Oct 24 2008

More on the “Shining” ball

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.


Oct 8 2008

Come Play With Us: The Shining party

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.


Oct 5 2008

Scary movies

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.

Continue reading


Jun 25 2008

In praise of Kubrick’s editing

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.