WolfmanOz at the Movies #36


Come and play with us Danny

When it was released in 1980, Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining did well at the box office (after the relative failure of his previous film Barry Lyndon) but it perplexed critics and reviews were generally mixed. But over time, like so many of Kubrick’s films, it has been reappraised and is now considered one of the best horror films ever made.

Based on the novel by Stephen King, it tells the story of Jack Torrance (played by Jack Nicholson in arguably his signature performance), an aspiring writer and recovering alcoholic who accepts a position as the off-season caretaker at the isolated Overlook Hotel in the Colorado Rockies where he takes his wife Wendy and young son Danny with him. Danny has psychic abilities referred to as “shining” and when a winter storm leaves the family snowbound at the hotel, Jack’s sanity dissipates due to the influence of the supernatural forces that inhabit the hotel which wants to claim Danny’s “shining”.

In the last 40 years I can think no other film that has been analysed, written and discussed about as much as The Shining; there was even a documentary – Room 237 – which covered the many interpretations of the film. So what more can I add to write about this film ?

As a horror film it has a relatively low death rate – there’s only 2 deaths; it’s largely filmed in bright light not in darkness; it is full of ambiguities in which there are no clear answers; and the ending certainly does not neatly tie it all up. All of which adds up to a film that, for me, continually rewards the viewer with repeated viewings.

The films starts with one of the most amazing opening tracking shots (via a helicopter) as we follow Jack driving his VW Beetle through the Rockies to get to the Overlook Hotel. With the Dies Irae in the background it acts as sinister foreboding of dread.

https://youtu.be/NaVzlbXEuVw

The film also extensively uses the steadicam for many of its tracking shots, of which one of the most talked-about shots in the film is the eerie tracking sequence which follows Danny as he pedals at high speed through corridor after corridor on his plastic tricycle. The soundtrack explodes with noise when the wheel is on wooden flooring and is abruptly silent as it crosses over carpet. All of which come to a jarring halt when Danny is confronted by the ghosts of the Grady twins.

https://youtu.be/gRGSYVh676U

A lot of the dialogue in the film has a foreboding unease. Take for example this scene where Jack recognises the former caretaker Grady. At first, it appears Jack has the upper hand but note how the tone shifts and he becomes subservient to the suggestions and menace of the previous caretaker. Coupled with the unique colour and design of the mens restroom it is all very sinister.

https://youtu.be/iE4eQWVoctI

The film’s sound design is another feature which adds immeasurably to the film’s atmosphere. In the following clip from the film’s most famous and iconic scene, note how it starts with an ominous sound of strings punctuated with sharp staccatos then suddenly it screeches as the true nature of Danny’s Redrum is revealed to be followed by Jack’s axe breaking down the door.

https://youtu.be/L7RS7siEIAk

There is much more I could add about this film, but I’ll save it for including in the comments section.

Also, for those that are interested, I have created the following playlist from this film which features 17 clips in total.

The Shining Playlist

In summary, The Shining is a brilliantly made baroque journey into madness and horror, exemplified by Jack Nicholson’s unforgettable performance, and Kubrick’s total mastery of the film medium. In over 40 years it’s power and impact has not diminished at all and I have the film included in my top ten favourites of all-time.

Finally, I’d also add that Nicolson gave one of the best summaries of Kubrick in the documentary Stanley Kubrick: A Life in Pictures“Everyone pretty much acknowledges he’s the man, and I still feel that underrates him“.

Enjoy

WW Movie Clips


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Boxcar
Boxcar
September 1, 2022 8:24 am

Never watched it through.

GreyRanga
GreyRanga
September 1, 2022 9:00 am

Haven’t seen it. Gave up watching horror movies years ago as they were so bad. Anything with Jack in it is worth it just to enjoy Jack. Might give it a try. These days seeing the news is enough horror for me and still just as bad.

Old School Conservative
Old School Conservative
September 1, 2022 9:50 am

I have studiously avoided the horror genre and The Shining in particular.
Your description of Nicholson’s acting may tempt me to break the habits of a lifetime and give it a crack.

duncanm
duncanm
September 1, 2022 12:41 pm

Yup – I’m no horror movie fan, but the Shining must definitely be seen.

Scary as.. with Kubrick’s mastery of atmosphere.

Bruce in WA
September 1, 2022 12:45 pm

I used to be a dyed-in-the-wool Stephen King fan. My admiration tarnished somewhat when I discovered he is a rabid leftie, even to the point of refusing to write for a year after Donald Trump was elected.

Be that as it may, I enjoyed “The shining” as a novel, but less so as a movie. However, a few years back, while visiting in-laws in Oregon, we took a day trip to the “real” Overlook Hotel; the exteriors in the film are actually of Timberline Lodge in Oregon. It was bitterly cold the day we visited, but the hotel was surprisingly “unspooky” — and the food and beer first class! I never did see two little girls holding hands … nor hear “Here’s Johnny!” … which Jack apparently ad-libbed in the movie.

duncanm
duncanm
September 1, 2022 1:27 pm

Rebecca De Mornay.

hubba hubba

jupes
jupes
September 1, 2022 1:44 pm

I saw this at the cinema when it came out. I still have the claw marks in my arm where my girlfriend of the time registered her feelings about the movie. Hands down the best horror movie ever.

Louis Litt
September 1, 2022 7:54 pm

Horror – the bath scene – my spring box was rising up , absorbed by the emotional connection with the beauty walking towards me, and the reality of the shrivelled scabbed body – oh the horror the horror

Mark
September 1, 2022 9:46 pm

Terrific synopsis.
I hope you have enjoyed the amazing analysis of this classic by British critic Rob Ager.
https://youtu.be/0sUIxXCCFWw
His explanation of the subtle discrepancies in time and space that leave us constantly unsettled are a gateway into the darker themes of sexual assault.
He gave me so much more enjoyment of this incredible movie.

Maniac
Maniac
September 1, 2022 10:45 pm

It, along with “Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer,” are my two favorite horror films. I watched the sequel “Dr. Sleep” a few days ago and was pleasantly surprised.

Here’s Jack prepping for the axe scene:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Qu3xxq5F3Gw

Baltbuc
Baltbuc
September 3, 2022 6:05 am

I am a huge fan of Kubrick and this one is only under 2001 and Dr Strangelove.

But i have to say Dr Sleep was a disgusting and horrible sequel.

You can’t torture a kid in a ridiculous overlong scene. It is the worst thing I’ve ever seen in cinema and I don’t consider myself squeamish at all.

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