tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13599870.post114799532877737032..comments2024-03-17T11:29:35.743-04:00Comments on Final Girl: Ghost Week Day 8: The ShiningStacie Ponderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784074536271206501noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13599870.post-10126363661174214262010-03-26T18:10:34.281-04:002010-03-26T18:10:34.281-04:00I watched the film once again last night (a fave t...I watched the film once again last night (a fave that I frequent over the years).<br /><br />This blog makes some good points like Duvall's performance was stellar. I felt so bad for her, the sweetest lady, stuck in this situation. She really portrays realistic terror. Some good observations concerning the nature of the hotel and it's ghost were made as well. Great catch on the symmetry of the shots and camera angles, they really do have a dramatic effect. I don't really see how Kubrick could have improved here. <br /><br />Of course I am biased, but I think that Jack's performance was astounding. I understand how some can say that it was over the top, and I only partially agree, in some small aspects. <br /><br />He really presents himself in the beginning to be a man of reason and sensibility. So the first seen where Wendy comes into the room and and he curses at her and tells her to stay out of his work space, I can see how that was a harsh response from someone who was just starting to lose his mind. It was as if he was EXTREMELY angry, with no sense of self restraint at all. I do love that scene, however (and all of the scenes in this movie), and accept it for what it is. <br /><br />The mannerisms that were pointed out, like Jack's performance in the bar for the first time, I can see how they are perceived as over-doing it, but I also can imagine a person's personality coming out in such a way when they are overwhelmed with adrenaline, rage, and a healthy dose of insanity+ghost interaction. Again, I am biased, but I don't know of many performances that can match the ever present,complicated, emotional and intellectual shifts that Jack goes through with his facial expressions and mannerisms. Bravo, Jack, bravo.<br /><br />I also really enjoyed Scatman Crothers performance as the cook. What a character!<br /><br />One thing that I think makes this movie, in addition to the directing, filming, writing, acting, and storyline, was the score. The music itself could give you a chill, and in combination with the creepy scenes, I certainly could feel a tingle go down my spine. Without this original music by Wendy Carlos and Rachel Elkind, the movie would not have been anywhere near what it became in it's entirety. <br /><br />The one weak spot for me, and I agree with some of the other bloggers here, was that the end was a little disappointing. the adrenaline certainly waned off towards the end, and there seemed to be a lot of potential energy built up in the film that kind of dissipated. I feel guilty stating this, as Jack coming through the door with an axe is quite climactic, but with all of the eerie forces at work, you almost are salivating for some sort of supernatural nuke to go off. I don't know how it could be improved, but compared to the more stimulating previous scenes, the long chase at the end just did not stand up.<br /><br />Altogether I think the film is extraordinarily well done, and an all time favorite of mine! :DNatenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13599870.post-26479361173509074532009-12-29T16:29:15.131-05:002009-12-29T16:29:15.131-05:00A little tardy to the party, folks, but my two cen...A little tardy to the party, folks, but my two cents:<br /><br />The Shining was among the first movies I saw in HD-DVD, and what a revelation! After twenty years of crap-vision VHS, seeing it in 1080p was a real thrill. I was hooked from the opening credits (and so want to go check out Glacier Nat'l Park and the Timberline Lodge now).<br /><br />While I agree that at times Nicholson's performance was over the top, and that a pre-Overlook, post-Overlook progression might have been more affecting, consider the sequence of the family driving to the hotel on closing day. They're not even there yet, and Jack is already pissed with both Danny and Wendy. This could serve as some clear, dark foreshadowing, ie, uh-oh, things are gonna get really ugly...<br /><br />Kubrick's thing seems to be taking people who are already flawed but functioning and pushing them until they break. Take a bow, Private Pyle. Kubrick's Jack Torrance is the same.<br /><br />My take on the rad sweaters, even seeing this on HBO in '81 or so, was that Wendy passed a lot of her time knitting.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14533469406120818315noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13599870.post-11092433432033117802009-12-26T22:02:34.411-05:002009-12-26T22:02:34.411-05:00I agree totally- you don't see any stretch bet...I agree totally- you don't see any stretch between Jack at the beginning and Jack at the end. I read somewhere, though that that is the kind of performance he was looking for; he wanted a "James Cagney type" for the part. I think his movies need that: His movies, beautiful & orderly can pull towards being dull if there isn't a strong personality on the screen. Imagine Full Metal Jack without R. Lee Emery.<br /><br />I also agree with Kubrick's decision to dump the shrub animals and go with the maze. The leafy lions & tigers seemed a little far-fetched in the book.<br /><br />The one thing I would definitly change about the movie is Jack's face at the end when he's frozen and he's crosseyed and looking up; it's almost funny.