The Shining Adaptation elaboration

70s:

·         Economic recession

·         Sexual revolution (& spread of diseases)

·         Family/marriage deterioration (increased rate of divorces)

·         Watergate

·         Vietnam War

·         Growing feminism; Increased # of women in work force (man still bread winner)

·         Energy crisis

·         "social consciousness" TV programming and film (focus on crime-drama, disaster, the real & gritty)

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   In film, Jack’s struggle with alcohol addiction and family issues isn’t shown (no real background or context given to character)

·  Incapability of audience/viewer to sympathize with Jack (and struggle with addiction)

·  Scene in both novel and film are pivotal to Jack’s deterioration:

               Novel- Jack is good man being tempted by spirits

                              Film- Jack is already crazy trying to ‘play’ or remain sane 

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   80s (Reagan Years):

·         Concerned with money/financial success (emphasized through entertainment, “yuppies”)

·         People concerned only with themselves (‘me” generation)

·         End of in inflation

·         Television talk show became popular

·         Entertainment concerning (impossible masculinity), action, wealth, power were main themes

·         Technological improvement (personal computers)

   

  Question of whether Jack is part of hotel—Did he lose to spirits? Is he simply a reincarnation of old version of himself?

• Emphasis on Jack’s character (film) vs. son Danny (in novel)

  Debate over motivation of spirits (intent to ‘reclaim’ Jack, or simply use him)

   Overall character emphasis, and even plot, varies in the novel and film. The source [hotel] for the haunting(s) remains the same, but it’s the intention of the evil, persuasive forces that changes in the film adaptation. The decision to focus on ‘evil’ Jack, and not simply on his vulnerability from his dealing with past [alcohol] addiction, from his son, Danny and his shining abilities (as stated in the title), changes the plot and even the conclusion—ultimately what is received by the audience. The story now tells something different than overcoming bad and growth as an individual (as seen in the novel through Danny and his shining abilities).