll see more of his dark side. I hope you’ll also see more of the seductive side. Maybe even some of that side that only comes out in dreams and songs? The image below, is taken from Chapter 1 (“Jareth’s Lies”). Remember, this is unfinished art, but it’s looking pretty great, if I may say so. (Yay, Chris!)
Next time, there will be Skub – for real! I mean, he is the star of chapter 2…
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It’s not black and white for me. It’s gray because you start with a villain and then you build on him to give him his own perspective and reasoning so you can sympathize with him. That adds realism. We are all potential sinners and saints and… I need caffeine…
Oh, and I agree with Lady Loria.
Well,yeah,when you look it that way.. but i still kinda see it as a cut and paste happy ending. It would diminish Sarah as a character if she suddenly did a 180 and fell in love with Jareth after her deep-seated determination to hate him in the movie.
Then again, i did always see her as kind of single-minded in the ending. I noticed that there was more to the confrontation than it seemed, despite Jareths hypocritical logic (“Just fear me,love me,do as i say,and i will be your slave?” That doesnt even make sense. Was Jareth even listening to himself?), and yet, she stubbornly continues to treat him like the big bad Evil One. She seemed a little too set in her ways, to me.
Also, i wanted to slap her at the scene in the very beginning,when shes throwing hissy fits and yelling at Toby.
…oh dear god, i think im a Sarah-hater! Henson help me..
Ah, the old Do as I say and I will be your slave debate. I love this debate.
I hope Sarah isn’t single minded and as I and others expressed, if thngs are done right than it doesn’t have to diminish the value of her rejecting him in the first story because he no longer represents that part of her she had to let go. With a different purpose he can go in a different direction, especially if there is redemption for Jareth involved.
As I said earlier it’s like Doctor Who fans claiming that if Rose returns it’ll ruin the power and tragedy of her leaving the show or Buffy The Vampire Slayer fans every single time Angel was killed and brought back (which was a few times). If you do it right than the feeling you get the first time around doesn’t change. A good sequel cannot devalue the original film. This, so far, is a good sequel. Highlander 2… was not.
As for Jareth’s line ‘Fear me. Love me. Do as I say and I will be your slave.’…
I take it to mean ‘Fear me if you will.’ Since it seemed she feared him and he knew she only feared him because she anticipated she should feel him. Notice how she acted like she was acting out her story when she first saw him.
‘Love me. Do as I say and I will be your slave.’ That’s Jareth’s own warped way of asking for them to be a love of equals. He is her slave as she does as he says. They comply to each other. And or his way of saying ‘If you do as I say in the act of loving me, then I’ll do anything you want.’ Again, his own warped way of saying ‘Love me.’
Jareth needs a PR person to write his speeches for him.
indeed.
I forgot one other pairing for the possible true love’s kiss. Moppet and one of Mizumi’s daughters. But that doesn’t seem likely to me either.
So the options are…
We have Jareth and Sarah. Toby and Moppet. Toby and one of Mizumi’s daughters. Jareth and Mizumi. Moppet and one of Mizumi’s daughters.
The most likely pairing, and what would be most satisfying for me, would be Jareth and Sarah after Jareth manages to redeem himself.
LOL — 56 comments & counting! This is what happens when you create a “Jareth” thread, Jake!!
I saw the “Spiderwick” movie this week and I must say it strongly reminded me of Labyrinth. Scary goblins, fairies, a helpful gnome — there was even a young girl in it, though she wasn’t the lead character. And the goblins were ruled, not by a humanoid character like Jareth, but an ugly ogre. However, the ogre could make himself appear human, and also take other forms like a snake and a crow.
That got me thinking about Jareth’s shape-shifting capability, and what his limitations might be. Is he able to assume forms other than the white owl? Might this be something the mangas could use in later plots?
I’m not sure about what else Jareth can turn into or if he could turn into anything else. Notice how his disguises or glamours are just himself with different outfits or his hair slicked back like at the start of volume 1.
