Homework 2 (DYM) Film Still Analysis

This film still is from the 1986 fantasy film Labyrinth. The shot is set from within the castle grounds of the labyrinth, and it is immediately evident from the setting that this is a fantasy film. The natural lighting makes it clear that they are outside and makes the abnormal setting seem more real, perhaps an alternate world or an unknown part of our world? The surreality of the smaller houses and unknown objects and materials are new and interesting to a viewer but are recognisable enough to be related to. The fountain is imagery to summarize this; it combines an otherwise ordinary object with the abnormality of the goblins, typical of the fantasy genre. The whole setting creates enigma, and keeps the viewer intrigued. There are goblins in the background and because Sarah and Hoggle are running in the opposite direction, we get the impression that they are villainous or hindering to S+H. 

This is a long or very long shot; you can see the full bodies of both characters, as well as the setting; a choice I believe deliberately made. The two main "good" characters are in the shot. We feel they are out of place because they are running through this city. The juxtaposition of Sarah's very normal teenage girl appearance (long hair, pretty face, normal clothing) and the fantasy setting exaggerates the opposition between them, and so viewers can assume conflict between the two.Contrastingly however, we also see her connection to this place by her obvious relationship to Hoggle. Hoggle is a dwarf, so is evidently part of the city and a fantasy character, and by following him on their run it is made clear that they are on the same side; Sarah trusts Hoggle. They both have determined yet somewhat confused expressions, again connotating that they are out of place in order to accomplish something. 

I have chosen this shot because I feel it can be effectively analysed. It creates a lot of enigma as with many fantasy films: where are they running to, what is the relationship between these characters, why are they here? I also like the mise-en-scene of the shot and the complimentary foreground and background, and the binary opposites it has managed to include. I feel the depth of this shot is representative of the whole film, and I am happy that any still I could have chosen would have been good for analysis, an excellent indicator of a good film that you should all see!