The Shining Essay

The Shining has provided film scholars, students, and critics with material for analysis for over 30 years. Hundreds of theories and topics have been explored, and many more will probably surface at some point…but what is the true meaning behind the film? What was Kubrick trying to achieve? No one will ever truly know (Kubrick was very secretive and tight-lipped), but that is what makes the film so great—it keeps us guessing, discussing, and analyzing.

Your assessment for the film is a five-paragraph essay that explores some aspects of the film and what they mean. What themes does Stanley Kubrick communicate with the film, and how does he communicate those messages to the viewer?

For the complete assignment click HERE.

Need to re-watch scenes? Check out "Movie Clips" YouTube channel on the Shining.