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The Shining
19808144 min
HorrorThriller
Uscita
23 mag 1980
Paesi
United Kingdom, United States of America
Produzioni
Warner Bros. PicturesPeregrineHawk FilmsThe Producer Circle Co.
Jack Torrance accetta un lavoro di custode all'Hotel Overlook, dove lui, insieme a sua moglie Wendy e a loro figlio Danny, deve vivere isolato dal resto del mondo per l'inverno. Ma non sono preparati alla follia che si nasconde dentro.
About
Quick guide
Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 horror thriller. A family caretaker struggles as isolation turns sinister.
Jack Torrance, a recovering alcoholic, takes a winter caretaking job at the remote Overlook Hotel. His wife Wendy and son Danny accompany him, hoping for a fresh start. As the snow seals the hotel, the family finds themselves cut off from the world, while strange and frightening presences stir. Jack’s growing agitation, tied to alcohol and the hotel’s eerie atmosphere, threatens the fragile bond with his family. The film blends psychological dread with supernatural elements, exploring isolation, family tension, and the erosion of sanity. Through subtle set pieces and unsettling imagery, Kubrick builds a slow‑burn horror that unsettles viewers long after the credits roll.
What to know
- The film runs roughly 2 hours and 26 minutes on the longest cut.
- Jack Torrance is portrayed as a recovering alcoholic struggling with his past.
- Danny possesses a psychic ability called “shining” that lets him see ghosts.
- The Overlook Hotel is a constructed set inspired by real Colorado hotels.
- The film’s tone blends psychological horror with supernatural dread.
- Silence and minimal music heighten tension throughout the movie.
- The ending leaves the audience with an ambiguous, symbolic image.
Watch if
If you enjoy atmospheric, psychological horror that slowly builds dread and offers a nuanced look at family breakdown and isolation, you’ll appreciate Kubrick’s masterful direction and chilling performance.
Skip if
If you prefer fast‑paced action or explicit gore, The Shining’s slow burn and subtle scares may not satisfy your expectations.
horror elementspsychological elementssuspensefulslow burnmature themessome goredark toneintense action
Setting: The Overlook Hotel
The film opens with the vast, snow‑covered landscape that frames the towering Overlook Hotel, a sprawling set built at Elstree Studios. Its architecture, inspired by Colorado landmarks, creates a sense of grandeur and isolation. From the moment the Torrances arrive, the hotel’s opulence masks a sinister undercurrent, hinting at the psychological journey ahead.
Jack’s Transformation
Jack Torrance’s character arc is marked by a gradual descent. Initially a hopeful writer, his alcoholism resurfaces as the isolation sets in, and the hotel’s unseen presence nudges him toward aggression. Kubrick captures this shift through subtle visual cues, lingering shots, and Jack’s increasingly erratic behavior, setting the film’s tense rhythm.
Danny’s Visions
Danny’s psychic gift, known as 'shining,' allows him to perceive past and future events. He sees the hotel’s history and encounters ghostly twins, fueling his fear. Kubrick’s use of color, lighting, and sound design emphasizes Danny’s isolation, making his visions both a narrative device and a source of mounting dread.
Wendy’s Struggle
Wendy, Jack’s wife, wrestles with growing unease as her husband’s mood shifts. She balances her role as a mother with the fear of impending violence, while the hotel’s oppressive atmosphere magnifies her anxiety. Her perseverance becomes crucial as the family’s safety hangs in the balance.
The Maze and Symbols
The hedge maze becomes an allegory for the characters’ internal confusion. Its labyrinthine design mirrors Jack’s descent into madness, while the endless corridors suggest an unending cycle of fear. Kubrick uses the maze to reinforce themes of isolation, psychological entrapment, and the relentless pull of the hotel’s malevolence.
Climactic Confrontations
The film builds to a tense finale where family and supernatural forces collide. Jack’s violent obsession peaks, while Wendy and Danny fight for survival. The climax is marked by striking imagery, sudden movement, and the chilling echo of 'redrum,' underscoring the film’s blend of psychological and physical horror.
Final Twist
The concluding scene presents a haunting image that defies simple explanation. A photograph of Jack from 1921 appears, implying a loop of time and possession. Kubrick leaves the audience with unresolved questions, suggesting that the hotel consumes those who enter and that the cycle will repeat itself.
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FAQ
47 Q&A
What role does isolation play in the film's events?
Isolation makes Jack Torrance go crazy and hurt his family.
Is the alcohol Jack drinks in the film real or imagined?
The drinks Jack has with Lloyd the bartender are imagined.
How does Danny's 'shining' ability affect the events in the hotel?
Danny's shining ability lets him see the hotel's bad history and future events.
What is the meaning of Tony's presence and his connection to Danny?
Tony is a part of Danny that helps him deal with scary things.
How does the film's ending differ from Stephen King's novel?
