FILM CRITICISM OF “THE SHINING” 1980
Directed by Stanley Kubrick and stars Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Danny Lloyd, Scatman Crothers, the movie is an adaptation of a 1977 novel of the same name by Stephen King. Though a lot of significant changes have been made to the original work in terms of the characters and the plot. An example is room no. 217 had been changed to room 237 in the movie. Also, the character of Wendy is much weaker and subservient in the movie than in the novel. The treatment is very fresh and original. The hedge maze added in the film is a symbol of the circumstances the characters are stuck in where they are trapped in a remote hotel, with unknown dangers at every turn. Also, the shot where the camera is following a subject usually conveys a sense of freedom to the characters but here, the treatment is different. Even though the characters seem to be choosing their path, but in reality the path has already been laid out for them owing to the structural design of the maze, and they are forced to
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In the same shot, his expressions and body gestures were very violent. Jack’s eyes had an aggressive look and it seemed like he was enjoying it. Danny with the innocence on his face and his conversations with his imaginary friend Tony and his psychic abilities i.e. the gift of Shining was also a very believable character.
The casting is very appropriate. Shelley Duvall is not the conventionally good looking actress. Her easy and simple look makes her the ideal subservient wife who turns hysterical sometimes. Danny Lloyd also justifies his character as the young Danny Torrance who has an imaginary friend and psychic abilities. Jack Nicholson as Jack Torrance is astounding. His smooth transformation from a writer to a psychotic person shows his amazing acting prowess. His character is brought to life with his sincere acting and makes us feel sorry for Jack Torrance and his ultimate plunge into