What’s in Room 237? THE SHINING (1980)

Posted by Daniel Metz

I was on a short visit to my surrogate home town of New York and my first day there I treated myself (or was treated by the cinema god(ard)s), to a double feature of A Town Called Panic at the Film Forum and The Shining at the IFC Center. I have long been a strong proponent of seeing Kubrick films, even more than other films, in 35mm. He, unlike most directors, truly uses and stretches the full extent of the medium, creating films that are breathtakingly beautiful on celluloid, much more so than on video on your 23 inch color tv.

The Shining was no exception to that feeling. The print, faded only slightly but a bit scratchy, was fuller, deeper, and louder than my previous vhs/dvd experiences of the film. The extensive use of deep focus allowed every nook and cranny of the Overlook Hotel to be clear and full of meaning. The constant steadicam movement was natural and flowing in comparison to the jerky sensation of video viewing.

Did you know redrum is murder spelled backwards?

Probably the most noticeable and important advantage to seeing the film on 35 was the sound. The giant speakers in auditorium 1 at IFC were quite jarring, and this was certainly Kubrick’s intention. Recall the shrieking Tony/Danny “REDRUM, REDRUM” and then an octave or two up, “REDRUM, REDRUM.” That is some terrifying sound. Also the ambient/incidental noise/music is at times quite disorienting, including a high pitched shrill throughout one of the tensest moments.

I didn’t recall the use of sound being particularly important in past viewings of the film. Thank you celluloid for reminding me that cinema should be seen in cinemas.

The iconic image of blood flowing from an elevator will stay with you forever.

Seeing the film again, after probably 7 or 8 years, reminded me of just how good it really is. All Work and No Play Makes Jack a Dull Boy. How good is that? That is classic horror film stuff, really terrifying imagery that modern horror seems not to be able to live up to; maybe Shutter Island will be remembered almost as fondly as this film, but I am doubtful of that.

A truly scary movie.

A few last mentions: how great are little Danny “Doc” Torrance’s sweaters? All seemingly homemade, he is clad in the cutest little sweaters known to man. My personal favorite is the one with the rocket ship on it that reads “Apollo 11.” Also, what’s up with the guy in the bear suit giving a blowjob to another guy? I am going to have to look that up online later.

On my way walking across Manhattan after the screening, a woman next to me waiting at the corner screamed (I am not really sure why). Still in a haze from the film, I was genuinely scared that she, like Jack Torrance, was going to come at me with an axe. That is the mark of a great horror film.

This is what I looked like.