In the movie, Jack freezes to death in the maze, but in the book, he burns down the hotel.
What is the significance of the hedge maze?
The hedge maze is a place where Jack gets lost and freezes to death.
What is the symbolism of the Grady twins?
The Grady twins represent the hotel's past victims and warn Danny.
How does Wendy Torrance react to Jack's descent into madness?
Wendy is scared and tries to protect herself and Danny from Jack.
Why does the hotel seem to drive Jack insane?
The hotel has evil spirits that make Jack crazy.
What does 'redrum' signify in the film?
Redrum is 'murder' spelled backward and shows the danger.
What is the connection between the hotel and Native American burial grounds?
The hotel was built on land with Native American burial grounds, which might explain its evil.
What is the meaning of the final photograph in the movie?
The photo shows Jack at a party in 1921, meaning he was always part of the hotel.
What is the significance of the Overlook Hotel's history?
The hotel has a dark past with many deaths, which influences the present.
What is the significance of the typewriter and Jack's writing?
Jack's constant typing of 'All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy' shows his mind breaking.
What is the meaning behind the blood flooding the hallway?
The blood shows the hotel's violent past and its evil power.
What happens to Danny in Room 237?
Danny sees a dead woman in Room 237 and gets sick.
Is Jack Torrance a reincarnation, or is he possessed by the hotel?
It's unclear if Jack is possessed or if the hotel's evil makes him do bad things.
Are there any real-life inspirations for the Overlook Hotel?
The hotel might be inspired by the Timberline Lodge in Oregon.
What is the role of the snowstorm in the film?
The snowstorm traps the family in the hotel, making them more isolated.
Did Jack have a choice in his actions, or was he predetermined to act that way?
The hotel's evil influences Jack, but he also makes choices that lead to his actions.
How does the film explore themes of alcoholism and addiction?
Jack's past struggles with alcohol and anger are shown, and the hotel seems to feed on these weaknesses.
What does Lloyd the bartender represent?
Lloyd represents the hotel's evil and tempts Jack.
What is the meaning of the 'Here's Johnny!' scene?
This scene shows Jack has completely lost his mind and is a threat.
What is the difference between Charles Grady and Delbert Grady?
Charles Grady was a caretaker who killed his family, and Delbert Grady was a different caretaker who also killed his family.
Are the ghosts in the hotel real, or are they manifestations of Jack's madness?
The film suggests the ghosts are real, influencing events and Jack's mind.
What is the meaning of the phrase 'All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy'?
It means that working too much without relaxing can make a person boring and unfocused.
How does the film's cinematography contribute to its horror?
Creepy camera angles and long, gliding shots make the viewer feel uneasy and trapped.
What does the hotel want from Jack?
The hotel wants Jack to be its new caretaker and to drive him mad.
What is the symbolism of the axe?
The axe represents Jack's violence and his descent into madness.
Are there any hidden messages or Easter eggs in the film?
Yes, there are many subtle clues and references for viewers to discover.
What does the film suggest about the nature of evil?
It suggests that evil can be a powerful force that corrupts people and places.
What is the significance of the film's musical score?
The music creates a feeling of dread and unease, adding to the scary atmosphere.
Did Jack Torrance always have the 'shining' ability?
No, the ability seems to be awakened or amplified by the hotel.
What is the significance of the hotel's interior design and decor?
The design is meant to be both grand and unsettling, hinting at the hotel's dark past.
What is the significance of the hotel's spatial inconsistencies?
The layout of the hotel changes, making it feel unreal and disorienting, like a maze.
What is the role of the film's iconic soundtrack?
The soundtrack uses unsettling music to build tension and enhance the horror.
What is the meaning of the fire in the film?
Fire can represent destruction, purification, or the burning rage within Jack.
Is there a definitive answer to what is possessing the Overlook Hotel?
The film suggests it's a collection of past evils and tormented spirits.
How does the film's pacing contribute to the suspense?
The slow build-up and long, quiet moments create a sense of dread and anticipation.
What is the significance of the interview scene with Stuart Ullman?
It introduces the hotel's dark history and Jack's troubled past.
Why does Dick Hallorann return to the Overlook?
He returns because he senses Danny is in danger and needs help.
How does the film portray the breakdown of a family?
It shows how isolation and supernatural forces can tear a family apart.
How did the actors prepare for their roles, especially Danny Lloyd?
Actors focused on the psychological aspects; Danny Lloyd was shielded from the scariest parts.
What are some of the production challenges faced during filming?
Filming in freezing conditions and with complex sets presented many difficulties.
What are the main differences between the book and the movie?
The movie focuses more on Jack's madness, while the book explores the hotel's evil more deeply.
How does the film play with the audience's perception of reality?
It blurs the lines between what is real and what is in Jack's or Danny's mind.
What is the significance of the various paintings and artworks in the hotel?
They add to the unsettling atmosphere and sometimes hint at future events.
