The Shining (1980)
“The Shining” is a 1980 horror film directed by Stanley Kubrick, based on Stephen King’s novel of the same name. The film stars Jack Nicholson as Jack Torrance, a writer who becomes the winter caretaker of the Overlook Hotel, and Shelley Duvall as his wife Wendy. The movie is known for its iconic scenes, including the blood elevator and “Here’s Johnny!” The story revolves around the psychological unraveling of Jack Torrance as he is influenced by supernatural forces and the isolation of the hotel. It’s considered a classic in the horror genre and is known for its eerie atmosphere and exceptional cinematography.
Characters:-
“The Shining” features several main characters:
1. Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) – The protagonist-turned-antagonist, Jack is the winter caretaker of the Overlook Hotel. His descent into madness is a central element of the story.
2. Wendy Torrance (Shelley Duvall) – Jack’s wife and the mother of their young son, Danny. She becomes increasingly concerned for her family’s safety as Jack’s behavior becomes more erratic.
3. Danny Torrance (Danny Lloyd) – Jack and Wendy’s young son, who possesses psychic abilities known as “the shining.” He has the ability to see and communicate with the hotel’s malevolent spirits.
4. Dick Hallorann (Scatman Crothers) – The hotel’s chef who also has the gift of “the shining.” He forms a special connection with Danny and comes to the family’s aid when they are in danger.
5. Grady Twins (Lisa and Louise Burns) – Creepy twin sisters who appear to Danny throughout the movie, often associated with disturbing visions.
6. Delbert Grady (Philip Stone) – The former caretaker of the Overlook Hotel, who plays a crucial role in the story’s supernatural elements.
These are the primary characters in the film, and they each contribute to the growing sense of dread and horror as the story unfolds.
Awards and Achievements:-
“The Shining” has received critical acclaim and achieved several awards and recognitions since its release in 1980. Some of its notable achievements include:
1. Although it didn’t receive Academy Award nominations, the film has garnered a significant following and critical acclaim over the years.
2. Stanley Kubrick was praised for his direction and adaptation of Stephen King’s novel.
3. Jack Nicholson’s performance as Jack Torrance is often considered one of his most iconic roles.
4. The film’s cinematography, especially its use of steadicam and iconic tracking shots, has been widely praised.
5. “The Shining” has had a lasting impact on popular culture and is frequently referenced in films, television, and other forms of media.
While the film may not have received many major awards upon its initial release, it has gained a strong and enduring reputation in the horror genre and is often cited as one of the greatest and most influential horror films in cinematic history.
Trivia:-
Certainly! Here are some interesting pieces of trivia about “The Shining”:
1. Alternate Endings: Stanley Kubrick shot multiple endings for the film, and the one we see in the movie is different from what Stephen King had written in his novel.
2. All Work and No Play: The phrase “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” is one of the most famous lines from the movie. In the film, the pages of this phrase were individually typed. Kubrick didn’t use repetition or copy-paste, emphasizing Jack’s descent into madness.
3. Real Timberline Lodge: The exterior of the Overlook Hotel shown in the film is actually the Timberline Lodge in Oregon. The interior scenes were shot on sets built in the United Kingdom.
4. Impossible Window Layout: The layout of the windows in the Overlook Hotel doesn’t make sense architecturally. The hotel’s interior doesn’t match the exterior of the Timberline Lodge.
5. Number 237: Room 237 is a central location in the film. The hotel didn’t have a Room 237, and the Timberline Lodge requested that Kubrick change the room number for fear that guests might avoid staying in that room.
6. Kubrick’s Perfectionism: Stanley Kubrick was known for his meticulous attention to detail. For example, he insisted that the infamous “Here’s Johnny!” scene be shot 60 times.
7. Shelley Duvall’s Stress: The stress of filming was so intense that it took a toll on Shelley Duvall’s health. She lost hair and had other health issues due to the demands of her role.
8. Elevator of Blood: The iconic scene with blood flooding the hotel’s elevator was achieved using a complex system of hydraulics and a replica elevator filled with fake blood.
9. Kubrick’s Daughter’s Cameo: Stanley Kubrick’s daughter, Vivian Kubrick, played a small role as the uncredited film operator in one of the scenes.
10. Room 237 Documentary: The documentary film “Room 237” explores various theories and interpretations of “The Shining.” It delves into hidden meanings and symbolism in the movie.
These trivia tidbits highlight the meticulous craftsmanship and enduring mysteries surrounding “The Shining.”
