you don't even know what an oubliette is!

Part C;

Category Three - Mis-en-scene/Composition;

There isn't a lot in terms of mise-en-scene in the opening of Labyrinth, but the use of space is very effective.
After we see the Tri-Star production logo, the actual opening begins with a swirling blue mist that whirls around the words. As the credits begin to roll the mist twists into a crystal ball which floats into the distance like a bubble and a barn owl flies from it. As the drum in the music beats a whole labyrinth (a maze) is projected quickly beneath the owl, sort of like a flash of lightning (as shown above). The owl then reflects so that there are three flying through the air. One flies out of view and the two still on screen, mirror images of each other, fly forward. Another flies out of shot and the remaining owl is shown in a close up shot as it flies toward the camera. This owl flies around as the credits roll and it is often reflected. The owl flies into the distance of the shot into what looks like an invisible pool of water, causing ripples to come from the centre as the title 'Labyrinth' appears. All of this is done in shades of blue on a black background.


After the animation of the owl flies into the scene there is a long/wide shot  to establish the setting. We are in some kind of park or meadow with a large pond but it is secluded and no one else is around. There is a bridge which is reasonably expected of this genre, as often in fairytales and other fantasy films trolls and similar fictional creatures live under or are somehow associated with bridges. Another reflection is used as the main character Sarah runs in over the bridge and she is reflected in the water. As we zoom in on her we see that the structures surrounding her are made of stone, another commonality in the fantasy world, evoking the thought of castles with moats. There is also a graceful white swan drifting downstream which is a fairytale reference. 

All these reflections, mists, crystal balls, swans and owls are codes of the fantasy genre. Putting them together in this context just creates one large symbol of the fantasy world. There are distinct differences from the real-world, but at the same time there are many points of reality. This overlap is the audience appeal as they have something they connect to in the film. Sarah is a big point of connection as she appears to be 'sitting on the fence' between fact and fiction. As she hears the clock chime in the distance, running off in the horror and disbelief that it is "seven o'clock!" we notice that underneath her beautiful costume she is wearing jeans with sneakers, quite a visible link between the two worlds.