Brian Henson reflects on the transformative experience of working alongside his father, Jim Henson, on the 1986 cult classic Labyrinth, revealing how the film deepened their bond and shaped his creative journey.
Labyrinth, the 1986 fantasy film directed by Jim Henson and starring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly, remains a beloved cult classic. For Brian Henson, the film holds a deeply personal significance, marking a pivotal moment in his career and his relationship with his father.
The Making of a Creative Partnership
At just 22 years old, Brian Henson was tasked with coordinating puppeteers and voicing the iconic goblin Hoggle. This role was not merely a familial favor but a testament to his growing expertise in animatronics and puppetry. “Those early films were – and a lot of my work were – the more complicated animatronic characters. That was sort of my specialty,” Henson shared. “And Labyrinth was a whole lot of complicated animatronic characters. And so it was a good fit.”
The Jim Henson Company
Brian Henson and his father, Jim, surrounded by puppet goblins.
The experience of working on Labyrinth allowed Brian to step into his own as a creative professional. “It had a subconscious effect on me of feeling like…I’m here because this is what I do, not just because I’m Jim’s son,” he recalled. This realization fostered a unique dynamic between father and son, transforming their relationship into one of colleagues and friends.
Lessons in Creativity and Leadership
Brian Henson’s time on set provided him with invaluable insights into his father’s creative process. Jim Henson’s approach to character development was unconventional, favoring quirky and delightful traits over traditional cute and sweet characters. “My dad had a kind of unique, quirky sensibility when it came to characters. He shied away from the cute, sweet character – that wasn’t interesting to him,” Brian explained.
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Brian Henson.
One of the most profound lessons Brian learned was witnessing his father’s complete immersion in his work. “One thing I learned on Labyrinth, that I hadn’t really seen up until then, was when he’s completely out of his ‘dad mode,’ and he’s just in his ‘work mode,’” Brian shared. “He became a child.” This childlike wonder and dedication to the craft left a lasting impression on Brian, shaping his own approach to creativity and leadership.
The Enduring Magic of Labyrinth
Nearly forty years after its release, Labyrinth continues to captivate audiences. The film’s intricate puppetry, imaginative storytelling, and memorable characters have cemented its status as a timeless classic. Brian Henson’s contributions, both as a puppeteer and a creative force, are integral to the film’s enduring appeal.
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Hoggle (left) and Jennifer Connelly as Sarah Williams (right).
The film’s re-release in theaters from January 8th to 11th offers a new generation the opportunity to experience Labyrinth on the big screen. Brian Henson emphasizes the importance of this shared cinematic experience, stating, “It’s fantastic because the film really deserves the big screen. If you’re watching it on a TV, you’re not seeing half of it.”
A Legacy of Trust and Collaboration
Jim Henson’s leadership style, characterized by trust and collaboration, has deeply influenced Brian’s own approach. “Better to trust somebody and let them go too far and you have to adjust it, than to be scared that they’re going to make a mistake and tell them precisely what to do,” Brian shared. This philosophy underscores the importance of fostering creativity and allowing artists the freedom to express their unique visions.
The Jim Henson Company
Brian Henson (center) and Jim Henson (right).
As Labyrinth returns to theaters, it serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of Jim Henson and the profound impact of his collaborative spirit. For Brian Henson, the film is not just a testament to his father’s genius but a celebration of their shared creative journey.
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