The Shining - Kubrick genius?

[sphericalfox]

Well I know this surely could go in the Film thread but really it should and does deserve it's own thread.

Having seen The Shining on the television the other day (ITV4 - to be exact), and a big fan of Kubrick, I thought we, or those interested have a conversation starting with The Shining (most people have seen it), and have a look at the other reviews or interpretation that exists on the aul internets.

There's a documentary coming soon that analyses The Shining, a film so deliberately rich in design and symbolism that it definitely is worth a rewatch, and a rethink. Here's the trailer for Room 237

[sphericalfox]

Here's review of the recurring themes within the film.

http://youtu.be/lEulbcXkgjo

There's four parts to the second bit.

http://youtu.be/mAQnfOXqiR0

http://youtu.be/M7xVGy2rc_k

http://youtu.be/1D8bXCR6Epk

http://youtu.be/BDKT-SLtq4c

Here's a mental examination of the editing Kubrick put in place, and naughty subliminal messages he's put into the movie!

Significance to the source of the final photo in the film?

http://youtu.be/Cd8oSXF7VCs

[sphericalfox]

Here's a mental examination of the editing Kubrick put in place, and naughty subliminal messages he's put into the movie!

Significance to the source of the final photo in the film?

http://youtu.be/Cd8oSXF7VCs

[Trav Le Bleu]

Obsessmuch?

All Shining and no play makes Spherical a dull boy!

[I am Rod Hull]

Kubrick`s greatest film was Barry Lyndon

[Guest]

Over analysing.

You can find a message in anything if you look for it.

[ithuriel]

How many versions of the Shining have been produced I, ( <-- nearly got the Flowdryer by typing i ,) wonder ?

[BoneDog]

Was it Kubrick who made Eyes Wide Shut? I heard that he couldn't put out the version of that film that he wanted to. Had to seriously edit it so I heard.

I'm pretty sure there was alot of hidden symbolism in his films.

[sphericalfox]

Obsessmuch?

All Shining and no play makes Spherical a dull boy!

Obsess? Not at all. There's clearly much more depth, symbolically to Kubrick's movies, to which if you watch any of those videos, he openly admitted to. He was obsessed by research, and did a lot of it pre-production. Watch the brilliant documentary 'The Boxes'.

If you like to watch movies and see them at surface level then, that's fine. Kubrick's ability to put that little bit more into his art is both impressive and somewhat underrated in my view by the general public.

As someone who is interested in film, and specifically Kubrick, I thought I'd share a few tidbits, to engage discussion. For those that aren't interested then I don't expect you to read/watch/ or post against the thread.

[ithuriel]

I always like to watch documentaries about movie directors, silver screen comedians etc.,

[Raw Dykes]

I love this film, and I think Kubrick is a genius. I don't use that word lightly.

Has anyone seen the latest episode of South Park (A Nightmare on Facetime)? It contains references to The Shining. I thought it was a brilliant episode and well worth a watch.

[Leicester_Loyal]

Love the film and the youtube videos are quality, thanks!

[THEFATBASTARD]

The word "genius" gets banded around alot..the shining is a very good film but not great for me... kubrick was a top notch director.. but genius is a bit OOT..for me nickolson was in far more important films.. eg... five easy pieces and china town, which is a masterpiece.. polanski is a master director/ writer..and sadly a kiddie fiddler..

[Rincewind]

I missed all the hidden meanings then. I saw it as a good film made by a good director and starring a good actor and adapted from a good book written by a good author. I am a fan of Stephen King and I believe he has some say when his books are made into films, which most have been a success.

Will look at the clips later and let you know if I change my mind.

[pSinatra]

The word "genius" gets banded around alot..the shining is a very good film but not great for me... kubrick was a top notch director.. but genius is a bit OOT..for me nickolson was in far more important films.. eg... five easy pieces and china town, which is a masterpiece.. polanski is a master director/ writer..and sadly a kiddie fiddler..

I agree. It's good but not one of my favourites. For unadulterated enjoyment it's got to be Dr. Strangelove for me

[sphericalfox]

I agree. It's good but not one of my favourites. For unadulterated enjoyment it's got to be Dr. Strangelove for me

Don't get me wrong, I don't actually think Kubrick's best film is actually The Shining, it was one that happened to be fairly prominently reviewed recently.

