Philosopher David Shoemaker from Cornell joins the conversation, bringing his expertise in exploring profound themes. They dive into Stanley Kubrick's 'The Shining,' debating the hotel’s haunting symbolism and dissecting the duality of characters like the Gradys. The impact of the Steadicam on our perception of dread is questioned, as well as Shelly Duvall's performance. They even ponder historical injustices and what a land acknowledgment at the Overlook might look like, delivering a rich tapestry of horror, psychology, and cinematic artistry.
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Quick takeaways
The podcast explores the psychological horror of 'The Shining,' examining how isolation and madness intertwine with character development.
Discussions highlight the duality of characters, particularly Jack and Wendy, emphasizing their contrasting responses to family and fear.
Kubrick's filmmaking techniques, notably the use of Steadicam, enhance the film's tension, amplifying viewers' sense of dread and unease.
Cultural critiques within 'The Shining' address historical injustices, inviting reflections on systemic violence and the film's contemporary relevance.
Deep dives
The Importance of Humor in Conversations
The discussion highlights the evolving nature of humor in informal conversations, particularly referencing a TikTok trend. The speakers reflect on their diminishing familiarity with contemporary humor trends, using playful banter to showcase their generational differences. They also reminisce about their past experiences, emphasizing the often fleeting nature of understanding various memes or cultural references. This serves to underline the theme that humor can be subjective and contextual, often requiring shared knowledge of current cultural trends to fully appreciate.
Anniversary Reflections
The podcast reveals that it coincides with the 12th anniversary of the show, prompting reflections on its evolution over the years. The presenters humorously liken their show's progression to reaching a new phase in their development, invoking developmental psychology jargon. There is a lighthearted tone as they imply their journey through podcasting has been marked by growth and exploration of complex topics. This sets the stage for deeper discussions, reaffirming their commitment to tackling intricate themes, including science and ethics.
The Significance of 'The Shining' Discussion
The main topic of the podcast is a discussion about Stanley Kubrick's film 'The Shining,' in which philosophers and psychologists analyze its themes and implications. With a special guest, they delve into that remarkable storytelling, examining elements such as fear, madness, and the supernatural. Each participant shares personal anecdotes about their first experiences watching the movie and how it affected them, demonstrating the lasting impact of its psychological elements. This thorough exploration underscores the film's cultural significance and its ability to provoke thought and discussion long after it aired.
Interconnected Psychological Horror
The speakers discuss the psychological horror elements of 'The Shining,' emphasizing the intricate relationship between the characters and their surroundings. The film’s portrayal of isolation and descent into madness is explored, with particular attention to how Kubrick subverts traditional horror tropes. The group notes how the hotel serves as a living entity, preying on the vulnerabilities of its inhabitants. This analysis fosters a deeper understanding of the film's narrative structure, making listeners reevaluate their initial interpretations.
Duality of Characters and Performance
A key focus of the podcast is the duality presented within the characters, especially Jack and his connections to both horror and familial love. The panelists recognize the nuances in the performances of Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall, reflecting on how their portrayals enhance the unsettling atmosphere. The contrast in their roles is examined, particularly how Jack's character represents weakness and failure while Wendy embodies resourcefulness and resilience. These discussions provide a richer context for evaluating character motivations and transformations throughout the film.
The Role of the Supernatural
The interplay between the supernatural elements and the characters' psychological struggles is another central theme. Aspects of the hotel's haunting influence are debated, particularly examining how the spirits manipulate the core characters. Questions arise about the nature of the 'shining' ability possessed by Danny and Halloran, and whether this power serves as a link between the living and the spectral realms. This exploration of supernatural motifs reflects broader questions about trauma, memory, and the cycles of violence presented in the narrative.
Cultural Reflections and Critiques
The podcast discusses the cultural implications and critiques present within 'The Shining,' particularly in relation to Native American history and context. The presenters touch on thematic elements related to systemic violence and the consequences of historical injustices. The metaphor of the hotel as an embodiment of America's troubled past resonates throughout the discussion, creating poignant connections with contemporary issues. This examination sparks dialogue about the relevance of the film's themes within modern society and its capacity to provoke critical reflection.
The Finale: Ambiguity and Dread
In concluding the episode, the hosts reflect on the film's final image, which leaves viewers with a sense of lingering dread and unresolved tension. The discussion focuses on the haunting finality of Jack's image in the photograph, suggesting a cyclical nature to tragedy and horror. The ambiguity of Jack's fate raises profound questions about identity, madness, and the nature of evil. This outro encapsulates the essence of Kubrick's work, emphasizing how it continues to resonate and haunt audiences long after the screen fades to black.
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….
