The Shining

The Shining

Year: 1980

Runtime: 146 min

Language: English

Director: Stanley Kubrick

ThrillerHorror

In this chilling thriller, a writer's block-afflicted Jack Torrance takes refuge at the eerie Overlook Hotel in Colorado, hoping to reignite his creative spark. But as the snow falls outside and the isolation takes its toll, Jack's dark side begins to surface, fueled by his family's troubled past and the hotel's sinister secrets.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Shining (1980)
Explore the full timeline and setting of The Shining (1980). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The narrative occurs in a contemporary setting, within the latter half of the 20th century. During this time, themes of isolation, mental health struggles, and the impact of past traumas are highlighted. The atmosphere is underscored by the cold and desolate winter months, amplifying the feelings of entrapment and despair.

Location

Overlook Hotel

The Overlook Hotel is an isolated and grand establishment set in the snowy mountains, known for its luxurious accommodations and eerie surroundings. The hotel, while beautiful, has a sinister reputation due to its dark past and the events that transpired within its walls. This duality of charm and horror serves as a haunting backdrop for the unraveling psychological terror experienced by the Torrance family.

🏨 Hotel ❄️ Snowy 🌄 Isolated

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:07

Main Characters – The Shining (1980)
Meet the key characters of The Shining (1980), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson)

Jack Torrance is a former teacher with a troubled past, struggling with alcoholism and anger. His ambition to write drives him to accept a caretaker position at the Overlook Hotel, but his mental state deteriorates as he confronts isolation and supernatural influences. Jack's transformation from a hopeful father to a murderous figure illustrates the theme of madness.

👨‍🏫 Teacher 🍷 Alcoholic 📖 Writer

Wendy Torrance (Shelley Duvall)

Wendy Torrance is a devoted wife and mother, facing the terrifying transformation of her husband. As Jack's sanity unravels, Wendy becomes increasingly concerned for her son, Danny, and determines to protect him at all costs. Her resilience and instinct for survival are crucial as she confronts the threats posed by Jack and the hotel.

👩‍👦 Mother 🛡️ Protector 👁️ Watchful

Danny Torrance

Danny Torrance is a young boy with a psychic ability referred to as 'shining'. He is deeply sensitive to the hotel's dark presence, experiencing horrifying visions that reflect its tragic past. Danny's connection to his imaginary friend, Tony, highlights his unique perspective and the emotional toll of his family's unraveling dynamic.

👦 Child 🔮 Psychic 👫 Imaginary Friend

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:07

Major Themes – The Shining (1980)
Explore the central themes of The Shining (1980), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌀 Madness

Madness is a central theme, as Jack Torrance's mental state deteriorates following his isolation at the Overlook Hotel. His struggles with alcoholism and writer's block exacerbate his descent into insanity, drawing him deeper into the hotel's malevolent influence. The sinister history of the hotel serves as a catalyst for his transformation into a violent figure.

👨‍👩‍👦 Family

The family dynamic is pivotal in the film, showcasing the strain between Jack, Wendy, and Danny under pressure. Jack's volatile behavior threatens their safety and challenges the bonds they share. The struggle for family unity amidst chaos highlights themes of protection and the destructive potential of a fractured mind.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:07

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