4. The Shining (1980) (Dir. Stanley Kubrick)
Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining remains an extremely dense and psychology-heavy horror experience, a movie that has bewildered and pondered audiences ever since it first hit theatres over three decades ago. Taking its cues from Stephen King’s novel of the same name, Kubrick used the book as a kind of pick ‘n’ mix and emphasises certain aspects, ultimately choosing not to incorporate King’s more linear approach and skimp on the explanations.
Set in the confines of the mountain-based Overlook Hotel, the film tells the story of Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) and his family, a caretaker who agrees to caretake the place whilst it’s closed for the winter. Soon enough the isolation has sent Jack mad: possessed or totally insane, he comes into contact with a number of ghosts and apparitions who slowly convince him to murder his son and wife. The film culminates with a frightening and brilliant set-piece as Jack pursues his son through a gigantic hedge maze. He never makes it out alive, freezing to death in the snow.
It’s in Kubrick’s decision to linger on an old photograph during the film’s final shots that assures The Shining remains the subject of debate. Completely fitting with the bizarre and downright disturbing tone of the hypnotic movie, the master throws a final curve-ball at audiences for the ending: the photo shows Jack Torrance front and centre amongst hotel guests from 1921, sixty years before he’d even visit the hotel. What does it all mean? Maybe there’s no answer. This ending does, however, give audiences something to consider without jeopardizing the narrative that came before it. As we track towards the photograph in one long take and settle on Nicholson’s grinning face, we’re absolutely sure that nothing we’ve witnessed was quite as it seems. Whether we care to work it out or not.
