THE SHINING BY STANLEY KUBRICK [thoughts]

Did not outline this one. But I read it and I have thoughts. They're on the next page. 

Here's a quick breakdown of the lessons I learned from THE SHINING.

- It is an extremely simple story. The scares are not heavy handed. The sense of doom rises with each scene and that carries it.
- This movie is also carried by the awesome first act. In that act, we get lots of exposition in an interesting way. History of hotel as Indian burial ground. History of hotel as site of murders. Danny's history with mental oddities and his abilities as someone who 'shines.' 
- Jack is a huge asshole in this movie. That creates conflict. And the way Wendy handles it makes you not want to stop reading. It's a dynamic where she doesn't really fight back... Until she does. 
- The more interpersonal drama and resentment going into these movies, the better. That stuff is what keeps everything interesting between the scares and it informs all the horror.
- Nothing is over-explained. That's a confident move and I like it. Jack talks to 'ghosts' at the hotel. Danny sees them. Wendy doesn't see them but she gets it and wants to leave. 
- At first, only Danny is seeing crazy shit. It is GREAT to use a child as the 'seer,' because children can feel too afraid to express what they're seeing or might not have any idea how to express it or they might rationalize it like Danny does. So there is SECRET chaos happening, only the kid can see, and that creates dramatic irony for the whole movie. 
- This movie uses QUICK CUTS to scary images. Blood flooding the halls, the creepy girls, etc. These QUICK CUTS keep the tension high and keep the fear elevated throughout. They are also stylish and cool. Like other elements, they are not explained and they do not need to be explained. They are there to help create the right tone and dynamic and they do it very well. 

Also good to note: there was no one over communicating plans or anything like that in this movie. Wendy was dealing with Jack the whole time. Then she decided she want to leave and she pursued it. At the same time, he decided he wanted to trap them there and kill them and he pursued that. 

Very simple push/pull and that's all you need. "She wants to go. He wants to stay and kill the family." 

​OK. That's all I've got for now.