-
Step 1
Don’t expect to watch a film that follows King’s “The Shining” closely. Kubrick eliminates subplots from the novel and focuses on some different themes.
-
Step 2
Don’t expect the typical gothic horror film. “The Shining” bends the genre in several ways.
-
Step 3
Follow Danny’s experiences with “the shining” and how his premonitions foreshadow events to come. His premonitions/psychic experiences begin very early in the film.
-
Step 4
Watch for doubles, twins and doppelgangers that occur throughout the film (these include mirror reflections). Figure out which of the main characters they’re doubling and why.
-
Step 5
Take note of what is said about the hotel’s history and its setting. Keep an eye out for all of the Apache and Navajo motifs, including the Calumet baking powder cans which appear in a couple of key scenes. Make a note that no Native Americans actually appear in the story.
-
Step 6
Watch closely for clues that Jack is slowly going mad. See if you can find the moment where Jack’s descent into madness begins and what triggers it.
-
Step 7
Notice how many encounters with the supernatural and haunted moments happen in well-lit rooms. This is unusual in gothic horror films, as these scenes tend to be dark. Determine why the brightly-lit scenes add or detract from an atmosphere of tension and horror.
-
Step 8
Notice how much (or little) music is used during horror-filled scenes and encounters with the supernatural. Think about how the music adds to the atmosphere.
-
Step 9
Find evidence that proves Grady is a caretaker twice in the Overlook’s history.
-
Step 10
Notice that mirrors are present when Jack talks to ghosts. Consider if this means that Jack is really talking to them or if this mirrors the madness going on in his mind--or both.
-
Step 11
Compare and contrast Jack’s experiences and interactions with the supernatural with that of Danny’s and Wendy’s.
-
Step 12
Interpret the ending for yourself. The ending can have several meanings, but how you see it will then influence the way you interpret what’s happened earlier in the film.
-
Step 1
See the Overlook Hotel as its own character. Describe its personality, temperament and behavior throughout the film and come up with its motives for behaving the way it does. Think about what might be “overlooked” on a symbolic level.
-
Step 2
Determine what part of Danny Tony represents and why he manifests as an imaginary friend.
-
Step 3
Find evidence that Jack is developing the shining ability and how this changes him.
-
Step 4
Decide if the maze is a symbolic representation of the characters mental states and the circumstances they’re in. Find examples from the film’s story that tell you this.
-
Step 5
Look back at the doubles, twins and doppelgangers. Think about what aspects of the characters’ personalities and mental states the doubles are revealing and highlighting.
-
Step 6
Think about why Grady tells Jack he has always been in the hotel.
-
Step 1
Duality is a very important theme in “The Shining.” Look at how characters deal with inner struggles as they battle with the different parts of themselves.
-
Step 2
Consider that The Overlook is caught in a cycle of violence. Think about how and when this began, and why the hotel and those who stay there cannot be free from that violence.
-
Step 3
Consider that the spirits of Native Americans are getting their revenge. Think back to The Overlook’s history with Native Americans and the scenes where the Calumet cans appear (a calumet is a peace pipe). Remember the placement of those cans. Consider why there’s a need for revenge.
-
Step 4
Know that there’s a tension between classes, seen in the illustrious guests past of the hotel and those who have worked there. In figuring out what Kubrick is saying about class issues, consider why Halloran is the only other character to die besides Jack. Look at how he dies and where.
Comments
Rachellewms said
on 12/27/2008 This is a Comprehensive Guide. Thank you so much for sharing! :)
Sounique said
on 12/17/2008 Love love love it!
Soulsearcher83 said
on 9/18/2008 You brought up some interesting points about the movie. I will have to look for them when I see it again. All I really know is it's the main reason Jack Nickelson freaks me out!