Smile 2 Director Explains Why The Shining is His Favorite Horror Film

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As a seasoned movie buff who has spent countless hours huddled in dark theaters, I can attest that Parker Finn’s admiration for Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece, The Shining, resonates deeply with me. Having watched The Shining more times than I care to admit, I find myself humming Wendy Carlos’ haunting score whenever I pass a carpeted hallway – a chilling testament to the film’s enduring impact.

The director of the movies ‘Smile’ and ‘Smile 2′, Parker Finn, has revealed that he particularly admires one horror film above all others. To clarify, let me rephrase: The movie maker responsible for Paramount Pictures’ chilling horror hit of 2022, has disclosed that Stanley Kubrick’s classic horror film ‘The Shining’ might just be his all-time favorite movie. Full stop.

As a passionate cinephile, I recently had the pleasure of contributing my thoughts to Variety’s comprehensive list, “Variety’s 100 Best Horror Movies of All Time.” Among the many iconic horror films discussed, I found myself particularly drawn to discuss Stanley Kubrick’s chilling 1980 adaptation of Stephen King’s novel, “The Shining,” starring Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall. Having made waves in the horror industry with my own terrifying film, “Smile,” which shattered box office records, I’ve since been busy working on the sequel (set for release on October 18) and an intriguing remake of a horror classic. However, amidst all this excitement, I couldn’t resist taking a moment to express my admiration for “The Shining,” a film that continues to haunt me long after the credits have rolled.

As a film enthusiast, I’ve found myself captivated by the countless conversations and analyses surrounding “The Shining,” a testament to Stanley Kubrick’s extraordinary craftsmanship. Despite numerous dissecting attempts, this cinematic marvel continues to hold its potency, leaving an indelible impact on me.

The haunting, cold, isolating atmosphere, coupled with Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall’s memorable performances, exquisitely designed sets, and unsettling cinematography, make The Shining an exceptional film that leaves a lasting impact, standing alone in its unique horror genre.

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but marvel at how The Shining has cemented its place in pop culture over the years. In this masterpiece, the director cleverly weaves together horror conventions, all while reflecting Kubrick’s almost obsessive perspective. This film is deep and complex, and although Stephen King may not be a fan, it undeniably ranks among the greatest horror films ever made, as I discuss in my essay for Variety.

What listener won’t instantly visualize a tiny, sunlit Volkswagen meandering along a distant mountain highway when they hear the first melodies from Wendy Carlos’ score?

Remarkably, remembering the design of a carpet from a movie that’s half a century old seems preposterous. However, the vividly etched red-orange-brown hexagonal patterns on the halls of the Overlook Hotel persist in one’s memory as if branded there.

In a simpler and more conversational way: The story, titled “The Shining,” focuses on Jack, Wendy, and their son Danny – a family of three. They decide to spend winter at the isolated Overlook Hotel, where they will serve as caretakers. However, once they arrive, Jack’s behavior starts changing dramatically, becoming increasingly violent and abusive, likely due to the influence of spirits from the hotel’s past that invade his thoughts, transforming him into a madman.

The Inspiration Behind the Smile Franchise

The director of “Smile” ends his work with this statement: “It seems as if Kubrick intended to create a haunted house movie that is itself haunting,” suggesting a cunning cinematic journey meant to seize the audience and never relinquish its grip. Indeed, “Smile” may share similarities in this regard, although linking it directly to “The Shining” might be overstated or unnecessary. However, Finn’s goal with “Smile” was to craft a persistent horror experience that maintains its intensity throughout, and in that respect, “Smile” certainly fits the bill. It is a movie filled with effective jump scares that accumulate, culminating in a climax that never feels arbitrary.

It’s no shock that Ray Nicholson, son of The Shining star, is featured in the upcoming Smile sequel, given that our influences shape us significantly. Director Parker Finn is no exception to this rule. He has publicly acknowledged John Carpenter, Kiyoshi Kurosawa, Wes Craven, and Hideo Nakata as some of his mentors. Now, it appears that Stanley Kubrick can be added to that list, despite the fact that he only made one horror film during his brief career.

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2024-10-15 00:03