The Artistic Depreciation of Stanley Kubrick's The Shining

Stanley Kubrick, a legendary figure in the film industry, is often celebrated for his precise direction and innovative storytelling techniques. However, when it comes to his adaptation of Stephen King's iconic novel, The Shining, the brilliance of his reputation takes a back seat. This article explores whether Kubrick significantly altered the story to his liking or merely exercised his directorial rights, resulting in a film that, despite its visual and thematic elements, failed to capture the soulful essence of King's original work.

Stanley Kubrick and the Art of Adaptation

Stanley Kubrick's career was marked by a series of groundbreaking films, from early successes like Baby Doll to masterpieces such as 2001: A Space Odyssey and A Clockwork Orange. His meticulous approach to filmmaking and attention to detail earned him a reputation for perfectionism. However, when he opted to adapt Stephen King's The Shining, the outcome raised eyebrows. The Shining, originally published in 1977 and later adapted into a film in 1980, has since become one of the most beloved and influential works in horror literature.

Did Kubrick Rewrite King's Story?

The question of whether Kubrick significantly altered King's narrative remains a subject of debate. While it is widely acknowledged that Kubrick made substantial changes to the source material, the extent of these alterations and their impact on the overall narrative is not unanimously agreed upon.

The Crucial Contrast

When comparing Kubrick's film to the novel, it becomes evident that the director made numerous significant changes. King's original narrative was sprawling and intricate, with multiple subplots intertwining to explore themes of madness, family history, and the supernatural. In contrast, Kubrick's film narrows the focus to a central narrative, diminishing the complexity and depth of the original story. As a result, key elements and subplots from the novel are either omitted or heavily modified.

A Diminished Experience

The changes Kubrick made to the story led to a film that, while visually stunning, falls short of capturing the relentless, psychological tension present in King's novel. The film's pacing, tone, and overall narrative are significantly different, with Kubrick prioritizing a more linear and visually-driven approach over King's intricate and layered storytelling.

The Critical Reception and Legacy

The critical response to the film was mixed at the time of its release. Some reviewers praised the technical aspects of the film, such as the cinematography and the performances, while others lambasted the narrative and thematic oversimplification. As time has passed, the film has gained a more positive reputation, with many critics and fans now viewing it as a scandalous but intriguing adaptation. However, Pauline Kael's scathing review from the time of release has remained damning, emphasizing the film's shortcomings and its failure to capture the essence of King's work.

The Sentimentality Factor and Modern Critique

One of the most contentious issues surrounding Kubrick's adaptation is the so-called 'sentimentality factor.' Critics argue that modern audiences tend to overlook the flaws of the film, focusing instead on its impressive technical achievements and its place in cinematic history. In this context, The Shining has become a cultural touchstone, with many viewers and scholars overlooking its narrative inconsistencies and thematic oversimplifications.

Pauline Kael's Insightful Review

Pauline Kael's review, a scathing critique of the film, remains a pivotal text in the ongoing debate. Kael's essay, "De-Beermanization, The Bell Jar and The Shining," published in The New Yorker in 1980, is a comprehensive dissection of Kubrick's adaptation. Kael’s review highlights the numerous flaws in the film's narrative and structure, emphasizing how Kubrick's changes diminished the original story's impact. Her write-up offers a nuanced and insightful critique, making it an essential read for any student of film or literature.

Mark Kermode, a prominent British film critic, echoes Kael's sentiments in his book That Was the Week That Was: The 1970s and the Birth of British Tabloid Culture. He argues that the film is a misstep for Kubrick, a director known for his precision and control. Kermode's perspective adds weight to the idea that Kubrick's changes were detrimental to the story's overall quality.

The Revaluation of The Shining's Place in Culture

Despite the initial criticism, the legacy of The Shining has evolved. Today, many viewers and critics view the film as a cultural artifact, analyzing its impact on popular culture and the horror genre rather than its faithfulness to the original novel. This revaluation has led to a renewed interest in the film, with many scholars and enthusiasts exploring the reasons behind its enduring popularity and legacy.

Conclusion

While Stanley Kubrick's directorial vision and technical mastery are undeniable, his adaptation of The Shining remains a case study in the imbalance between artistic ambition and narrative integrity. The film, though visually and thematically rich, falls short of capturing the rich and complex narrative of King's original work. As such, the question of whether Kubrick rewrote King's story or merely got the rights to direct it remains a subject of continued debate. What is clear, however, is that the film's legacy is not solely defined by its visual and technical achievements but by its impact on both horror literature and cinema as a whole.

Closing Thoughts

Ultimately, the artistic choices Kubrick made in adapting The Shining serve as a reminder of the importance of narrative integrity in filmmaking. While the film remains a cultural touchstone, it also serves as a cautionary tale about the potential pitfalls of artistic reinvention.