The Shining does stand out has a horror film.
Directed by legendary director Stanley Kubrick (2001: Space Odyssey, Barry Lyndon, Dr. Strangelove), this horror film based on the book of the same name by Stephen King swept cinemas with terror and dread in 1980.
Widely regarded as one of the best horror films of all time, it received praise for its visuals, performances of the cast, direction, and cinematography. Here are 5 facts you need to know about The Shining.
1. Exclusively Filmed In The Studio
The Overlook Hotel, where the film is set is based on the Stanley Hotel. Exterior shots were filmed at The Timberline Lodge. However, all interior scenes were shot at the soundstages at EMI Studios. England. The famous opening shot was filmed by a helicopter in Glacier National Park, Montana.
2. Danny Lloyd Didn’t Know He Was In A Horror Flim
Danny Lloyd, who played Danny Torrance didn’t knew he was starring in a horror film. Danny, who was around 7 – 8 when it was filmed, was not under the impression that he was in fact filming a horror film. He only discovered the real fact at 17, 11 years after it happened.
The reason for this is Stanley Kubrick was highly protective of the child actor. He went as far as to create a cut of the film with Lloyd that expunged all the horror elements.
3. The Cast Were Driven With Lots Of Stress
An auteur director Stanley Kubrick is, he enforced method acting to get the best out of his cast. He would constantly berate and pressure Shelly Duvall at the slightest if things went wrong, He would argue with her over her acting, lines and other things constantly, and would tell the crew to not sympathise with Shelly. She came so overwhelmed with the pressure and stress that her hair began falling out.
The script was also constantly changed, so often that Jack Nicholson got frustrated that he would throw copies that were given to him, sometimes memorizing his lines just before filming them.
Endless takes on scenes were also done until Kubrick felt satisfied. After 20 takes, Jack Nicholson got so fed up and ramp up his performance even further.
4. It Greatly Differs From The Book
Despite being based on Stephen King’s book, Stanley Kubrick made the film differ greatly from the book. Differences include characters, details, monsters, and hotel details. Among the differences was hotel room 237, but in the book, it’s room 237. Another is the hotel burns down in the book, but in the film, it stayed intact.
Adding to the differences were constant symbolism, euphemism, and ambiguities, with the twist ending adding more questions to the film. Stephen King has expressed his dissatisfaction with the adaptation.
5. There’s A Sequel
39 years after the release of the film, a sequel has finally hit theatres on 8 November. Doctor Sleep, which was directed by Mike Flanagan and starring Ewan McGregor. He plays the adult Danny. Doctor Sleep is also based on a book by King, which was published back in 2013.
Doctor Sleep will pick up where The Shining left. Here’s what you need to know about Dr Sleep.
Between the 2, which one do you prefer most? Let us know at the comments!
Header Image Source: Esquire | DreadCentral | Cinema Blend