Like the animaguses of the Harry Potter books Jareth probably relates most to barn owls. Notice how his eye make up even resembles the markings of the barn owl and the feathered ‘broken winged’ (according to Brian Froud’s commentary) cape he wears at the end.
Of course, physically, in general Jareth is more like a faerie of Brian Froud’s Good faeries / Bad faeries book than an animagus. But that’s fitting because in many folk tales Puck could turn into a horse among other things.
If he is a “faerie” then he should be able to take any form at all. That is the tradition for faeries, phookas, hobgoblins, and similar otherworldly creatures like the Jinn of Arabia. It’s a folklore found all over the world.
Every time I come back here there are more and more comments! I wonder if Jake knew what he was in for with this post…
It’s amazing to find so many people (mostly girls, it seems) who love Labyrinth so much. As someone who is just now realizing there are whole sites, groups, etc. dedicated to the movie and characters, it’s pretty cool to see.
I’d be interested to hear a guy’s perspective on the whole debate. Furthermore, it got me wondering if there were any movies that had the same effect on guys growing up (with a whole rite of passage, first stirrings of romance thing).
Most of the guys I know love Back To The Future and Star Wars (obviously), but are there any others?
My little brother grew up loving The Princess Bride. I think he felt it was okay to like it since Andre the giant was in it and little Fred Savage was being told the story by his grandfather. A bit of sexism, I know, on his part to use that as grounds for it being okay to like it.
As for Jareth being able to take any form he chooses. Not all faeries could take any form they choose. Some are limited like the Sidhe you see in Jim Butchers’ Dresden files novels whom not only can’t take that many other forms but are vulnerable to iron and cannot lie.
Interesting fact = in most folklore including classic folktales, and contemporary fiction like The Dresden files novels, and the Gargoyles animted series and new comic book series will all tell you that faeries are vulnerable to iron. They can be restrained or harmed with objects made of iron.
RE: Fallen Fairy–
For many guys of the Labyrinth era (ie now in late 20s, early 30s), Transformer the Movie had the impact you’re talking about. What was so incredible about it was that they took the characters we knew and loved from TV and toys and added death, heavy metal and even a little swearing. It’s sort of the pre-pubescent guy equivalent to the sexual coming of age subtext of Labyrinth, and it has a similar cult following to this day.
I can vouch for this,despite being a girl. A few of my friends are guys and to hear them talk,youd think it was like the second coming. Also, its refrenced a LOT in webcomics.
Mandy, I can’t speak for the Dresden Files — I’ve never read them. But you say they are novels, which is to say they’re a modern author’s take on the folklore, not the lore itself.
If you study the original mythology (which I have done) you’ll find that faeries and other spirits are typically shape-shifters, as well as masters of illusion. The Spiderwick Chronicles is very true to this lore.
You’re right about that. There’s a lot to speculate about Jareth. Perhaps he’s half-human which would account for his angst, and fascination with the mortal world (Knowing what plastic is, for example, and singing rock music). Being half-human would limit his powers though not prevent him from being immortal. Perhaps the barn owl is easiest for him or just the only one he knows how to take the form of since he most relates to it.
Random fact: The barn owl is the only bird of prey that can be found almost anywhere in the world.
Mandy, I apologise for whatever I said and declare a truce. I was just kidding about the group thing and I will agree to disagree with you, alright? I read what you said and I am not offeneded. And on the subject of Jareth,
, I think he is a Fae, and I think the reason he changes into a barn owl is because it is also known as the moon-faced owl and, even though it is mostly white, it has brown, tawney, and black coloring, which I think could kind of show his soul, you know? White for the pure, untouched parts, then the other colors for things he has done wrong or flaws or whatever comes to mind. He may be the villian we’re suppose to hate, but he’s also the romantic gentleman us girls all hope to meet someday, minus the evil parts, so I guess he’ll never be the hero, but still, all he has to do is look at the screen and we’ll think, ‘he’s looking at me.’
