MSTRMND's The Shining (2nd Edition) (Chapter 3: Hidden Symmetry: Light, Color, Reflection)
0In this in-depth analysis of The Shining, we explore Kubrick’s masterful use of symmetry, light, and reflection to create a film that operates on both conscious and subconscious levels. Danny’s journey through the Overlook Hotel becomes a game of awareness and emergent patterns, mirroring the audience’s exploration of the film’s deeper meanings.
From the turquoise hues of the opening credits to the mirrored landscapes of St. Mary Lake, Kubrick weaves Native American cosmology with cinematic innovation. We unravel how The Shining plays with time, serving as both a sequel and prequel to 2001: A Space Odyssey, and how its forward and backward narratives reveal new layers of horror, symmetry, and awakening.
Dive into the details of Kubrick’s meticulous craft—uncoated lenses capturing ghostly sun flares, the symbolic journey of the Yellow Beetle, and the haunting interplay of color oppositions like yellow and blue. Learn how the Overlook Hotel itself becomes the first “ghost” of the film, and how its Gold Ballroom reflects humanity’s misplaced reverence for material over knowledge.
This is more than a breakdown of The Shining—it’s an exploration of a cinematic masterpiece that continues to fascinate and mystify audiences. Join us as we delve into Kubrick’s unparalleled vision.
Press play, and let the journey begin.
Essay by MSTRMND
Edited by Clayton Allen Davis
Music from Silent Hill by Akira Yamaoka
#kubrick #documentary #occult