Dark Crystal or Labyrinth
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dboh — 15 years ago(January 23, 2011 02:30 AM)
I think Labyrinth works better as a film, but I like The Dark Crystal's story and production design better. Personally, I feel that the big mistake Henson made with The Dark Crystal was that the antagonists (Skeksis, Garthim, Crystal Bats weren't threatening enough. As is said, a story's protagonist is only as strong as their antagonist. The Skeksis were too effeminate (I know that they and the Mystics were supposed to be sexless), whiny, scared of Kira and whimpering (Chamberlain). For starters, I always thought a scene with Jen and Kira being swarmed by Crystal Bats after they shot that one down on the lake could have been a do-able addition to raise the stakes in the film. Also a second Garthim attack before the one where they get to the castle. I hate to use this overused, often ambiguous term, but the film just needed to be a bit more edgy, even though it was intended for families. This is what SW Ep's 3-6 and E.T. did well. Fortunately, Henson did this better with Labyrinth. No other complaints AT ALL though.
dboh -
TheFatDruidofNacyl — 14 years ago(July 12, 2011 11:15 PM)
If I'm in the mood for a good dark story with good puppets then I go for Dark Crystal. If I want something fun and enjoyable to sing along with then I will go for Labyrinth. I also like Labyrinth for the lines from David Bowie. I really can't pick which is better since they are two different type of movies.
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SataiDelen — 14 years ago(August 07, 2011 02:10 PM)
Well, while I love both, I can easily watch the Dark Crystal way more often than I can Labyrinth. Plus, the undertones of Labyrinth always bothered me a bit (Jareth/Sara storyline. A 35/40 year old, lusting after a 15/16 year old? Hmmm..).
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hgorrell — 14 years ago(August 18, 2011 07:41 PM)
They're difficult to compare. The Dark Crystal is a much darker movie, whereas Labyrinth has a lot of humor. I love the music of Labyrinth, and it is a fun movie, but the sets and imagination of DC are amazing! I'm a fan of both really.
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Rocco96 — 14 years ago(October 09, 2011 05:06 AM)
I prefer Labyrinth. Jennifer Connelly and David Bowie bring the movie alive, and by interacting with the puppets, the puppets also come alive.
I had a hard time looking at Dark Crystal, the puppets are beautifully made and with nice costumes, but they are so lifeless, hardly any facial expressions.
And then Labyrinth has the songs, the humor, the sometimes very weird scenery, it's a much more entertaining movie.
The only things I liked about Dark Crystal was the music and the landscape. -
midnightinspiration3 — 13 years ago(May 24, 2012 01:17 PM)
Labyrinth all the way and here are my reasons: 1. I always felt the ending of the Dark Crystal just left me confused and disappointed. Once Jen and Kira make it to the Skeksis (?) castle, I get bored with the film and stop paying attention. 2. I love the story idea/general premise of DC but I felt it was poorly executed IMO. I just didn't think the film worked on screen in the style that it was made. 3. Labyrinth is a strong, solid movie throughout, always keeping my attention. The style of the film worked for Labyrinth. I know its a very different from the Dark Crystal (lighter, sillier; bildungsroman instead of prophecy story) but I think Labyrinth's story (the bildungsroman) was executed very well. Sarah is an annoying character at first, and she's supposed to be, but she grows and learns to grow up and accept life to do what she needs to do for her brother. 4. Lastly, I felt that the characters of Labyrinth were more well rounded, instead of flat like all of the Dark Crystal's characters. Granted, many of Labyrinth's character are flat as well (Ludo, Sir Didymus specifically), but Sarah, Jareth, and Hoggle are given a lot of growth, depth, and facets to their character.
So there's my speal about why I think Labyrinth is better. I am not blind to Labyrinth's faults, but I still think it is a better film over Dark Crystal any day. I enjoy DC but I cant watch it as often as Labyrinth, nor ever come close to enjoying it as much.
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