Thank you, Crystal. And for the most part I agree with you. But I think anyone can be a hero. Give Jareth a chance to redeem himself and show his side of things and he can easily be a protagonist who has to struggle with his dark side. It can be done if handled right.
[...] hinted at in the “On Writing Jareth” post, there’s a pseudo-musical number for Jareth in the works for [...]
Michael Jackson was a possible Goblin King?!? Aieee! I still like Michael too, but I cringe just to think about him with Sarah. David Bowie had just the right amount of coldness to make you believe how evil he could be.
Count me in on the Sarah/ Jareth fans. I still think she should have taken Jareth up on his offer, but only on her terms- I wanted her to get to be her own person while still getting the Goblin King. Then again, the movie ending was pretty perfect besides the whole no-Jareth thing). I’m looking forward to volume 3.
“Labyrinth” was my favorite movie as a child, not merely because I have the same name, the same dark hair, and, as a teenager, the same personality as the film’s protagonist; but also due to the captivating storytelling. The imagination and fantastical scope of the movie stayed with me throughout my adolescence.
I recently re-discovered the movie in the last year and fell in love with it all over again. I also stumbled across your sequels, and an overwhelming curiosity drove me to purchase them, despite having never touched manga before. Coincidentally, I’m also the same age as your grown-up Sarah Williams. She may have tried to forget about Jareth, but I certainly didn’t! Even as I approach my late twenties, I still find him one of the most fascinating characters. Thank you for giving us long-time fans the second half of this wonderful story. I know I’m wishing for a Sarah/Jareth reconciliation…and perhaps even some romance?
Keep it coming!
What a pleasure to find so many well-read, intelligent fans here! I’ve long been fascinated by the Jareth/Sarah relationship and how complex and undefinable it often is. It reminds me of the equally complicated relationship between der Tod and Elisabeth (from the German musical “Elisabeth”). In black and white terms, both Jareth and der Tod are villains. They want to possess and control the women that they obsess over. Yet, for all of their ambitions, they are the ones being controlled and seduced, even in their efforts to manipulate.
Watch Jareth’s expressions each time Sarah rejects him. There’s a flicker of disappointment, regret, heartache and a dozen other unreadable things. There’s no denying he goes about his courtship of Sarah in the wrong ways, but I do believe he loves her. It’s a selfish love at first, certainly, but that’s the wonderful thing about dynamic characters. They can change. I think it’s entirely possible for Jareth to recognize what he truly wants and make the necessary sacrifices to get it. I’m definitely looking forward to finding out!
I’ve heard the argument that a stalkerish, obsessive, and predatory character like Jareth or der Tod doesn’t deserve to receive the love of the heroine. And if the moral of the story is that men can be predatory and cruel and still get the girl, then I’d have to agree with that. But let’s not forget that Sarah was unlikeable at first as the protagonist of the film. She was an over-dramatic teenage brat; however, by the end of her journey, she had transformed herself. Why couldn’t Jareth come to the same conclusions at the end of the movie? Because it wasn’t *his* journey. Granted, the manga is about Toby and his coming-of-age story, but it’s also a chance for Jareth to grow up a bit. At any rate, I’m not willing to give up on him yet (though I admit, I do not-so-secretly love snarky characters just like him).
Thanks for the intriguing discussion everyone! I have the sneaking suspicion I’m going to be lurking around this blog for some time to come…
This discussion seems to be dead, but I have to add my two cents. Its in my nature:D
Okay. I only discovered this movie about two years ago, when I was at a friend’s party, and I’ve loved it with a passion ever since. And one thing that has always interested me is the relationship between Jareth and Sarah.
Before Jareth and Sarah can be together, Jareth needs to repent for all the hell he put her through. But she shouldn’t instantly forgive him. If they do end up together, it should happen at the very end of volume four. And Jareth should surrender his immortality to live in the human world with Sarah. That would really, in my opinion, prove that Jareth is sincere in his love for Sarah.
