6/26/1985 – '(filming Labyrinth-) Escher

Nov 16, 2020

The Enigma Behind the Filming of Labyrinth and Escher

Welcome to La Historia Society, your go-to platform for delving into the rich tapestry of historical events that have shaped our world. Today, we invite you to journey back in time to June 26, 1985, a momentous day in the history of the cinema industry.

Filming Labyrinth: A Journey into Fantasy

On that fateful day, the crew of the cult classic movie Labyrinth embarked on a cinematic adventure, crafting a fantastical world filled with mythical creatures, breathtaking visuals, and an unforgettable soundtrack. Led by the visionary director Jim Henson, this remarkable project would leave an indelible mark on the hearts of movie enthusiasts around the globe.

The Unique Inspiration: Escher's Influence

One cannot explore the making of Labyrinth without acknowledging the profound influence of the renowned artist Maurits Cornelis Escher. His mesmerizing works, characterized by intricate patterns, optical illusions, and mind-bending concepts, played a significant role in shaping the surreal landscapes of the film.

The Collaboration: Escher and Henson

Jim Henson, ever the innovator, recognized the potential of combining Escher's art with the whimsical narrative of Labyrinth. This collaboration between two creative powerhouses resulted in the creation of visually stunning scenes that pushed the boundaries of what was previously thought possible in filmmaking.

The Escher-Inspired Scenes

With the essence of Escher's art permeating through the film, several iconic sequences deserve special mention:

The Escher Room: Topsy-Turvy Reality

In this scene, Henson and his team meticulously recreated Escher's famous print "Relativity" as a fully functional set. The room defied conventional physics, with gravity constantly shifting in impossible directions. The mind-boggling visuals served as a perfect backdrop for the protagonist's journey through the labyrinthine world.

The Staircase of Illusions

Borrowing from Escher's lithograph "Ascending and Descending," the staircase scene in Labyrinth showcased the remarkable visual design and technical prowess of the film crew. As the characters ascended and descended the stairs, the illusion of an endless loop created an otherworldly experience for the audience.

The Mind-Melting Maze

An homage to Escher's fascination with intricate mazes, this sequence immersed viewers in an ever-shifting labyrinth that challenged spatial understanding. The labyrinth's shifting paths and mind-bending geometries left audiences captivated and in awe of the production team's dedication to showcasing Escher's essence in every frame.

The Impact and Legacy

With its captivating artistry and imaginative storytelling, Labyrinth, and its Escher-inspired scenes, continues to captivate new generations. The film's visual effects and innovative use of Escher's concepts have left a lasting impression on the film industry, inspiring countless filmmakers and artists to push the boundaries of their craft.

Explore more with La Historia Society

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  • Discover other influential movies that pushed the boundaries of visual storytelling.
  • Learn more about the life and artistry of Maurits Cornelis Escher.
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Thank you for visiting La Historia Society. Immerse yourself in the wonders of history and let us be your guide to the captivating stories that have shaped our world.

Shoshana Litt
What an intriguing dive into the making of the iconic film Labyrinth! Exploring the enigmatic world of Escher adds another layer to this fantastical journey. Can't wait to uncover more hidden gems of cinema history on La Historia Society!
Nov 11, 2023