Stanley Kubrick's Presentation Of Fear And Suspense In The Shining

The Shining is a classic horror movie that developed its respective genre through its

different elements. The film's director, Stanley Kubrick, does an excellent job creating a dynamic

setting, and implementing fear and suspense within multiple scenes. The Shining's first scene serves as

an incredible way to introduce the setting. It features Jack driving down a windy road in the

Colorado Rockies. The scenes score is what makes the scene so dynamic. The Colorado Rockies and

the surrounding area around the Overlook Hotel are so stunning, the score doesn't fit the rest of the

scene. As we see the scenery and camera shots, the score begins with deep sounds giving

off a somber, depressing mood. As the scene progresses and Jack gets closer to the
The camera angles make the mountains

feel overwhelming and intimidating. The editing of the scene has the long, winding road make the

Overlook Hotel feel even more isolated than it already is, specifically how it goes from camera angle to

camera angle, fading from one shot to another. Director Kubrick also does an excellent job at creating

fear and suspense, specifically when Danny first sees room 237. Leading up to the scene is just Danny

riding his tricycle. Danny's tricycle creates a dull sound mesmerizing the audience. Danny slows down his tricycle after passing room 237, almost as if the room called to him. Danny gets off his tricycle and

slowly approaches the hotel room. At this point in the scene, high pitched music begins, further

creating fear and suspense. Danny pushes the door handle and nothing happens, he then pushes the

door handle again, it causes the same result, creating suspense. The music dies down as Danny leaves

the door alone. Suddenly, the Grady twins appear onto the screen terrifying the audience. The way this

scene is shot is excellent, it's slow pace creates fear and suspense. When the Grady twins appear,