As to who will share this ‘true loves kiss,’ At first my vote was for Toby and Moppet, but after discovering moppet’s identity, I now cast my vote for Jareth and Sarah. Since Mizumi’s the trouble maker in this story, I don’t see her getting lucky with Jareth.
Oh, and on another note: There are three people that I think Mizumi will try to kill before this is over:
1: Toby
2: Sarah
3: Moppet
And thats my two cents on the subject. Huh! I feel better now!
Ginger,
Thanks for joining the discussion! No comment on the Sarah/Jareth relationship (sorry — you’ll have to wait on that!), but on the subject of Mizumi, she is definitely not above foul play for those who get in her way. How far she’ll go, you’ll just have to see, but she does taker her anger out on someone in volume 3…
Actually, maybe Jareth is going to tell Sarah about Toby being the new king and maybe she’ll get mad at him, and hit on the head, that would be funny. Sorry, I just don’t think Jareth and Sarah belong together.
everyone here keeps talking about Jareth and Sarah getting together. i just never got the impression that Sara had feelings for Jareth. it was obvious that he loved her but she didn’t really show much of an attraction to him. maybe if they got to know each other but in the movie she seemed more concerned with finding Toby than starting up a romance with the Goblin King. and as for where the manga is going idk i just don’t think Sara and Jareth end up together. i think he’s there to let sara know what’s going on. i don’t think Jareth has changed much from the movie
Wow…I really don’t know why I didn’t find this sooner…now I feel like an idiot.
It’s nice to see so many opinions and theories made by fans (it really makes my day to see imagination, and it gives me something to think about deeply). Being here and leaving a comment makes me a bit uneasy, because I feel that most of the fans were actually around, alive, and breathing when the movie was released in theaters (I saw the movie when I was five, and fell in love with it – though my mom hates muppets and stuff that’s unusual, like Beetlejuice, Xena: Warrior Princess, The Nightmare Before Christmas, or JTHM. And whenever I try to talk to my sister about Labyrinth, she tells me “Don’t start! I was 18 when that movie came out!”. Self concious about age much?).
Personally, I would like to see Jareth redeem himself, and at least try to patch things up with Sarah (I actually kind of like Sarah; she’s a believeable character, as I’m sure many of us were like her when we were younger). And like most of this community, I would love it if they did end up together by the end of the manga (romanticist to the end – blamed on being raised on the classic love stories and growing up with a very passionate storyteller of a friend).
No pressure on Mr. Forbes though, I can see why Jareth is difficult to write for. But I still hope for that beautiful ending. And if that is not so…oh, well. I’ll be a tad disappointed, but I’m not the writer, so, it’s not my place.
I believe Sarah was developing a bit of affection for Jareth at some point of the film, but this was eclipsed by her goal of saving Toby, and, well, the way he was toward her (though, I do know this was because of what she expected of him). And as for Jareth’s feelings for Sarah, I think it’s a little more than obvious he was smitten (did he know of her before the film? Who knows. It would be interesting if he did).
As for Mizumi and Jareth’s relationship, I believe they were in love at a period of time, but this changed, possibly when Sarah came in the picture (again, only my 2 cents, I’m still waiting patiently for the Anthology. And the knowledge that it will contain the story of how he became king gets me excited). And though I feel sorry for Mizumi that Jareth left her like that to a point, I’m not too fond of her. Toby I’m neutral about (I’ll sometimes read the manga, laugh, and say something along the lines of “what a noob!” or “wow…nicely done smart one…”). Moppet I’m okay with (I’m still failing to see WHAT she sees in Candlewic…). Skub makes me giggle (honestly, the mac and cheese bit was so over-the-top that it was perfect). Hana and Stank I adore. And as for Drumlin and Moulin…it’s sort of “okay, they’re there and they’re Mizumi’s daughters” (my friend Kristina refers to Moulin as the ‘lesbian’ because of the ball scene. I’m not too sure, but, whatever).
