Kubrick – Creating Emotion above logic
20 Facts about The Shining you might not know
“The Shining,” directed by Stanley Kubrick and released in 1980, is a film filled with layers of complexity. I look at it and I feel it is filled full of holes, but that is when you look at it logically and I don’t think this or indeed any other of Kubrick’s films are about logic. They are films, not TV so the emphasis is on subconscious emotion they create feelings but like abstract art you don’t know why. That is isn’t in the creator’s intention but it comes through anyhow. I don’t believe Kubrick knew what was going on but instead he just felt what to do.
In that respect then he is led by the subconscious, which is an area of the mind millions of times bigger than the tiny conscious and much more than the tiny conscious.
Being emotion led is a classic sign of the difference between film and TV and in that respect Kubrick is a master.
Here are 20 lesser-known facts about “The Shining” that delve into the film’s intricate production, hidden details, and lasting impact.
I find these facts interesting though because they show just what you can get away with when making a film and in many ways make me think my reputation of being difficult on set isn’t a bad thing!
1. Stanley Kubrick’s Involvement in Every Detail
Kubrick was a notorious perfectionist, and his control over the production of “The Shining” extended to every detail. He was involved in all aspects of the film, from writing the screenplay to overseeing set design. This meticulous approach is evident in the film’s precise and unsettling atmosphere.
2. Rewriting the Script on Set
Kubrick frequently rewrote parts of the script during filming. He and co-writer Diane Johnson made changes on the fly, which kept the cast on their toes and contributed to the film’s spontaneous feel. This method helped create a sense of disorientation and unpredictability, mirroring the characters’ experiences.
3. Hidden Continuity Errors
“The Shining” is famous for its numerous continuity errors, which are believed to be intentional. These inconsistencies, such as changing props and subtly altering set details, contribute to the film’s dreamlike and disorienting quality, keeping viewers on edge.
4. The Impossible Hotel Layout
Kubrick designed the Overlook Hotel with an impossible layout on purpose. The geography of the hotel doesn’t make logical sense, creating a sense of unease and claustrophobia. This is particularly evident in the tracking shots of Danny riding his tricycle through the hallways.
5. The Haunted Room Number
In Stephen King’s novel, the haunted room is 217, but Kubrick changed it to 237 for the film. The Timberline Lodge, which was used for exterior shots of the Overlook Hotel, requested the change because they had a room 217 and didn’t want guests to be afraid to stay there. There was no room 237 at the Timberline Lodge, so it was used in the film.
6. Subliminal Messages and Symbolism
Kubrick incorporated many subliminal messages and symbols throughout the film. For instance, the repeated use of the number 42 is seen by some as a reference to World War II and the Holocaust. Kubrick’s films are known for their deep symbolism, and “The Shining” is no exception.
7. Kubrick’s Daughter’s Documentary
Stanley Kubrick’s daughter, Vivian Kubrick, made a documentary titled “The Making of The Shining.” This behind-the-scenes film offers a rare glimpse into Kubrick’s meticulous and demanding directing style, as well as the dynamic on set.
8. The Typewriter’s Color Change
The color of Jack’s typewriter changes from gray to blue during the film. This is another example of the subtle changes Kubrick made to unsettle the audience. The typewriter itself, a German brand called Adler, was carefully chosen by Kubrick.
9. Jack Nicholson’s Improvisation
The famous “Here’s Johnny!” line was improvised by Jack Nicholson. The line, referencing Ed McMahon’s introduction of Johnny Carson on “The Tonight Show,” was not in the original script. Kubrick liked it so much that he decided to keep it in the film.
10. The Maze Was a Last-Minute Addition
The hedge maze, which is central to the film’s climax, was not in Stephen King’s novel. Kubrick added it to increase the sense of isolation and danger. The maze was constructed on set and was made of real hedges, adding to the authenticity of the scenes shot within it.
11. The Snow Was Salt
The snow used in the maze scenes was actually a combination of crushed Styrofoam and salt. This mixture was chosen because it looked realistic on camera and could be easily manipulated for the intense chase scenes between Jack and Danny.
12. Tony the Imaginary Friend
Danny Lloyd, who played Danny Torrance, came up with the idea of using his finger to represent his imaginary friend, Tony. This simple yet effective technique added an extra layer of eeriness to Danny’s character and his psychic abilities.
13. The Set Was Haunted
Several crew members reported strange occurrences on set, leading some to believe that it was haunted. Lights would mysteriously flicker, and unexplained noises were frequently heard. These stories added to the already eerie atmosphere of the production.
14. Unused Footage in Other Films
Kubrick was known for shooting an excessive amount of footage. Some of the unused helicopter shots from the opening sequence of “The Shining” were later repurposed by Ridley Scott for the closing credits of “Blade Runner.”
15. Kubrick’s Unique Directing Style
Kubrick was infamous for his demanding directing style, often requiring numerous takes to get a scene exactly right. For the scene where Wendy is backing up the stairs with the baseball bat, Shelley Duvall was reportedly asked to perform it 127 times, earning a Guinness World Record for the most retakes of a single scene with dialogue.
16. Psychological Warfare on Set
Kubrick’s treatment of Shelley Duvall was harsh and has been widely criticized. He isolated her from the rest of the cast and crew and subjected her to extreme psychological pressure to elicit a genuine performance of fear and anxiety. Duvall has spoken about the emotional toll this took on her, both during and after production.
17. The Film’s Initial Reception
Upon its release, “The Shining” received mixed reviews and was even nominated for two Razzie Awards, including Worst Director for Kubrick and Worst Actress for Duvall. Over time, however, the film has been re-evaluated and is now considered a masterpiece.
18. Alternate Ending Removed
Kubrick originally included an alternate ending where Wendy and Danny are recovering in a hospital, and it is revealed that Jack’s body was never found. This ending was shown during the film’s first week in theaters but was quickly removed by Kubrick, who personally supervised the destruction of the footage.
19. The Iconic Carpet Pattern
The hexagonal carpet pattern in the Overlook Hotel has become iconic and is widely recognized even outside the context of the film. The pattern has been referenced in various media and merchandise, symbolizing the film’s lasting influence on popular culture.
20. The Overlook Hotel’s Real-Life Inspirations
The exterior of the Overlook Hotel was inspired by the Timberline Lodge in Oregon, but the interior sets were based on the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite National Park. Kubrick’s team meticulously recreated elements from the Ahwahnee, adding to the film’s authenticity and unsettling atmosphere.
Conclusion
“The Shining” is a film that continues to fascinate and terrify audiences, thanks to Stanley Kubrick’s visionary direction and the layered performances of its cast. The film’s intricate details, from hidden symbols to innovative filming techniques, contribute to its enduring legacy as a cornerstone of horror cinema. These lesser-known facts highlight the complexity behind the making of “The Shining” and underscore why it remains a subject of study and admiration decades after its release.
You think though that this was a tough shoot? Check out what Coppola went through on Apocalypse Now!
