Monday, December 04, 2006

The Shining 1980



In 1980 Stanley Kubrick's The Shining was released in theatres. The film, of course, was an adaptation of Stephen King's novel. I had read the book previous to viewing the movie and found the book to hold much more suspense. In my opinion, it is interesting that a text would evoke more fear than a movie seeing as a movie is a multi-track medium and is able to directly influence more senses.
Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson), a recovering alcoholic and english teacher, takes the job as the witner caretaker at the Overlook Hotel. The Hotel is completely isolated during the winter and he takes his wife, Wendy (Shelley Duvall), and son, Danny (Danny Lloyd). In the book, it is clear that there is a supernatural power that seems to posess Jack. The reader knows this because of a topiary with moving animals. However, in the film it seems more that Jack has gone mad being isolated with his family. He eventually tries to kill his wife and child, but ends up dieing in the snow himself.
The film utilizes the steady cam during long takes of Danny riding his bicycle through the halls of the hotel. The bicycle runs from wood to carpet and the noise is far louder than it should be, creating suspense.
Famous Quote:
"Here's Johnny!" -Jack Nicholas

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