The Enigmatic Ending of “The Shining”
News: For years, audiences have been perplexed by the conclusion of Stanley Kubrick’s iconic film “The Shining.” Jack Nicholson’s unforgettable performance as the tormented Jack Torrance and the chilling storyline have captivated viewers, making “The Shining” one of the greatest movies in history.
Yet, cinephiles remain bewildered by the enigmatic ending and the inclusion of Jack in the infamous Overlook guest photo.
The Haunting World of the Overlook Hotel
Adapted from Stephen King’s novel, “The Shining” immerses us in the unsettling realm of the Overlook Hotel, where Jack, portrayed brilliantly by Nicholson, assumes the role of the off-season caretaker. Unbeknownst to the Torrance family, their new residence harbors malevolent forces intent on harnessing the psychic abilities of young Danny, skillfully portrayed by Danny Lloyd.
As the narrative unfolds with supernatural events, the hotel transforms into a breeding ground for terror, posing a threat to Jack’s sanity and the safety of his wife Wendy, played by Shelley Duvall, and their son Danny.
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Kubrick’s Creative Liberties and Departure from the Novel
Debate has arisen over the film’s deviation from Stephen King’s original vision, with the author openly expressing his disdain for Kubrick’s creative liberties. The disparities between the book and the film are striking, as Kubrick wielded his artistic authority to reshape the storyline and incorporate elements absent in King’s writing.
While discussions concerning the film’s fidelity to the source material endure, so does the lingering question: What secrets are concealed within the enigmatic conclusion of “The Shining”?
Unraveling the Secrets of the Ending
Join us on an exploration where we delve into Kubrick’s directorial decisions, the divergences from King’s novel, and the purposeful ambiguities that veil the film’s conclusion. Take a journey through the intricate web of “The Shining’s” storyline as we strive to decipher the mysteries surrounding Jack Torrance’s role and the enigmatic ending that Kubrick chose to withhold during the film’s debut. Prepare for the unraveling of enigmas, a clash of artistic visions, and a descent into the core of one of cinema’s most cryptic narratives.
Understanding the Meaning of “The Shining”
As audiences accompany the Torrance family on their descent into madness within the ominous Overlook Hotel, the film’s conclusion may find its origins in a peculiar scene. In this pivotal moment, Jack returns to the opulent gold room and becomes entangled in a bizarre encounter.
Lloyd, the bartender, cryptically alludes to the situation being “orders from the house.” A seemingly innocuous incident unfolds when a waiter accidentally spills Jack’s drink, leading to profuse apologies and an offer to clean his jacket. However, things take a chilling turn when the waiter introduces himself as Delbert Grady, only for Jack to recognize him as Charles Grady, the former caretaker of the Overlook. Grady then delivers a disconcerting admission, claiming to have no recollection of ever “chopping” his family “into little bits” before ending his own life. He acknowledges his error and, in a cryptic manner, informs Jack, “Sir, I apologize for not agreeing with you. But you are the one in charge. You’ve always taken care of everyone. Sir, I should know. I’ve been here all along.”
Unraveling the Final Moments
As the film approaches its climactic moments, Wendy remains unaware that Jack has managed to break free from his confinement. Danny, speaking through his alter ego Tony, awakens Wendy in a state of panic, repeatedly uttering the unsettling word “REDRUM.” In the mirror, Wendy makes a chilling discovery: Danny has painstakingly scrawled “REDRUM” on the door, a mirror image of the word “MURDER.”
A frantic attempt to escape ensues as Wendy and Danny endeavor to flee through a window, only to have Jack suddenly materialize, brandishing an axe and smashing through the bathroom door. In a tense standoff, Wendy manages to cut Jack’s hand with a knife, but he persists in hacking his way through the door, famously bellowing, “Here’s Johnny!”
Meanwhile, Dick Hallorann, who shares a psychic connection with Danny through their ability known as the Shine, arrives at the Overlook Hotel. As Jack limps through the hotel with axe in hand, Hallorann calls out to ascertain who is there. Tragically, Hallorann is unable to prevent Jack from brutally attacking him from behind.
In her frantic search for Danny, Wendy stumbles upon a surreal and horrifying scene: a person in a bear costume engaged in an explicit act with another guest. Terrified, she flees downstairs, only to discover Hallorann’s lifeless body drenched in blood in the foyer. Suddenly, the occupants of the hotel manifest as decaying corpses, and a horrifying deluge of blood pours through the red doors.
Simultaneously, Jack relentlessly pursues Danny through the snowy garden maze outside the hotel. In a tense moment, Danny manages to break free and reunite with Wendy. The two make their escape from the hotel on a snowcat, while Jack, in a frenzied state, implores Wendy to stay and limps through the labyrinthine maze.
The film’s concluding scene abruptly transitions to the next morning, revealing Jack frozen within the icy labyrinth, forever imprisoned within the Overlook Hotel. However, the most shocking revelation emerges as the camera pans to a photograph adorning the hotel’s wall. Among the attendees at the Independence Day ball in 1921, Jack Torrance himself is unmistakably present, leaving a haunting sense of continuity and mystery.
What Happened After “The Shining”?
The release of “Doctor Sleep” in 2019 brings canonical information about the aftermath of “The Shining” for Danny, Wendy, and the Overlook Hotel. It becomes clear that the troubles associated with the Overlook persist even after the events of the original film.
“Doctor Sleep” places its focus on Dan’s efforts to confront and find closure with the lingering spirits of the Overlook, indicating that the malevolent power of the hotel extends beyond what was initially suggested in “The Shining.”
Additionally, “Doctor Sleep” unveils that the Overlook was eventually abandoned following the events of the first film. This departure from Stephen King’s novel, where the Overlook is destroyed by a boiler explosion, introduces a fresh twist to the narrative. Regarding Wendy Torrance’s life after “The Shining,” “Doctor Sleep” informs us that she passed away from lung cancer in 1999 at the age of 53, while Dan was still a young adult.
Join us on an enthralling journey as we explore Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining,” a cinematic masterpiece that continues to perplex and captivate audiences. Delve into the film’s deviations from Stephen King’s source material, the eerie aura of the Overlook Hotel, and the enigmatic conclusion that remains a subject of debate.
Unravel the mysteries surrounding Jack Torrance’s presence and the deliberate ambiguities woven throughout the film. Come along as we navigate the labyrinth of one of cinema’s most compelling tales. Brace yourself for a clash of creative visions and a descent into the heart of the enduring enigma that is “The Shining.”
FAQs
Q: What is the significance of the photograph at the end of “The Shining?”
A: The photograph hints at Jack’s connection to the Overlook Hotel, implying that he has always been a part of its dark history.
Q: Why did Stanley Kubrick deviate from Stephen King’s novel?
A: Kubrick used his artistic authority to reshape the narrative and introduce his own interpretation of the story, resulting in a departure from King’s original vision.
Q: Does “Doctor Sleep” provide closure to the events of “The Shining?”
A: While “Doctor Sleep” provides further insight into the aftermath of “The Shining,” it also introduces new elements and twists to the story.
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