The Shining is not only a thriller horror film, but also a spiritual journey that explores the deep fears, desires and madness of the human heart. The film tells the story of writer Jack Torrance and his family spending the winter in an isolated hotel, however, over time, this tranquil environment gradually evolves into a terrifying nightmare.
The film begins with writer Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) getting the opportunity to oversee isolated hotel work during the cold winter months. He will spend this time with his wife Wendy (Shirley Duval) and son Danny (Danny Lloyd). The isolated and desolate environment of the hotel creates an oppressive atmosphere for the audience at the beginning of the film.
Over time, the Torrance family began to feel the unusual atmosphere in the hotel. Danny, on the other hand, seems to have a special ability to predict and sense ominous events in the hotel. As Jack became addicted to alcohol, he became weird and cold, and his writing became more and more frustrating.
The days of isolation passed by and the horror in the hotel escalated. Wendy begins to feel insecure, and Danny falls into a nightmare. Jack gradually descends into madness, begins to see hallucinations, and interacts with ghosts related to the hotel's past.
With the Torrance family enveloped in isolation and terror, they gradually become more and more vulnerable, and the secrets of the hotel are gradually revealed.
The climax of the film is a life-and-death battle between the Torrance family and the hotel. Jack's madness and the hotel's malevolent powers are intertwined with Wendy and Danny's desire to survive, which ultimately leads to a thrilling ending.
Jack Torrance (Knock Nicholson)
As the central character of the film, Jack Torrance is a writer who hopes to escape the stress of life by spending time in isolated hotels.
Initially, Jack presents a gracious and gentle appearance, but over time, he gradually becomes cold and weird. His writing frustrations, family pressures, and the hostile environment of the hotel gradually disintegrated his mind.
Jack's psychological changes are vividly depicted in the film, where he begins to see hallucinations, interact with ghosts in the hotel, and eventually fall into a state of madness. His psyche gradually merges with the evil forces of the hotel, making him part of the hotel.
Danny Torrance (Danny Lloyd)
Danny is Jack's son and possesses an extrasensory ability known as The Shining. He can predict events, interact with ghosts, and sense malice in hotels.
In the film, Danny's super-perception makes him a key figure in the family, and he becomes a window to discover the secrets of the hotel. His experience also presents a child's helplessness and confrontation in the midst of a horrific incident.
Wendy Torrance (Shirley Duval)
Wendy is Jack's wife and a caring mother to her family. She is a stabilizing force in the family, but is also influenced by the horror atmosphere of the hotel.
Over time, Wendy begins to sense unusual events in the hotel, and she worries about the changes in Jack. Her character portrays a mother's desire to protect her children in danger.
Through the in-depth psychological description of the main characters, the film shows their emotional changes, inner struggles and psychological breakdowns. In particular, Jack Torrance's psychological decline is an important focus in the film, revealing the fear and vulnerability of the human heart through its gradual madness, and the psychological depictions of these characters add depth and emotional layers to the horror and tension of the film.
The isolation and closure of the hotel
The hotel's snow-covered environment is isolated in the mountains, and this isolation and closure symbolizes the inner loneliness of the protagonist Jack and the isolation from the outside world.
The isolated environment, which puts families in a situation from which they cannot escape, underscores their desire for hope from the outside world.
The labyrinthine structure of the hotel
The complex labyrinth structure of the hotel's interior symbolizes Jack's delirium and disorientation. He gradually gets lost in this environment, losing his connection to reality.
The labyrinthine structure also expresses the helplessness of family members in the hotel, who cannot easily find a way out, as if trapped in both psychology and reality.
The history and shadow of the property
The history of the hotel hints at the unfortunate events of the past, as well as the tragedies that took place in this place. This shadow represents the evil and ominous atmosphere of the hotel, and also reflects the inner conflict of the protagonist.
Past events in this environment gradually affect Jack, linking him to the evil forces of the hotel.
Changes and deformations of hotels
The hotel environment is gradually changing, and the walls, furniture and decorations in the corridors seem to be deforming. This change symbolizes Jack's gradual psychological breakdown and increased hallucinations.
The deformed environment also conveys the audience's sense of the blurred line between reality and unreality, reinforcing the horror atmosphere.
A symbol of the hotel's relationship with the family
The hotel symbolizes Jack's conflict and conflict with his family. He is gradually consumed by hotel seduction and malice, estranged from family relationships.
The hotel became a symbol of his separation from his family, emphasizing his inner division and madness.
The film The Shining creates an unforgettable horror classic through its excellent visual presentation, complex character descriptions and deep symbolism. In this film, the psychological breakdown of the protagonist Jack Torrance and the horror of the environment are intertwined, presenting a picture of human inner fear and mental vulnerability.