A Clockwork Orange is my favourite, the first time I saw it I was blown away.

[Guest Col city fan]

You're too clever for me.

I just found it scary... Very scary in fact. One of the best ghosty films I've ever seen.

[rico]

Don't get me wrong, I don't actually think Kubrick's best film is actually The Shining, it was one that happened to be fairly prominently reviewed recently.

A Clockwork Orange is my favourite, the first time I saw it I was blown away.

Agree with this.

[pSinatra]

Don't get me wrong, I don't actually think Kubrick's best film is actually The Shining, it was one that happened to be fairly prominently reviewed recently.

A Clockwork Orange is my favourite, the first time I saw it I was blown away.

I see what you're saying & I will be viewing the videos you have provided. I have always thought of it as a bit laboured......but I'm happy to look at it again & keep an open mind.

I'm ashamed to say that I have never seen A Clockwork Orange........how embarrassing!!

[sphericalfox]

I see what you're saying & I will be viewing the videos you have provided. I have always thought of it as a bit laboured......but I'm happy to look at it again & keep an open mind.

I'm ashamed to say that I have never seen A Clockwork Orange........how embarrassing!!

It's not aged terribly well, but it's fairly thought provoking, and the premise/theme(s) is/are as important now as they were then.

[Jordan]

Was it Kubrick who made Eyes Wide Shut? I heard that he couldn't put out the version of that film that he wanted to. Had to seriously edit it so I heard.

I'm pretty sure there was alot of hidden symbolism in his films.

I've not heard that, but I will look into it. IIRC most of the edits were done on the orgy scenes so that the film would not be rated NC-17 by the MPAA. I've never read or heard anything saying Kubrick was unsatisfied with his work on EWS but the film was released a few months after he died, and he may very well have not approved with the final cut of the film.

I would agree with a lot of the praise in this thread, and I don't think any director in history has been able to translate novels into films quite like Kubrick. He was a master.

As an aside, soon after my aunt moved to Colorado, she visited The Stanley Hotel--where Stephen King was inspired to write The Shining--and bought souvenir keys for Room 217 for my younger brothers. Yes, I have a cool family.

[Zingari]

Obsessmuch?

All Shining and no play makes Spherical a dull boy!

Clever reference to the film Trav

All this symbolism is very deep deep stuff and completely goes over my head .

I once heard a crazy idea that this film was just another one of Kubrick's ways of telling everyone that he faked the filming of the moo.................err never mind !!

[Zingari]

I've not heard that, but I will look into it. IIRC most of the edits were done on the orgy scenes so that the film would not be rated NC-17 by the MPAA. I've never read or heard anything saying Kubrick was unsatisfied with his work on EWS but the film was released a few months after he died, and he may very well have not approved with the final cut of the film.

I would agree with a lot of the praise in this thread, and I don't think any director in history has been able to translate novels into films quite like Kubrick. He was a master.

As an aside, soon after my aunt moved to Colorado, she visited The Stanley Hotel--where Stephen King was inspired to write The Shining--and bought souvenir keys for Room 217 for my younger brothers. Yes, I have a cool family.

Any idea why the number was changed to 237 in the film Jordan ?

[Guest MattP]

I enjoyed The Shining but for some reason I always felt a bit akward watching it. Still do even now but can't resist it when it's on for at least 30 mins. Probably Jacks best apart from OFOTCN.

A Clockwork Orange is probably in my top ten of time, absolute masterpiece in every way.

[sphericalfox]

Any idea why the number was changed to 237 in the film Jordan ?

Simple fact is that the hotel owners of the real hotel Timberline Hotel (external shots) were worried that the original room number 217 would have a detrimental effect on room bookings, so they used a hotel room that didn't actually exist. Not sure why they used the specific number 237, but seeing that Kubrick had a penchant for mathematics and numerical and visual patterns, I'm sure there might be some significance to it.

Here's a blog on the number play aspect:

http://theibtaurisblog.com/2012/05/14/the-uncanny-number-play-in-stanley-kubricks-the-shining/

42 is used throughout the film. 2x3x7=42

Danny's jumper has a prominent 42 on it. The blog explains it better than i can.