Stephen King and Stanley Kubrick's Near-Perfect Psychological Thriller Is Officially Back on Streaming
Stephen King's novels have inspired many movies. One of the best is also one he deeply dislikes.
Stephen King, a prolific author of over 65 novels and novellas, crafted a deeply personal story in "The Shining," published in 1977. The novel explores the descent of Jack Torrance, a struggling writer turned hotel caretaker, and his family as they become trapped in a haunted hotel. King himself was critical of Stanley Kubrick's 1980 film adaptation, voicing concerns about the portrayal of his characters and the film's direction.
In the movie, Wendy Torrance, played by Shelley Duvall, is presented as a melodramatic figure, constantly screaming and acting in irrational ways. King argued that this depiction did not align with his vision of Wendy as a more complex character. Kubrick's decision to cast Duvall was intentional, as he saw her eccentricity as essential to the character.
While King found the film's Jack Torrance unsympathetic and poorly cast, he acknowledged Kubrick's ability to create a chilling and unforgettable experience. The film's opening sequence, featuring sweeping shots of the Colorado Rockies and a Steadicam glide through the hotel, set the tone for the terror to come. Ultimately, Kubrick's The Shining stands as a powerful and haunting adaptation of King's work, showcasing the director's unique vision and making the original story his own.
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