The Shining - Essay Example

Mirroring in the film is used throughout bringing about the double effect. For instance, when Danny writes the word ‘Redrum’ the word is reflected on a mirror and it appears as ‘murder’, to Wendy who is on the other side. The mirroring aspect here acts as a sign of warning to Wendy that she and Danny have to act in order to survive (Carl).

Other reflective surfaces, for instance, walls, floors, and water bodies are used to reflect objects and individuals with the camera placed at an angle to allow the coverage of both the actual image and its reflective image. For instance, when the film starts we see the mountain range and the islands reflected on a lake. “Polished floors and walls are also frequent, especially in the Colorado Lounge and room 237 hallways. When they’re more dimly lit this hall of mirrors effect is even more prominent.” (Ager) This is probably to evoke the audience to think realistically throughout the film. For instance, see how the past is reflected in the present as well as how the present can be reflected in the future in one life. The past has an impact on the present and the present has an impact on the future.

Enlightenment is the central theme of ‘The Shining’ film. According to the article, some Shine and Some don’t, “Kubrick’s cinematic symbology “shining” is a state of clear-minded awareness, with particular reference to the process of awakening... Each time Danny “shines,” he is breaking through his own psychological barriers of amnesia, the final turning point of which is his nightmare revelations of fatherly abuse in the room 237 dream sequence. “(Ager) In the film, both Wendy and Danny get enlightened and eventually can see the true nature of Jack, who they have to fight. When Wendy encounters the river of blood in the film, “…a pair of white lights can be seen on the wall over her left shoulder. The perspective of these lights is identical to Wendy’s glaring eyes.” (Ager) the lights are used symbolically to imply that Wendy should get enlightened.