For the final review of classic movie
month, my sights have been set on one of the most iconic horror films ever
made.
An adaptation of Stephen King’s novel, the
Shining is one of those movies that humanity both treasures and fears.
Not only that, but its trivia is something
worth reading about. Shelley Duvall, who played Wendy Torrance, ended up
incredibly sick due to Director Stanley Kubrick’s need to retake a lot of
shots. One scene in particular is the one in which her character hits Jack
Torrance with a baseball bat. Allegedly the takes totaled 127 times. While I
commend Kubrick’s thoroughness, it also seems excessive.
While King has also stated that he did not
like the adaptation, I would like to review it not as an adaptation, but as a
movie on its own.
Story/Dialogue:
Story goes that Jack, Wendy and Danny Torrance are
staying in the Outlook Hotel while Jack is trying to write a play.
The head chef notices a shared psychic
ability in Danny which he calls, ‘The Shining.’
This ability allows Danny to see the past
and future, see ghosts and talk to people telepathically.
The Outlook Hotel is known for being
haunted, with its ghosts possessing the weak willed.
They proceed to possess Jack and try to
convince him to murder his family.
A film of the horror genre, the Shining’s
themes revolve around the darkness of the human heart.
In terms of story, it feels solid enough
that you could watch it and be entertained. However I also feel as though it’s lacking
in backstory, like a body without a soul. Most of the exposition is told
through dialogue and it’s rather dry.
Cinematography:
Pardon the pun, but this is where the movie truly
shines. The camera work is impeccable. Watching the dolly shots move in such an
organic fashion really gave it a fly on the wall feel. One of the key shots I
focused on is when the Torrances are in the car and the camera shakes to
indicate they’re driving. It’s these little details that one appreciates.
The framing was a little off which only
added to the atmosphere. There’s a lot of symmetry, with characters occupying
the centre of frame. It’s interesting to see this in a film, as most will tell
you that keeping your characters centre of frame usually leaves it ‘boring’.
The colours were rich, yet subdued (See the
bathroom and the carpet of the hotel,) which contrasted the dark nature of the
characters that occupied it.
Audio:
The other key part I found fascinating about this
movie was the audio. The high frequency
noises in the background sets you on edge from the moment you first hear it. It
contrasts well with the bright colours and enhances the intensity of the
scenes.
Unlike most horror films, which use gore
and jump scares to scare the audience, the Shining takes an atmospheric
approach. Subtle heartbeats, high whining and the sharp, abrupt chords create
this overwhelming sense of helplessness and unease.
Another thing to note is the clarity of the
recording. Hearing Danny’s tricycle wheels roll over the floor and the carpet
makes you feel more connected to the place, somehow.
Overall:
King has stated that this film did not stay true to
the book, which was a supernatural horror with psychological elements.
As this is a review of the film as a stand
alone, it can be said that the movie on its own is excellent and well worth the
watch. Unlike the book, it’s a
psychological horror with supernatural elements.
I feel that the reasons for this are
twofold.
One is the fact the supernatural element
wouldn’t have been cost effective. Each of the spirits involved in the film are
shown through careful juxtaposition and special effects. To make them look
anything more than human would destroy the suspension of disbelief.
Furthermore, it would make the spirits comical instead of terrifying. I don’t
know about you, dear reader, but I can assure you I wasn’t afraid of
Ghostbusters in the slightest.
The second is the fact that books are
introspective. Most of the feelings and internal interactions that may have
been in the book could not be shown accurately through the medium of film. The
telepathy, possession, etc. would be tricky to convey.
This movie really messed with my head. My
advice to you is to watch this with someone and not watch it at some ungodly
hour of the morning.
Stanley Kubrick really brought his keen eye
and steady hand to the table. He creates an air of tension that slowly builds
throughout the movie and though the dialogue is often dry, the audience is distracted
by the symmetry and colour of the set. Nothing feels out of place and you feel
this sense of dread throughout the entire film.
Not only does it make you feel something, but
it also compels you to keep watching.
I give this film 5 stars.
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