45 Years Ago, Stanley Kubrick Made A Horror Masterpiece By Destroying Its Source Material
Briefly

Stanley Kubrick's adaptation of Stephen King's 'The Shining,' celebrating its 45th anniversary, diverges from the original novel to explore themes of isolation, addiction, and psychosis. The film transforms King’s deeply personal narrative about a father's love and struggles into a colder interpretation, creating an enigmatic portrayal of evil through the lens of the Overlook Hotel. While the novel portrays intimate familial relationships, Kubrick's version emphasizes Jack Torrance's descent into madness without showcasing the emotional arcs and warmth of the characters, thus presenting a more chilling perspective on the horror genre.
King's novel presents an intimate look at Jack's inner turmoil, focusing on his love for his family and personal demons, while Kubrick's adaptation opts for a detached exploration of madness.
Kubrick's version removes the warmth and human elements present in the book, portraying Jack as inherently unhinged rather than as a flawed man succumbing to his struggles.
Read at Inverse
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