Runtime:-
The runtime of “The Shining” is approximately 2 hours and 26 minutes (146 minutes). It’s a substantial film with a deliberate pace, allowing for the gradual build of tension and psychological horror throughout the story.
Photos & videos :
Ratings:-
“The Shining” has received generally positive ratings from both critics and audiences over the years, here are some of the key ratings:
– Rotten Tomatoes: The film has a “Certified Fresh” rating of over 80% on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics and audiences appreciating its enduring influence and impact.
– IMDb: On IMDb, “The Shining” had a rating of approximately 8.4 out of 10, indicating a strong and enduring appeal.
– Metacritic: The film also received positive reviews on Metacritic, with a score of around 66 out of 100.
Plot:-
“The Shining” follows the story of the Torrance family as they become the winter caretakers of the isolated Overlook Hotel. Here’s a brief summary of the plot:
Jack Torrance, an aspiring writer and recovering alcoholic, takes the job as the winter caretaker of the remote Overlook Hotel in Colorado. He moves in with his wife Wendy and their young son Danny, who possesses psychic abilities known as “the shining.” The family is informed that the hotel will be snowbound during the winter, and they must maintain it during the off-season.
As the months pass and the snow traps them inside, the hotel’s sinister supernatural forces begin to manifest. Jack’s mental stability deteriorates due to the hotel’s influence, and he becomes increasingly aggressive and unhinged. Meanwhile, Danny’s psychic abilities allow him to see the hotel’s haunted history and communicate with the spirits.
The isolation and paranormal activity intensify, leading to a series of terrifying and surreal events. Jack’s descent into madness and his pursuit of his family take center stage. The film climaxes with a dramatic and horrifying showdown in the hotel’s haunted corridors.
“The Shining” is a psychological horror film that explores themes of isolation, family, and the supernatural. It’s known for its iconic imagery, memorable lines, and the growing sense of dread that permeates the story.
Summary:-
“The Shining” is a psychological horror film directed by Stanley Kubrick, based on Stephen King’s novel. It tells the story of the Torrance family who becomes the winter caretakers of the remote Overlook Hotel. Jack Torrance, the father, takes the job to write and recover from alcoholism, moving in with his wife Wendy and their son Danny, who possesses psychic abilities. As they are snowbound in the hotel, supernatural forces begin to influence Jack, leading to his descent into madness.
Danny’s psychic abilities reveal the hotel’s dark history, and he communicates with its malevolent spirits. The family is trapped in the haunted hotel, and as Jack’s behavior becomes increasingly violent, a terrifying and surreal series of events unfolds. The film explores themes of isolation, family, and the supernatural, culminating in a horrifying showdown in the hotel’s haunted corridors. “The Shining” is known for its iconic imagery and has become a classic in the horror genre.
Box office collection:-
“The Shining,” released in 1980, had an estimated box office gross of around $44 million in the United States during its initial theatrical run. It’s important to note that this figure does not account for inflation or subsequent releases and reissues, which may have contributed to its overall earnings over the years. While it wasn’t an enormous box office success upon its release, the film has gained significant popularity and acclaim since then, becoming a classic in the horror genre.
Related novel:-
Yes, there are related works and adaptations based on Stephen King’s original novel “The Shining” as well as the iconic Stanley Kubrick film. Here are a few notable ones:
1. “Doctor Sleep” (2013): This is a novel written by Stephen King, which serves as a sequel to “The Shining.” It follows the adult life of Danny Torrance, who is still dealing with the trauma from his childhood at the Overlook Hotel and his psychic abilities. The novel was later adapted into a film (see below).
2. “Doctor Sleep” (2019): A film adaptation of Stephen King’s novel of the same name. It serves as a sequel to the 1980 “The Shining” film, directed by Stanley Kubrick. Ewan McGregor plays the adult Danny Torrance. The movie combines elements from King’s book with a nod to Kubrick’s film.
3. “The Shining” (1997): This is a television miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s novel, which closely follows the original source material. It stars Steven Weber as Jack Torrance and Rebecca De Mornay as Wendy Torrance. King was reportedly not satisfied with Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation and wanted a more faithful version.
4. “Room 237″ (2012): Although not a direct adaptation, this is a documentary that explores various theories and interpretations of Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining.” It delves into hidden meanings and symbolism in the film.
These works offer different takes on the original story and have added to the lore and legacy of “The Shining.”