<br /><br />My favorite thing about The Shining is the opening shot. Right after the Warner Bros. screen card fades there is that small island and its reflection in the lake. It's so clear and perfect.RJ Battleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16471044119182414902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13599870.post-28019994649926518742009-11-23T23:22:22.261-05:002009-11-23T23:22:22.261-05:00If you're interested in The Shining and ever w...If you're interested in The Shining and ever want to lose an entire day of your life, here's a mind-blowing, somewhat-pretentious, but always-fascinating uber-long essay: http://mstrmnd.com/log/802Christophernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13599870.post-9554456817460231512009-11-12T12:52:29.536-05:002009-11-12T12:52:29.536-05:00It's interesting that Wendy is the only one wh...It's interesting that Wendy is the only one who doesn't really have any supernatural experiences at the hotel...until the end when everything goes apeshit and she sees furry fellatio and all that. Had she not seen ANYTHING at ANY POINT- now THAT would have been a great angle to explore. The Overlook is the trickiest haunted house ever.Stacie Ponderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07784074536271206501noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13599870.post-6119089522209908482009-11-12T08:51:02.626-05:002009-11-12T08:51:02.626-05:00Watched this again recently after reading a very i...Watched this again recently after reading a very interesting bit by Roger Ebert (a newer entry in his "Great Films" essays) which points out that *no* character's interpretation of the events in the film can be trusted; he also suggests that the Wendy character might not have been there at all - the film is a much more interesting watch considering that. Danny and Jack may possibly both have been crazy in the beginning, and the ghosts as well as Wendy's presence at the hotel were just a figment of either or both their imaginations.Fujibayashinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13599870.post-26225014753684490392008-08-08T18:25:00.000-04:002008-08-08T18:25:00.000-04:00i`ve always thought the shining to be an over-rate...i`ve always thought the shining to be an over-rated film its got a marvellous atmosphere and the first 2 hours are very good but its the ending that has always let the film down, in my opinion its a total cop-out, thats why i prefer the t.v. mini series with rebecca de mornay, now i know that would be sacrilage to fans of stanley kubrick but i`ve always regarded him as a very over-rated director, in fact i think the only film he ever made that truly deserves to be called a masterpiece is "BARRY LYNDON" in fact i believe lyndon to be the greatest film ever made, where-as, for instance, any of john carpenters horror films blows the shining out of the window.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13599870.post-9638600105943708372007-05-24T17:33:00.000-04:002007-05-24T17:33:00.000-04:00Found your review, which is excellent... caught th...Found your review, which is excellent... caught the movie again on the Sci-Fi Channel last night, and it definitely holds up, despite all the controversy over the changes that Kubrick made to King's novel.<BR/><BR/>It's actually a pretty good adaptation of the book - the main change (a big one, admittedly) is that Kubrick really isn't interested in the horror from the ghosts and things that inhabit The Overlook - his emphasis is on the horror that comes from a loved one who wants to kill you.<BR/><BR/>Nicholson's performance is exaggerated and showy... but having seen the movie upteen times, I've come to the conclusion that Kubrick wanted to show, straight from the beginning, that Jack is The Monster that everyone should be concerned with.<BR/><BR/>Finally, it's great to see someone acknowledge Shelly Duvall's performance - she should have been nominated for an award.L. Rob Hubbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11539336724694374785noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13599870.post-7617872559472117952007-04-06T21:32:00.000-04:002007-04-06T21:32:00.000-04:00It IS neat...that's probably why I mentioned it in...It IS neat...that's probably why I mentioned it in the review! :PStacie Ponderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07784074536271206501noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13599870.post-1148445929219586882006-05-24T00:45:00.000-04:002006-05-24T00:45:00.000-04:00What REALLY impresses me about THE SHINING is that...What REALLY impresses me about THE SHINING is that just about every freakin' shot in the movie is symmetrical...<BR/><BR/>Neat, eh?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13599870.post-1148338756901039262006-05-22T18:59:00.000-04:002006-05-22T18:59:00.000-04:00And the creepy music were symophonies by Krizstof ...And the creepy music were symophonies by Krizstof Penderecki and Béla Bartók's <I>Music For Celesta, percussion and strings</I>...Artur Coelhohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17001864031062742691noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13599870.post-1148213278213212082006-05-21T08:07:00.000-04:002006-05-21T08:07:00.000-04:00The Shining is one of those sublime moments when a...<I>The Shining</I> is one of those sublime moments when a lesser literary work becomes something far more by the hands of a talented director. The film gave new meanings to the book, and, essentially, imortalized King's work.Artur Coelhohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17001864031062742691noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13599870.post-1148067659059736352006-05-19T15:40:00.000-04:002006-05-19T15:40:00.000-04:00I keep meaning to watch the made-for-TV version of...I keep meaning to watch the made-for-TV version of The Shining. <BR/><BR/>I like Kubrick's movie but after re-reading the book in the last year or so I felt that the movie lost a lot of the psychology that was so central to the book. <BR/><BR/>Speaking of SK miniseries, I'm looking forward to the Desperation miniseries next week.