Inspired by my recent viewing of Martin Scorsese's latest film Shutter Island, today's scene comes from one of my favourite movies of all time: Stanley Kubricks psychological horror masterpiece The Shining. That movie is so filled with iconic scenes and imagery that it is almost impossible to pick just one; from the opening helicopter shots to the tidal wave of blood pouring out of the elevator to the final climactic chase through the labyrinthine hedge maze, the films incredible sound design, production design, editing and of course it's directors legendary talents as a filmmaker all converge to create a horrifying atmosphere of pertutual unease, making The Shining (despite it's almost indecipherable plot) one of the most effective and creepifying horror stories ever told.
The scene I have selected will be instantly recogognizable even to those who have never seen the film; as with much of the rest of the movie it has been parodied in other films and television programs many many times. The off kilter editing and strange music cues are all integral to making this scene (and in turn, this film) the mesmerizing, terrifying experience that it is. As it will be...forever...and ever...and ever.
The scene I have selected will be instantly recogognizable even to those who have never seen the film; as with much of the rest of the movie it has been parodied in other films and television programs many many times. The off kilter editing and strange music cues are all integral to making this scene (and in turn, this film) the mesmerizing, terrifying experience that it is. As it will be...forever...and ever...and ever.
