Dave Caolo

In this scene from The Shining, Jack is in the bathroom with Delbert Grady, the Overlook’s former caretaker. Jack stands to our right and Mr. Grady to our left. The perspective created by the parallel rows of urinals, sinks, ceiling lights and orange paint focuses our attention on the two men.

Kubrick holds this shot as Mr. Grady denies his identity. Jack presses him with a cocky attitude. Then the perspective suddenly changes.

The tables are turned, both figuratively and in the shot. The men “switch sides” as Mr. Grady drops the charade and tells Jack, “You are the caretaker, sir. You have always been the caretaker.” The focus is sharpened with more urinals and sinks are in the shot. Jack’s cocky attitude is replaced with fear.

Now we’re in Jack’s intimate zone. He gives a nervous laugh and his confusion and anxiety are palpable.

Now we’re only a few feet from Mr. Grady. In these close shots the characters have a very personal conversation. Mr. Grady explains the threat posed by Danny, and suggests the “good talking to” that Jack ought to give Danny and his wife, Wendy. Jack admits that Danny is a “willful” boy and reveals a secret about Wendy.

It’s a gradual crescendo that uses cinematography beautifully to heighten the increasing intimacy of their relationship and conversation, and one of the reasons I love Kubrick’s work so much.

In 1980, Stanley Kubrick went to the Timberline Lodge to film “The Shining.” On Oct. 31st, the Timberline will celebrate the film with a re-creation of the ball.

One of my commenters is going, and sent this update:

“I just received an email saying that, in addition to the 20s-era ball, they’ll be screening themed 16mm educational films in a separate room, with titles like Ready To Type, Don’t Be Afraid, Surviving The Cold, and Is A Career In The Hotel Or Motel Business For You?“

This thing is going to be great.

“In 1980, Stanley Kubrick came to the Timberline Lodge to film one of the all-time great horror classics, THE SHINING. In the film, Jack Nicholson slowly loses his grasp on reality and loses himself in a hallucination of a 1920s era ball. Twenty-Eight years later, Nike Sportswear and Fantastic Fest have joined forces to recreate the very same ball at the very same lodge.”

Just $200 for two people, including overnight stay, VIP screening of the movie at midnight (all guests will watch the movie simultaneously in their rooms), cocktails, more. Formal attire is required, vintage 20′s attire recommended.

I’d do anything to attend this.

It’s October, and I’m in the mood for scary movies. When the weather gets cold, the leaves turn color and the kids start asking about Halloween costumes, I want to be scared.

I’m picky about horror films. As a teenager, I watched slashers. Friday the 13th, Freddy Kruger and so on. They have their place, but they illustrate the difference between being scared and being startled.

When the bad guy jumps out of the dark with his machete swinging, we’re startled. When the undead little girl emgerges from the well with her black hair covering her face, we’re scared.

I prefer to be scared.

Here’s a list of some of my favorite scary movies, in no particular order, as well as a few I haven’t seen yet. Feel free to add your own.

Before we begin, let me offer a spoiler warning. I’ll reveal significant plot points in each of the following movies, so if you don’t want to know, stop reading now.

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Adam Polselli has writen a great analysis of The Shining’s hallway scene.

“During a scene in Stanley Kubrick’s horror film The Shining (1980), when Danny envisions the girls in a hallway of the Overlook Hotel, Kubrick’s editing in both the classical and montage style heightens suspense, creates dramatic tension, and suggests Danny’s psychological state.”

A great analysis of my favorite director.