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13599870.post-1148062010319024152006-05-19T14:06:00.000-04:002006-05-19T14:06:00.000-04:00It's funny how Stephen King hates this movie. He s...It's funny how Stephen King hates this movie. He said Kubrick was not educated enough on horror movies from prior years.warrenzonehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11724545761804723422noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13599870.post-1148058925485058662006-05-19T13:15:00.000-04:002006-05-19T13:15:00.000-04:00Chadwick, thanks for the info. It's been a long t...Chadwick, thanks for the info. It's been a long time since I've read The Shining, and I've never seen the TV adaptation that's supposed to be more faithful to the source material. King must have crapped his pants when he saw this film for the first time, it's so vastly different from his novel.<BR/><BR/>Some changes Kubrick made I understand and agree with: opting for a hedge maze instead of topiaray animals, for example. Even today, with superior effects to thise of 1980, I don't know if the animals would be effective. If anything, I think they'd pull the viewer out of the story when shown- in the book, in my imagination, I think they work just fine.<BR/><BR/>What bothers me about Nicholson's performance (and, as a default, the script, I suppose), is that we don't see Jack's mental battle whatsoever. He clearly hates his wife from the beginning and holds her responsible, we can assume, for his miserable life. Why? We don't see that played out enough...does Wendy's submissiveness inspire the anger in him? Maybe. There's just so few interactions with Jack and his family- and virtually NO friendly, loving interactions- that he just doesn't have far to fall, and there's no sense of tragedy to his madness. It seems like he's <I>always</I> wanted to kill Wendy- he hasn't been PUSHED. In the bathroom, Grady talks about his need to "correct" his wife and daughters...it's quiet, and it's terrifying- the whole idea of the monster living alongside you, how could your husband or father turn like that? <BR/><BR/>While I agree, Brennon, that two hours of internal struggle would most likely be boring, I think if there had been more of a contrast between pre-Overlook Jack and post-Overlook Jack, the latter would be <I>that</I> much more effective. As it stands, if anyone less talented than Shelley Duvall had been playing Wendy, it wouldn't have worked whatsoever.<BR/><BR/>Yeah, Kubrick sure tortured his actors, eh? Did you read that trivia at the link? <I>127 takes</I> for a shot? It's a miracle anyone would or COULD put up with that.<BR/><BR/>Great dialogue guys! And thanks for the compliment, Slatteries...sometimes I like to talk about movies somewhat seriously! :DStacie Ponderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07784074536271206501noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13599870.post-1148057150803947362006-05-19T12:45:00.000-04:002006-05-19T12:45:00.000-04:00One day I'm going to do a compare/contrast review ...One day I'm going to do a compare/contrast review of King's source novel, Kubrick's film, and the mini-series. But, today, I'm just going to bounce a few thoughts and ideas around.<BR/><BR/>I am of very mixed emotions when it comes to Stanley Kubrick's adaptation on King's <I>The Shining</I>, which I consider to be his most personal novel.<BR/><BR/>A little background: King's father had abandoned his family when King was very young. He also grew up in crushing poverty. The novel <I>The Shining</I> was written when his writing career was just about enter into the land of the runaway bestseller. King was also a new father struggling with emotions he could not understand. I think all these things, and others, fused to create a truly unique tragic figure in the brooding, angry, and overwhelmed Jack Torrance. The thing that is most potent in the novel (other than the scares) is Torrance's rage, both directed at himself and at a world that won't give him a fair shake, it seems. The most emotionally devestating moment in the novel occurs toward the end, when a battered and bloody Torrance briefly comes to his senses, sets down the mallet, kisses his son before telling him, "Run Danny, but never forget how much I love you." Torrance then falls back into his psychotic state and, laughing and screaming, hammers at, and destroys, his own face with the mallet as Danny runs away. Kubrick's film completely ignores that self-destructive rage and the fierce love/hate duality in Torrance, and it nearly destroys his film.<BR/><BR/>My father, who loved the novel, hated the movie because of Nicholson's goofy performance. I consider it nothing more than a dry-run for when he would play the Joker in <B>Batman</B> nine years later. He is as frightening as a paper sack.<BR/><BR/>What Kubrick did get right was that feeling of utter isolation, and of being overwhelmed and swallowed whole by the enormity of it all. Of getting lost within destracting details. The maze imagery in the film is just wonderful.<BR/><BR/>If there was one director of that era who could have cracked open that underbelly of rage in King's novel, it was William Friedkin. Friedkin did such a wonderful job combining shock with psychology in <B>The Exorcist</B>, I can't help but think that his version would have been brilliant.<BR/><BR/>So, I think Kubrick's version is a splendid example of style-over-substance.