The Shining

[Samedibee]

Ok, I have watched The Shining a lot and there is one thing I don't understand. At the end of the film the camera zooms in on a picture of Jack Nicholson (Well, his character) there as the caretaker or something years ago. I think my interpretation of the photo is right..? But I don't understand what this is supposed to mean! He's a ghost or he worked there and is returning there in the film without telling anyone? Sorry if I'm being dumb but can anyone help? Thanks!

[johngammon]

I think there are probably several different interpretations, but I've always thought that the building itself or the malevolent spirit which lurked there was taking over Nicholson's mind. At the end of the film, Nicholson becomes part of the building's fabric. The picture is a representation of, or the remains of, all those guests and staff who were similarly taken, the "ghosts" of the hotel. Nicholson is trapped in the hotel for ever, probably endlessly visiting the bar as he does in one bizarre dream sequence.

It's probably a good idea not to try to think the significance through too much; almost alone amongst American directors, Kubrick was not keen on serving up pat Hollywood stories, particularly in his later films as you can see in, say, 2001: A Space Odyssey. The Shining is a highly creepy film, but it's not an episode of the Twilight Zone, and I reckon in the end it's best to just go with the flow.

[Samedibee]

I like your thinking johngammon! Thankyou very much I think I'll use that interpretation from now on. I will now take your advice and put it at the back of my mind!

[mcjigger]

i think, it's because jack nicholson is actually robert keith

[Manc Ronnie]

The film is loosely based on the book by Stephen King, at the end of the book the Nicholson character kills himself, to save his son. In the film I expect it means the nicholson character (Jack Torrance) has become part of the hotel, in the way that the waiter who spills advocaat over him, was a previous caretaker who killed his wife and kids.