What is the hidden theme behind the perfectionist Kubrick's direction of ``The Shining''?

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2018.09.12Ikuya Takamori

The behind-the-scenes themes of ``karma'' and ``reincarnation'' infuse an eternal charm. *Reference is made at the end of the movie.

The end of the movie slowly zooms in on the hotel's large hall and ends with a close-up of a black and white photograph. Nicholson's face can be seen in the front row center of a souvenir photo from the ball dated July 4, 1921 (America's National Day). The ending has given rise to various interpretations, but Kubrick said this in an interview. ``The final photo of the great hall suggests Jack's reincarnation.'' (*Reference 2)

As introduced at the beginning of this article, Stephen King named his novel The Shining, inspired by John Lennon's song about karma, Instant Karma. Kubrick brought elements of karma and reincarnation into the film, which King did not verbalize in the novel, and made bold changes. However, due to clever production, these elements do not come to the fore, and remain as ``hidden themes''. It can be said that Kubrick's behind-the-scenes theme, which is difficult to understand at first glance, has given the film ``The Shining'' an eternal charm that continues to attract audiences.

References:

1. “ Film Director Stanley Kubrick ” Written by Vincent Lobrot Translated by Yasuki Hamano and Eriko Sakurai Shobunsha

2. “ Kubrick” Written by Michel Cimin Translated by Kazuki Uchiyama Supervised by Byakuya Shobo

Text: Ikuya Takamori

Freelance writer, English-Japanese translator. Mainly contributes movie reviews and columns to web media, and translates news articles. The translated book is ``Science of Star Wars--Thorough verification! From the true nature of the Force to intergalactic travel” (written by Mark Blake and John Chase, published by Kagaku Doujin) and others.

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"The Shining"

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