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13599870.post-1148056837947430062006-05-19T12:40:00.000-04:002006-05-19T12:40:00.000-04:00Excellent, Stacie!This film's been a FAV of mine s...Excellent, Stacie!<BR/><BR/>This film's been a FAV of mine since seeing it open in the theaters (when? a long time ago)...<BR/><BR/>I became a fan of Kubrick. Always enjoying what he "does" to buildings and space. THIS being his true masterpiece!<BR/><BR/>It's all about the place!slattshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00805299264825615147noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13599870.post-1148052712327027862006-05-19T11:31:00.000-04:002006-05-19T11:31:00.000-04:00And, yeah, you mentioned how new and clean the hot...And, yeah, you mentioned how new and clean the hotel is. For some reason that never really hit me before, but you're right. Something horrible happening in a nice, bright, clean place makes it that much more horrible. And the way Kubrick isolates people with those centered frames you're talking about... every frame is just so creepy.Clay McClanehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03335679984438046905noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13599870.post-1148052453363485222006-05-19T11:27:00.000-04:002006-05-19T11:27:00.000-04:00I must say, Stacie, this is one of the most intell...I must say, Stacie, this is one of the most intelligent, well-written posts I've seen. Often I've thought of <I>The Shining</I> in the light you present it, but never have I put it down in words. I guess I don't even have to think about it anymore because you've done it all.<BR/><BR/>I particularily like the addition of Kubrick's beautiful shots. Until you see them again, and again, you don't truly realize how much art he put into his films.<BR/><BR/>I think it's a daunting task to find a better looking horror film. I definitely think <I>Halloween</I> is on the list of excellent-looking horror films, if only because its opening, first-person shot was revolutionary at the time.<BR/><BR/>One thing I must disagree with: Nicholson's acting. I think it works perfectly well, cheesy lines and all. Imagine a two and a half hour long movie with nothing but intense psychosis. Now imagine Kubrick directing it. It'd be like <I>Eyes Wide Shut</I> but slower ... and that wouldn't work. Nicholson's over-the-top crazy man act is hilarious and effective. You're laughing, but at the same time, you see Duvall's reaction to his behavior, and suddenly it takes on a serious edge -- this isn't just fun and games for Jack; what he's doing is truly terrifying.<BR/><BR/>Kubrick brutalized Duvall to get that performance out of her. Frankly, I think actors should be brutalized more often so we can get that quality of fear in films.<BR/><BR/>Again, well done. Great rainy day reading o'er here in Cambridge.John Barleycornhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08138035686166958662noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13599870.post-1148044987856697552006-05-19T09:23:00.000-04:002006-05-19T09:23:00.000-04:00You're right Craig...Jack doesn't have very far to...You're right Craig...Jack doesn't have very far to fall, it seems, given the way he acts early on- it's not shocking when he goes mad. He's been distant and cruel to his family from the get go. He doesn't seem at all bothered by his newly-found homicidal impulses- he just goes with the flow.<BR/><BR/>It's IS a quiet, visual movie, and that works well, I think. There's no explaining, or even questioning as to what's going on. Like Halloran told Danny, it's all just "pictures in a book". Given the things she saw in her last moments in the hotel, I'd really like to know Wendy's thoughts after they get away...<BR/><BR/>It's kind of amazing that it's a gothic movie without any of the gothic trappings. It's all brightly lit, centered in the frame for the viewer. Kubrick doesn't hide anything in the big spooky house. I love the way he reveals the horror: in silent flashes.<BR/><BR/>I'd say this story can definitely be seen as an allegory for alcoholism- particularly given King's troubles in the past. You could stretch it a little and add writer's block in there, too.Stacie Ponderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07784074536271206501noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13599870.post-1148043504849165592006-05-19T08:58:00.000-04:002006-05-19T08:58:00.000-04:00Jack always seemed crazy right from the beginning,...Jack always seemed crazy right from the beginning, which was my least favorite thing about the movie. <BR/><BR/>But it does stand the test of time and I think that's because there are no big explanations and, really, there's very little dialogue of any consequence. Kubrick keeps it quiet and visual (except for those pesky "Here's Johnny!" moments, which aren't deal breakers, but aren't really strong choices, either).<BR/><BR/>I think King wrote the story as an allegory for alcohol addiction tearing the guts out of a family.Clay McClanehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03335679984438046905noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13599870.post-1148008645830976242006-05-18T23:17:00.000-04:002006-05-18T23:17:00.000-04:00I remember going to see this at the movies when I ...I remember going to see this at the movies when I was a kid with my mom. It scared me to pieces. I loved it. This was the 1st horror movie I saw at the theatre. It will always have a special place in my heart. <BR/><BR/>Recently I read the book. (well, listened to the audio book) It was really good as well.Goosehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08047656254205572983noreply@blogger.com