The couples…not too much for a pairing fandom (I’m just fine with a nice Jareth/Sarah…maybe a Toby/Moppet, though the fact she looks like his sister is enough to turn off any guy, unless they’re into that sort of incest thing)…and Jareth/Toby creeps me out (again, not against gay relationships, but, just that one crosses the line in my book). I think Jareth already freaked out poor Toby with the counselor disguise (he passed himself off with a sleazeball appearance…I was sort of thrown off with the slicked hair), and acted a little disturbing.
And finally (yes, yes…she’s finally done talking. Hooray and wave the happy flag!), the Michael Jackson idea equals a very frightening image in my head…the idea of Sting in the role (another one of Hensons’ choices mentioned in the documentary) makes me just laugh (imagine Jareth singing Desert Rose or levitating in a ho-hung, cross legged manner, c’mon, just do it, you know you want to).
Oh, if anyone can tell me, is Jareth one of the fae?
I think one of your readera hasn´t read the phantom of the opera..I mean the original novel…and I don’t see why a girl has to be lesbian to dance with another girl..
As yet another fan of Labyrinth, I must say that I love the last picture, as it looks so completely like Jareth’s first entrance in the movie, litter and all!!!
As yet another fan of the manga sequel, I love the first picture, since it at least gives some inclination of the result of the Jareth-Sarah encounter.
As yet another fan of Labyrinth, I must say that I love the last picture, as it looks so completely like Jareth’s first entrance in the movie, glitter and all!!!
As yet another fan of the manga sequel, I love the first picture, since it at least gives some inclination of the result of the Jareth-Sarah encounter.
David Bowie was the best of Jim Henson’s potential ‘Jareth’ line up. He could play both seductive and evil and still do a great job. I think that people really didn’t give him enough credit for his performance, and only now, 23 years later are we actually looking back and saying, “damn, were we ever wrong.”
It’s also neat how, like you mentioned, Jareth doesn’t say much, yet you can always tell what he’s thinking or feeling. He truly is an example of how ‘actions speak louder than words.’
And c’mon, Michael Jackson? Was this before or after he went white? No way in hell that guy has ever been seductive; black, white, or caremel!
it’s just a thought but since sarah has written off her adventure as nothing but a daydream she might not reconize him as jareth. It might seem like a stupid question but do you think one of jareth’s lies might be about who he is? he might use her denial of her
fantasy as a means of getting her love ( or his power back) either way I hope they do get together or at least make peace with each other. Please be kind if you decide to respond to my innocent comment.
Does anyone else wonder who the father of Mizumi’s daughters are? Just throwing that out there
I hope Jareth and Sarah end up together and Tobey is happy as well. Mandy, your comparison to The Company of Wolves was perfect. I’m a huge fan of both films and cult classics in general. Blame the romantic side of me.
I’ve wondered that myself Jacinda…I suspect the creepy bodyguard…or artificial insemination…or something else. It would be awful if we found out that Jareth was the daddy…though they don’t look it, I mean, Drumlin’s not exactly pretty like Jareth(shudder).
Only a few more days to go!!! I can’t wait for that book. It’ll make my year.
[...] while back I wrote a post on the challenges of writing Jareth. As intimidating as it is to put new words into such an iconic character’s mouth, it’s honestly [...]
Can someone help answer my question about Jareth? I seriously think that apart from his good looks, there is something depraved about him. If you read the original Labyrinth script, he was dancing and dallying with the women at the ball in the bubble. And he tried to force himself on Sarah in order to kiss her. Definitely if she had given in to him, she’ll end up nothing more than a sex toy…like the women that he toys with at teh ball… and probably learns debauched and depraved stuff. I think Jareth represents freedom albeit in a irresponsible manner. Freedom from the toils and unpleasant things in life…
Anna,
There’s absolutely something depraved about Jareth and his obsession with dominance. He’s in no way a wholesome figure. I think one of the things that makes him compelling and enduring as a romantic figure is that Sarah invites him in — for better or worse, he is part of her fantasy (and a fantasy that many can relate to). The flirtation with darkness is a hook, and people have had 20+ years to go from there.