Beyond the Axe: Decoding the Terrors of The Shining

Beyond the Axe: Decoding the Terrors of The Shining

Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 psychological horror masterpiece, The Shining, produced by Warner Bros., remains a chilling study in isolation and madness. The film, adapted from Stephen King’s novel, takes us to the Overlook Hotel, an isolated resort in the Colorado Rockies. We are introduced to Jack Torrance, portrayed by the always brilliant Jack Nicholson, who takes the job as winter caretaker, hoping to use the solitude to work on his writing. His wife, Wendy, played with a palpable fear by Shelley Duvall, and their young son, Danny, played by Danny Lloyd, join him.

The Overlook, however, is no ordinary hotel. It’s a place with a dark history, and as the family settles in, the supernatural starts to seep into their lives. Danny, who possesses a psychic ability known as “the shining,” is the first to experience the malevolent forces at play within the hotel. He begins to have disturbing visions and communicates with an imaginary friend, Tony. As the isolation increases, Jack’s mental state deteriorates and he begins to be influenced by the hotel’s sinister energy. The film expertly builds a sense of unease, and we start to see the cracks in Jack’s psyche. He becomes increasingly unstable and the hotel’s dark past begins to consume him completely.

RELATED STORIES  Full Metal Jacket (1987, Matthew Modine, Dir: Stanley Kubrick)

Beyond the Axe: Decoding the Terrors of The Shining

The movie is visually stunning, employing long, sweeping shots that emphasize the vast emptiness and isolation of the Overlook. The cinematography contributes greatly to the feeling of dread and suspense. Kubrick’s meticulous direction creates a claustrophobic atmosphere, even in the open spaces of the hotel. The performances are also key to the film’s impact. Nicholson’s portrayal of Jack’s descent into madness is nothing short of iconic. Duvall perfectly embodies the terror and desperation of Wendy, a woman trapped in a nightmare. Scatman Crothers also makes a big impression as Dick Hallorann, the chef at the Overlook, who also shares Danny’s special gift and tries to help him.

RELATED STORIES  Paris, Texas (1984, Harry Dean Stanton, Dir. Wim Wenders)

While a visually arresting film, it is not without its faults. Some have criticised the pacing as slow and deliberate, which can feel frustrating for those used to fast-paced modern horror. Also Duvall’s performance, while effective in conveying her terror, has been described by some as too overwrought at times. The film is also very different from the source material, which has led to debate within the fan community. The differences between the book and the movie are significant, with changes to some of the characters and plot points. Some fans find this to be a departure from King’s original vision. Even with these criticisms, it remains a powerful cinematic experience that continues to haunt audiences. The feeling of dread and psychological decay is what makes The Shining so effective.

RELATED STORIES  Touch of Evil (1958, Charlton Heston, Dir: Orson Welles)

The Shining is a Warner Bros. production.
Release Date: 1980
Director: Stanley Kubrick
Cast: Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Danny Lloyd, Scatman Crothers, Barry Nelson.

Head of film reviews at The Viewers Guide with an erudite, insightful, slightly sardonic, deep appreciation for classic cinema. Has a habit of quoting obscure lines from old films in everyday conversation. He keeps a meticulously organized film logbook. He's a bit of a tea snob.