The Shining Mise en Scene Analysis

The Shining, which came out in 1980, is a memorable film for many reasons. Some remember it for the compelling story line where others were stunned by the editorial techniques.  In the film Jack Torrance (played by Jack Nicholson) and his family live in the Overlook hotel where Torrance works as a grounds keeper.  The hotel is haunted by many spirits, most of them evil, who can be seen by Torrance and his son Danny (Danny Loyd).  In this suspenseful scene Danny encounters twin ghost girls who ask him to "come play".  Director Stanley Kubrick employs a number of film techniques in this scene to not only heighten the suspense, but to help viewers see things from Danny's perspective.

Although the ghost girls and the flashing images of dead bodies are enough to put anyone on the edge of their seat Kubrick furthers the suspense in this scene with his use of creative cinematography techniques.  As Danny is riding his tricycle around the hotel the walls create a frame around hm. Kubrick's clever use of framing makes the audience feel as though the walls are closing in on Daniel the closer he gets to the girls at the end of the hallway.  This gives viewers an objective point of view of Danny which leads the audience to the conclusion that he is in some sort of danger.  These cinematic shots have viewers feeling increasingly worried for the child's safety as he rounds each turn.

Visual design techniques were also used to make viewers feel uneasy.  The entire scene has a gray undertone that is enhanced by the color palate that was used in this scene.  The colors are washed out and dull save the bright red flashes when Danny sees the visions of the dead bodies.  Red is used to portray fear or passion.  In this scene the bright red flashes help viewers understand the fear that Danny felt when he encountered the two ghost girls.  The contract between the beige of the real world and the red created by the paranormal not only creates a scary image on the screen but allows the audience to feel what Danny was feeling.

The use of editing techniques had the biggest effect on this scene.  Kubrick uses a combination of quick cuts and long tracking shots to not only build suspense but to accurately portray how terrified Danny was in this moment.  At the beginning of the scene the camera is following Danny on his tricycle as he rides through the halls of the Overlook Hotel.  Having the camera following Danny around allows viewers to see exactly what he is seeing as he sees it.  This technique leaves the audience just as shocked and afraid as Danny when he rounds the corner and is met with the sight of two ghost children asking him to "come play, forever".  This leads into the second part of the scene where Kubrick uses quick cuts to show the danger of the situation.  The camera quickly moves between the girls and the bodies and then back to Danny's face.  The combination of the point of view sequence and the fast paced nature of the scene makes the audience feel great fear for Danny and as if he is in grave danger.

The Shining is known for the scary nature of the film. In this scene Stanley Kubrick used a number of editing techniques to let viewers experience the horror of these events from Danny's point of view.  He also builds suspense to a new height with the use of these techniques.