By Kyle Flynn

Today, with the announcement of the passing of the immensely talented Shelley Duvall, I began to reflect on one of my favorite films. Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of the Stephen King novel is what I consider the pinnacle of horror filmmaking. The performances of Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall became ingrained in my head from the first scene they appeared.

The warped and complicated love between Wendy, Jack and Danny (or Tony as we explore his mind throughout the film). While Jack drinks, it provokes questions in the audience about their relationship and their son, Danny. The heart of the story is arguably Danny. In many ways, his POV of the events has shaped The Shining into the iconic masterpiece it is today. 

The Shining is still referred to, referenced, and revered 40+ years later, and the reason is because of the brilliance of Kubrick’s direction. In many ways, it is the film that best uses Kubricks storytelling to fullest. The dissection of Danny and his mind is so primal to the core, you can easily see what is trying to be represented while viewing the dynamics of all the characters.

Nicholson’s acting is daring and ambitious, there are dozens ways you can interpret his performance in each scene. It also remains so strong through the remainder of the third act, leading up to that climax. The late, great, Shelley Duvall performance is so completely haunting and the terror totally struck in her eyes. The provocation of Kubrick has been well documented, but the result gave us a truly all-time performance. Her acting ability is unmatched, 3 Women, remains one of my favorite Robert Altman performances and that is due to the performances of Duvall and Spacek. Her talent compounded over the years to give us this masterclass. 

Funnily enough, I find it odd that Stephen King never found The Shinning to be great take on his book. Kubrick certainly took his liberties, but I could not imagine this film any other way. What was captured was so unique and so haunting. A film that will remain in my consciousness forever. 

The Shining will always be timeless and full of heart. It’s important to remember what we truly lost with death of Shelley Duvall. Nothing resonates like this performance as a mother in this film. I think it is easy to attribute a lot of what makes The Shinning a classic to the men of the film. Rightfully so, Nicholson and Kubrick, are both once in a generation talents whose work will viewed for centuries. However, Duvall gives us a heartbreaking portrayal and despite her career ups and downs The Shinning will always be remembered, I just hope we don’t forget Shelley as well.