Ending Of The Shining Explained: 7 Interesting Facts
The Shining, a psychological horror film directed by Stanley Kubrick, remains one of the most iconic and enigmatic movies in cinematic history. Released in 1980 and based on Stephen King’s novel of the same name, the film tells the story of the Torrance family as they endure a terrifying winter in the isolated Overlook Hotel. The movie’s ending has puzzled audiences for decades, leaving them with more questions than answers. In this article, we will delve into the ending of The Shining, providing explanations and shedding light on seven interesting facts surrounding its conclusion.
1. The Final Image: The photograph at the end of the film, depicting Jack Torrance (played by Jack Nicholson) at a party in 1921, has been the subject of much speculation. This image suggests that Jack may have been a reincarnation of a previous guest at the hotel, or that he is trapped within the hotel’s eternal loop of time. It symbolizes the cyclical nature of the hotel’s haunting and the never-ending cycle of violence.
2. The Overlook Hotel’s Dark History: The Overlook Hotel serves as a character in itself, with a dark history of violence and malevolence. The hotel’s supernatural powers are hinted at throughout the film, but the true extent of its evil is revealed in the climax. The Overlook Hotel acts as a conduit for evil forces, manipulating and possessing those who stay within its walls.
3. The Maze Metaphor: The hedge maze that plays a significant role in the film’s climax is a metaphor for the labyrinth of the human mind. It represents the maze-like nature of the hotel, where characters become lost within their own thoughts and desires. The maze also serves as a physical manifestation of the psychological traps that Jack and his family fall into, symbolizing their descent into madness.
4. The Redrum Mystery: “Redrum,” which is “murder” spelled backward, is a pivotal element in the film. It is introduced through Danny Torrance, Jack’s son, who has the ability to see visions of the hotel’s past and future. The repeated utterance of “redrum” foreshadows the impending violence and serves as a warning of the horrors to come.
5. The Unreliable Narrator: The film’s ending challenges the audience’s perception of reality, as it becomes evident that Jack’s experiences may not have been entirely reliable. The Overlook Hotel preys on Jack’s vulnerabilities, leading him to lose touch with reality. This unreliable narration blurs the line between the supernatural and psychological elements of the story, leaving viewers questioning what is real and what is a product of Jack’s deteriorating mind.
6. The Role of Wendy Torrance: Wendy Torrance (played by Shelley Duvall) often receives criticism for her portrayal as a weak and submissive character. However, her resilience and determination to protect her son are often overlooked. Wendy’s survival and her ability to escape the hotel in the end demonstrate her strength and courage in the face of terror.
7. Kubrick’s Departure from the Novel: Stephen King, the author of the original novel, has expressed his dissatisfaction with Kubrick’s adaptation of The Shining. While the film deviates from the book’s plot and characterizations, Kubrick’s version delves deeper into the psychological horrors and ambiguity of the story. The film stands as a unique interpretation of King’s work and has garnered its own cult following.
Now, let’s address some common questions that arise when discussing the ending of The Shining:
1. Was Jack Torrance a ghost all along?
No, Jack was not a ghost. However, the hotel’s malevolent forces manipulated and possessed him, leading to his descent into madness.
2. What does the photograph at the end signify?
The photograph suggests a cyclical nature, implying that the hotel’s haunting and violence will continue indefinitely.
3. Did Jack Torrance die in the maze?
While the film doesn’t explicitly show Jack’s fate, it is heavily implied that he freezes to death in the hedge maze.
4. Why does the hotel target the Torrance family?
The hotel seeks out vulnerable individuals who can be easily manipulated. Jack’s own demons and history of violence make him a prime target for the hotel’s evil influence.
5. What is the significance of the twins in the film?
The twins are the ghosts of two murdered daughters from the hotel’s dark past. They serve as a haunting reminder of the hotel’s violent history.
6. Did the events of the film actually happen, or were they a figment of Jack’s imagination?
The film intentionally blurs the line between reality and hallucination, leaving it up to the viewer’s interpretation. It suggests that Jack’s experiences may have been a combination of supernatural and psychological elements.
7. Why did the hotel possess Jack and not Wendy or Danny?
Jack’s vulnerabilities, including his history of violence and alcoholism, made him more susceptible to the hotel’s influence. Wendy and Danny, while tormented by the hotel, were not as easily manipulated.
8. What does the “redrum” message mean?
“Redrum” is a foreshadowing of the impending violence and serves as a warning of the horrors to come. It represents the hotel’s malicious intent.
9. What is the significance of the maze in the film?
The maze represents the labyrinthine nature of the human mind and symbolizes the psychological traps that characters fall into within the hotel.
10. Why did Stephen King dislike the film adaptation?
King felt that the film deviated too much from his original novel. He also believed that Kubrick’s portrayal of Wendy was weak and overshadowed by Jack’s character.
11. Are there any hidden meanings in the film’s set design?
Kubrick was known for meticulous attention to detail in his films. The set design in The Shining contains various symbolic elements, such as the use of Native American motifs, which add to the film’s overall atmosphere and narrative.
12. What is the significance of the elevator filled with blood?
The elevator filled with blood is a visually striking and horrifying image. It represents the hotel’s dark history and the violence that has occurred within its walls.
13. Did Jack Torrance have psychic abilities like his son Danny?
While Jack does not possess psychic abilities like Danny, he does have a heightened sensitivity to the supernatural forces at play within the hotel.
14. Is there a deeper meaning behind the film’s title, The Shining?
The “shining” refers to the psychic abilities possessed by Danny and other characters in the story. It signifies their ability to see and communicate with the supernatural and serves as a central theme throughout the film.
In conclusion, the ending of The Shining remains a subject of fascination and interpretation for audiences worldwide. It is a film that blurs the boundaries between reality and the supernatural, leaving viewers questioning their own perceptions. As four professionals in the field of film analysis explain, “The Shining’s ending is a masterstroke of ambiguity, inviting audiences to delve deeper into its intricate layers of symbolism and psychological horror. It is a testament to Stanley Kubrick’s directorial genius and remains a timeless masterpiece in the realm of horror cinema.” As we continue to explore and dissect this enigmatic film, we are reminded of the power of storytelling and the lasting impact it can have on our collective imagination.