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?
We have discussed and taken notes on many things, and it is impossible for you to cover everything we have gone over…but that’s okay. The goal of the assessment is for you to demonstrate your ability to write about film analytically.
To help you choose what exactly to write about, here are some highlights of what we went over:
Motifs…
· Mirrors/Reflection
· Labyrinths
· Native American Patterns
Filmmaking Techniques…
· Extreme camera angles
· Extreme wide-angle lenses
· Symmetrical framing/composition
· Long tracking and steadi-cam shots
· Slow pacing
· Effective use of sound/music
· Extreme camera angles
· Extreme wide-angle lenses
· Symmetrical framing/composition
· Long tracking and steadi-cam shots
· Slow pacing
· Effective use of sound/music
Themes…
· Effects of Isolation and Claustrophobia
· Nature of Madness
· Detrimental Effects of Alcoholism and Abuse
· Fear and Horror
· Supernatural
The most important thing to figure out first is a thesis. Your thesis should somehow incorporate the question posed to you. Something along these lines: In The Shining, Stanley Kubrick shows ________________________ through his use of ______________________, ______________________, and ______________________.
From there, you can shape your essay accordingly, each body paragraph exploring a different way Kubrick achieves ______________________. Follow the sample outline I have provided, and be sure to ask any and all questions you may have! If you share it on Google Docs, I can provide feedback as you write. Good luck and have fun!
· Effects of Isolation and Claustrophobia
· Nature of Madness
· Detrimental Effects of Alcoholism and Abuse
· Fear and Horror
· Supernatural
The most important thing to figure out first is a thesis. Your thesis should somehow incorporate the question posed to you. Something along these lines: In The Shining, Stanley Kubrick shows ________________________ through his use of ______________________, ______________________, and ______________________.
From there, you can shape your essay accordingly, each body paragraph exploring a different way Kubrick achieves ______________________. Follow the sample outline I have provided, and be sure to ask any and all questions you may have! If you share it on Google Docs, I can provide feedback as you write. Good luck and have fun!
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