The shining is a horror movie that has attracted many viewers, mainly due to its relevance to Halloween. In the film, Stephen King aims to convey the idea that evil or suffering can persist even after its source has vanished. Jack Torrance’s weaknesses and inner problems are exposed by King (2012), allowing him to be a tragic hero. Jack begins as a father attempting to do the right thing for his family rather than a ruthless killer (King, 2012).
He may have a fiery temper, but he makes every effort to keep it under control. On his way to becoming the story’s antagonist, he goes through a period of insanity, which is partly fueled by his background and the disturbing memories that come with it. There is a constant conflict between the good and the evil that lurks within him throughout the movie (King, 2012). This aspect serves to deliver the message that good people can be haunted by evil spirits from their past and become the worst versions of themselves.
The soundtrack hints that the Torrances, Jack and Wendy, and their little son Danny will be sentenced by supernatural, mythical, and legendary forces. Jack, having taken the job as a winter caretaker to plan his next writing project, goes insane (King, 2012). The personality change could be attributed to the cabin fever, ghostly haunting, alcoholism, or a combination of these, at their new lodgings at the Overlook Hotel. The ghosts at the hotel speak to him, urging him to use an ax to rip his family apart (King, 2012). However, having been psychically forewarned of his father’s upcoming murder, Danny flees the hotel alongside his mother, abandoning Jack to perish in the hedge maze. The horrific end influenced by ghostly power enforces the movie’s theme, making it relevant for Halloween.
Reference
King, S. (2012). The Shining. Random House.