Exploring Dread and Family Dynamics in Horror

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This chapter delves into a horror film scene that encapsulates the sense of dread and the complex nature of family relationships under stress. The discussion focuses on a protagonist's depressive state and how sound design and cinematography amplify the film's unsettling atmosphere. Through the analysis of character interactions and psychological states, they explore themes of madness, emotional abuse, and the impact of trauma on both children and adults.

Cornell philosopher David Shoemaker joins us for a long winding journey up to the Overlook Hotel, a DEEP dive on Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining. We tackle all the big questions - is the hotel truly haunted? What if anything does it symbolize? Why are there two Gradys and two sets of daughters? How does the filmmaking – and the Steadicam in particular - amplify our sense of dread? Does Jack shine too? How does he get out of the storage closet? Is Shelly Duval’s performance actually brilliant? What the fuck is up with Bill? Should the Overlook have included a land acknowledgment? And lots more. Come listen to us, forever and ever and ever….

David Shoemaker's website [sites.google.com]

Wisecracks by David Shoemaker [amazon.com afilliate link]

Review of Wisecracks by Kieran Setiya [atlantic.com]

The Shining [wikipedia.org]