How was the actress in “The Shining” treated?
In the chilling and psychological horror film “The Shining,” directed by Stanley Kubrick and released in 1980, actress Shelley Duvall played the role of Wendy Torrance. The treatment of Duvall during the filming of this iconic movie has been a subject of much discussion and debate over the years. Despite the film’s critical acclaim and Duvall’s own impressive performance, her experiences on set were fraught with controversy and mistreatment.
The production of “The Shining” was marked by a tense working environment, with reports of long hours, harsh conditions, and a lack of communication between the cast and crew. Duvall, in particular, faced numerous allegations of mistreatment by Kubrick and the film’s producer, Stanley Kubrick. According to Duvall, Kubrick would often ignore her requests for changes to her lines or the shooting schedule, leaving her feeling isolated and undervalued.
One of the most notorious incidents involving Duvall occurred during the shooting of the film’s infamous “All Is Full of Stars” scene. In this scene, Wendy is seen looking out of a window at a stormy night sky, while Jack Torrance (played by Jack Nicholson) is heard shouting from the other side of the house. Duvall claimed that Kubrick forced her to perform the scene repeatedly, even after she became physically and emotionally exhausted. She also alleged that Kubrick would not allow her to leave the set, leaving her trapped in a hotel room for hours on end.
The mistreatment of Duvall during the filming of “The Shining” has been widely documented in interviews and articles. Her experiences have sparked a conversation about the importance of a safe and respectful working environment for actors. While the film itself is a masterpiece of cinema, the treatment of its star actress has raised questions about the ethics of filmmaking and the responsibility of directors and producers to their cast.
Despite the challenges she faced, Duvall’s performance in “The Shining” has stood the test of time. Her portrayal of Wendy Torrance is a haunting and unforgettable one, capturing the essence of a woman trapped in a nightmarish world. However, the mistreatment she endured during the filming process serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of the film industry and the importance of advocating for the well-being of actors.
