The Making of Stanley Kubrick's The Shining: The Journey from Book to Film

Title: The Making of Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining: The Journey from Book to Film

Introduction

Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 film The Shining, based on Stephen King’s 1977 novel of the same name, has become a horror movie classic. It has left an indelible mark on popular culture with its iconic scenes and unforgettable quotes. But the journey from the pages of King’s novel to the silver screen is a fascinating tale of creative collaboration and conflict between a visionary filmmaker and a master storyteller. In this blog post, we will dive into the making of the film adaptation of The Shining, exploring the challenges and triumphs that ultimately brought the story to life.

The Beginning: Acquiring the Rights

Kubrick, having already directed acclaimed films like 2001: A Space Odyssey and A Clockwork Orange, was interested in adapting a horror novel for his next project. After reading several novels, he settled on The Shining by Stephen King. Kubrick and his producing partner, Jan Harlan, contacted King and quickly acquired the film rights.

The Creative Process: Adapting the Novel

While King’s novel focused heavily on the internal struggles of the protagonist Jack Torrance, an aspiring writer and recovering alcoholic, Kubrick’s vision for the film was more concerned with the supernatural elements. Kubrick enlisted the help of novelist Diane Johnson to co-write the screenplay, bringing a new perspective to the story.

The adaptation process was not without its struggles. Kubrick and Johnson often had differing opinions about the iconic scenes from the book, such as the infamous hedge maze and the room number 217 (changed to 237 in the film). Nonetheless, the script went through several drafts before Kubrick decided the story was ready to be filmed.

Casting the Characters

For the leading role of Jack Torrance, Kubrick initially considered Robert De Niro and Robin Williams, but ultimately settled on Jack Nicholson. Nicholson’s intense performance and memorable facial expressions perfectly embodied Kubrick’s interpretation of the character.

The casting of Wendy Torrance, Jack’s wife, proved much more difficult. Kubrick auditioned several actresses, including Jessica Lange and Meryl Streep, before choosing Shelley Duvall. Duvall’s portrayal of Wendy, the film’s emotional center, was physically and emotionally demanding, and many have noted the tense working relationship between her and Kubrick during filming.

Kubrick found the perfect young actor to play the psychic child, Danny, in Danny Lloyd, who was just six years old at the time and had no previous acting experience.

Filming and Production

Location played an essential role in setting the atmosphere of The Shining. The exterior shots of the Overlook Hotel were filmed at the Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood in Oregon, while the interiors were filmed at Elstree Studios in England. The iconic hedge maze, not present in the novel, was designed by Kubrick and constructed on the studio grounds.

Filming was a notoriously long and grueling process, often requiring dozens of takes for each scene. This led to tension on set between Kubrick and his actors, particularly Duvall, whose suffering during the filming process has been widely documented. Despite these challenges, the actors delivered unforgettable performances that solidified the film’s legendary status.

The Reception and Legacy

Upon its release, The Shining received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. Some praised its visual style and unforgettable performances, while others criticized the departure from King’s original story. Over time, however, the film has gained a cult following and is now considered a classic of the horror genre.

Although King was famously unhappy with Kubrick’s adaptation of his novel, the film’s enduring popularity cannot be denied. Both the novel and the film have left a lasting impact on popular culture, uncovering our deepest fears and reminding us that sometimes, the scariest monsters are the ones that live within us.

Conclusion

The making of Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining was a journey filled with creative challenges, collaboration, and conflict. It is a testament to Kubrick’s vision and the perseverance of the cast and crew that this unforgettable horror film came to life. If you are interested in reading or listening to Stephen King’s original novel, you can purchase it on Amazon.

You can also compare Kubrick’s vision with the book and appreciate the art of adaptation in this cinematic masterpiece. And if this deep dive into the making of The Shining has sparked your curiosity to explore more of Stanley Kubrick’s work, consider checking out 2001: A Space Odyssey (View on Amazon) or A Clockwork Orange (View on Amazon).