The true nature of the curse that emerges when comparing multiple versions of “The Shining” *Spoiler alert

Kubrick's intention in subtly hinting at "reincarnation"

　 As introduced in the previous article , Kubrick said, ``The final photo of the Great Hall suggests Jack's reincarnation.'' (*Reference 2) If you go back and look back at the movie, there is a lot of circumstantial evidence in the movie that suggests reincarnation. When the bartender suddenly appears at the bar, which is supposed to be empty, Jack greets him with, "Hello, Lloyd," to which Lloyd responds, "Mr. Torrance." Even though they haven't introduced themselves, they somehow know each other's names.

In another scene, the old waiter who spills a drink on Jack's jacket introduces himself as Delbert Grady. Jack remembered seeing that face in a photo in a newspaper article. The article was about an incident that the manager had told him about during a job interview, where Charles Grady, the previous manager, had brutally murdered his wife and two daughters and then committed suicide. When Jack tells Grady that he was the caretaker before and about the incident, Grady replies that he has no recollection of it at all and says, ``You've always been the caretaker.'' Immediately thereafter, Grady calls Jack by his last name, "Mr. Trans" (again, Jack does not use his first name).

An even more suggestive line is uttered in a scene that was deleted from the international version. In a conversation after Wendy brought food to the room, Jack said, ``Ever since I came for the interview, I felt like I'd been here before.'' Everyone has a moment of déjà vu. "But this is completely different. It's like I remember what's where in every corner."

“The Shining” (c)2007 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Taking all of this into account, it would be natural to think that Jack and Grady were lured back to the Overlook Hotel after being reborn and caused the incident. The reincarnation of Delbert Grady is Charles Grady, so it is natural that Delbert has no memories of Charles. Also, remember that both Grady and Lloyd looked at Jack and called him "Mr. Trance." What they remember is a person from Jack's past life who appears in a 1921 photograph in the saloon, and whose first name may not be Jack.

In the movie ``The Shining'', it is not too early to think that what brings about the reincarnation and brutal murders surrounding the Overlook Hotel is a curse placed on the white people who stole the land of the Native American Indians and massacred them. It was previously featured in a 1987 Washington Post article . It is not clear whether Kubrick originally knew that many Indian tribes also have the idea of ​​reincarnation (*2), or whether he realized it during the research stage for writing the script, but at least that is how he interprets it. The interior of the hotel was decorated with Indian designs.

If we believe in the "Indian curse" theory, then the July 4th date written on the ending ball photo also has a hidden meaning. July 4, 1776, when the 13 North American colonies that had been ruled by Britain declared independence, was the day America was founded by white people who took land from Native Americans and settled there. It was also the day that the approval of the expropriation and genocide of the country was confirmed. July 4th, a holiday for white people, is a day of grudge for Indians. Isn't it ironic that the spirits of party guests, bound to a hotel by an Indian curse, dance forever at a ball celebrating Independence Day?

To reiterate, the ``Indian Curse'' is just one consideration that can be interpreted in this way. However, it must have been Kubrick's strategy to only hint at the true nature of the curse without making it clear. By leaving room for various interpretations, the audience's inquisitive spirit is stimulated, and they continue to watch the film over and over again to discover the truth. Moreover, white Americans, almost unconsciously sensing the deeds of their ancestors from the Indian designs sprinkled throughout the Overlook Hotel, are even more frightened by the concept of endless reincarnation and retribution. I wonder.

[Note 2...For example, the Lakota tribe, which belongs to the Sioux tribe, has a philosophy of ``red roads and black roads.'' Those who walk the ``red path'' of living in harmony with all things can return to the center of the universe after death. On the other hand, it is said that those who have followed the ``black path'' of living a greedy and selfish life have their souls dropped to earth after death and are reborn again. *Reference 3]

[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

3. “ We are all brethren: The deep world of Indian religion ” by A.C. Ross, translated by Susan Koyama, Sanichi 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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