Stephen King has been bringing us heart-stopping horror stories since 1974. Those tales first hit the big screen in 1976 with the release of “Carrie.” Many of his stories are still being adapted into films, along with a few remakes. His films have frightened us with monsters, psychic abilities, and ancient, cosmic, evil clowns. As chilling as demon children rising from the grave might be, Mr. King’s “The Shining” released in 1980, hits a bit too close to home.
Creatures hiding in fog makes a pretty intriguing story, but it’s very easy to think of it as just that, a story. Aside from the ghosts and a child’s ability to ‘shine’ this film is about a man trying to kill his family. Of course, there is much more going on, but unlike vampires invading a small town, ‘The Shining” is more or less a realistic story.
Cabin fever can be a very serious condition, and being trapped in a strange, isolated place for an entire winter could really do some damage to your mental stability. You might think there is no way that would ever happen to you, and you are probably correct, but you can’t know that for sure until you lock yourself in a hotel for three months.
The unfortunate reality is that this has actually happened before. There are many cases of men attempting (some succeeding) to kill their wives and children. Statistically, women are most likely to be murdered by their partner. So, perhaps it won’t happen to you, but it has happened to far too many people and will happen to far too many more.
On this day in film history “The Shining” first premiered. For more daily film history follow This Day in Film History on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
Aj Hunt
I live in Ogden, UT, and I am a student at Weber State University. I enjoy writing short stories and watching old films. I hope to publish some of my work in the near future and my favorite movie is "Rocky Horror Picture Show" (1975).
Great writing!
Jon Shai Van Sickle
May 23, 2021
Not an idea to read to much horror books
Sophie
May 24, 2021