The Shining - open ended?

[GreenMotion]

I have several copies of the shining around the house - VHS, DVD and now finally on Blu-Ray, but this is the first time I've actually had a chance to watch it all the way thru.

The end is somewhat open ended and leaves a lot up to the imagination. What is your take on the end? Is Jack himself a ghost?; reincarnated? or did Jack actually change the past and thus the "july 4th - 1921" photograph?

What do you think?

[BStecke]

There are a lot of different interpretations of the ending. This is a pretty good thread from AVS that discusses it quite a bit.

I like the interpretation that Jack has been tied to the Overlook in some fashion since 1921 and is always called back to it. This is based on Grady's remark to Jack that "you've always been the caretaker."

[Kristin Simard]

Yeah, I remember the ending being vague in that way. It's been a long time since I've seen it, but I recall thinking at the time that this was a flaw in the dramatic structure. It didn't hit with a punch that a tight story line can. And it didn't leave with a creepy feeling: the question of whether everyone was going mad or if there were external things going on. More just WTF?.

I did order this to eventually have all the Kubrick films and to support Warner, but I remember thinking that this was one of his lesser films because it didn't pack the punch it would have. The dramatic structure wasn't tight enough IMO. Loose parts to the puzzle.

OK, go away and enjoy the film, it's just my opinion and I can enjoy it too, if I don't think too much about it.

[Jonzy]

What if this actually happened in 1921 or earlier and this is just a replay of the events in (at the time) the present. Meaning they are just spirits not knowing they are dead. Which is why olive oil sees all the skeletons in the room and why jeevsees says he has always been there and also why we see a picture of him from 1921. OOOOOh spooky huh!

[Kristin Simard]

Originally Posted by Jonzy

What if this actually happened in 1921 or earlier and this is just a replay of the events in (at the time) the present. Meaning they are just spirits not knowing they are dead. Which is why olive oil sees all the skeletons in the room and why jeevsees says he has always been there and also why we see a picture of him from 1921. OOOOOh spooky huh!

Hmmmm. I'll watch this again when my BD comes. hmmmm "Olive oil." hmmmm.

[Jonzy]

Now here is the question for you movie buffs. Why would I call wendy olive oil?

[Kristin Simard]

Originally Posted by Jonzy

Now here is the question for you movie buffs. Why would I call wendy olive oil?

Yes, why? Do you mean Olive Oyl?

[EricJ]

Originally Posted by Kristin Simard

Hmmmm. I'll watch this again when my BD comes. hmmmm "Olive oil." hmmmm.

(Actually, it's "Olive Oyl", and no, I can't watch Shelley Duvall without thinking that, either--Some actresses were born to one perfect role.)

[jaymzbo]

Originally Posted by Jonzy

Now here is the question for you movie buffs. Why would I call wendy olive oil?

The movie Popeye starring Robin Williams and Sheely Duvall?

[jaymzbo]

for anyone interested here is a Kubrick FAQ regarding The Shining

http://www.visual-memory.co.uk/faq/h...g/shining.html

It does not have any major revelations about the ending but makes for an interesting read, IMO

[VenomXR8]

my question is WTF is going on with that guy in the bear costume performing what looks like oral sex on the old dude near the end of the movie, it makes me laugh everytime because its so weird.

[Jonzy]

Originally Posted by VenomXR8

my question is WTF is going on with that guy in the bear costume performing what looks like oral sex on the old dude near the end of the movie, it makes me laugh everytime because its so weird.

Did you notice that the flap on the ass of his costume is hanging open? A little oral a little anal. Who am I to judge.... party like a rock star my friend!

[BStecke]

Originally Posted by VenomXR8

my question is WTF is going on with that guy in the bear costume performing what looks like oral sex on the old dude near the end of the movie, it makes me laugh everytime because its so weird.

Apparently this is a nod to Stephen King's novel . . . if I remember correctly, there was a regular at the hotel that was gay and would try and hook up with other patrons. Some interpretations say that it's always July 21, 1921 at the Overlook, so this could be just an occurrence at the party.

[VenomXR8]

Originally Posted by Jonzy

Did you notice that the flap on the ass of his costume is hanging open? A little oral a little anal. Who am I to judge.... party like a rock star my friend!

lol!!!

[VenomXR8]

Check this out, it might answer a few questions
http://www.drummerman.net/shining/essays.html