Stories with Tag Cinema

• 45-year mystery behind eerie photo from The Shining is believed to be solved

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  Posted: 2025-04-12 01:14:45

  Verbose tl;dr

  A long-debated anomaly in a photo from Stanley Kubrick's The Shining, showing what appears to be a person crawling on the floor in the background of a scene with Danny Torrance, is likely explained as a crew member in an unusual position, possibly operating camera equipment or adjusting the set. Film historian John Fell Ryan used behind-the-scenes photos and meticulous analysis of continuity to determine the figure's position and potential actions, concluding it wasn't a ghost or intentional directorial choice, but rather a member of the production team inadvertently caught in the shot.

  For nearly half a century, an enigmatic photograph captured on the set of Stanley Kubrick's cinematic masterpiece, The Shining, has perplexed film enthusiasts and fueled fervent speculation. The image, a still from behind-the-scenes footage, depicts a celebratory cast and crew party held at the completion of filming. Nestled within the festive throng, a solitary figure, identified as Jack Torrance's stunt double, Tony Burton, is strangely seated, apparently writing diligently amidst the revelry. The peculiarity of his posture and activity, seemingly at odds with the surrounding merriment, has long been a source of fascination and debate.

  Now, after 45 years shrouded in mystery, a plausible explanation for this puzzling scene has finally emerged. Film historian Lee Unkrich, renowned for his meticulous research and exhaustive knowledge of Kubrick's work, proposes a compelling theory. He posits that Burton, rather than engaging in some cryptic or symbolic act, was simply occupied with a far more mundane task: filling out his time card. This seemingly prosaic explanation, supported by Unkrich's careful examination of the photograph and his understanding of filmmaking logistics, effectively demystifies the long-standing enigma.

  According to Unkrich, the end of a film shoot often involves a flurry of administrative duties for cast and crew members. This includes the essential but often overlooked task of accurately documenting working hours for payroll purposes. Given the timing of the photograph, taken at the wrap party signifying the official conclusion of filming, it stands to reason that Burton was diligently completing his time card amidst the celebratory atmosphere. This pragmatic interpretation, while perhaps less thrilling than more esoteric theories, offers a logical and compelling resolution to a decades-old cinematic mystery.

  Furthermore, Unkrich's theory is bolstered by the presence of what appears to be a small, rectangular object in Burton's hands, potentially a time card or similar document. The angle of the photograph and the surrounding activity make definitive identification difficult, but the object's size and shape lend credence to Unkrich's hypothesis. This meticulous observation, combined with Unkrich's deep understanding of film production practices, provides a compelling and satisfying conclusion to a question that has lingered in the minds of The Shining aficionados for generations. The seemingly eerie image, once imbued with an air of mystery, now serves as a testament to the meticulous research and dedication required to unravel the often overlooked details of cinematic history.

  • The Shining
  • Stanley Kubrick
  • movie
  • Film
  • mystery
  • photography
  • photo
  • Behind the Scenes
  • BTS
  • explained
  • 1970s
  • Horror
  • film history
  • Cinema
  • Overlook Hotel
  • paranormal

  Summary of Comments ( 30 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43660419

  Verbose tl;dr

  HN commenters generally agree that the proposed solution to the photo mystery – identifying a specific extra in a similar pose at a different event – is compelling and likely correct. Some praised the meticulous detective work involved. A few expressed continued curiosity about Kubrick's intentions, wondering if the inclusion was deliberate or coincidental, and if it added another layer to the film's unsettling atmosphere. One commenter highlighted the dedication and resourcefulness of internet communities in solving such mysteries, referencing other examples. Some debated the significance of the find, with some suggesting it demystifies the film while others argue it adds to its mystique.

  The Hacker News post discussing the mystery photo from The Shining generated a moderate amount of discussion, with a number of commenters engaging with the proposed solution and offering their own perspectives.

  Several commenters expressed satisfaction with the proposed explanation, finding the detective work impressive and the solution plausible. They appreciated the detailed analysis of clothing styles, hairstyles, and the logistics of the event depicted in the photograph, noting how these details aligned with the timeframe and location.

  Some questioned the certainty of the "solution," highlighting the inherent difficulty in definitively proving such historical claims based on circumstantial evidence. They acknowledged the compelling nature of the presented arguments but emphasized the possibility of alternative explanations. One user, for instance, pointed out the similarities between the identified individual and another person present at the Overlook Hotel during its opening, suggesting the possibility of misidentification.

  A few comments delved into the technical aspects of historical photo analysis, discussing the challenges of verifying old images and the importance of considering potential biases in such investigations. They also touched upon the role of online communities in collaborative problem-solving and the fascinating nature of uncovering historical mysteries.

  Several users expressed their continued fascination with Stanley Kubrick's film and its enduring mysteries, with some sharing their own interpretations of the film's symbolism and the director's intentions. The conversation briefly touched upon the nature of "viral" online content and how these kinds of stories capture public attention.

  Finally, some comments focused on the specifics of the photograph itself, such as the style of clothing and the expressions on the faces of the individuals depicted. One user pointed out the unsettling nature of the image, regardless of the explanation, contributing to the ongoing intrigue surrounding the film.

• Hunt for Red October 1990 (2016)

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  Posted: 2025-04-10 07:11:37

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  The 1990 film "The Hunt for Red October" features several notable model ship inaccuracies. While the Typhoon-class Red October model is generally well-executed, its dive planes are oversized and incorrectly positioned. The USS Dallas model also has some issues, including an inaccurate sail shape and incorrect placement of various details. The Alfa-class submarine model, while decent, suffers from oversized propellers. Despite these flaws, the film's model work remains impressive for its time, effectively conveying the tension and scale of the underwater cat-and-mouse chase.

  In a meticulously detailed blog post from 2016, titled "Hunt for Red October 1990," hosted on the website "Model Ships in the Cinema," the author embarks on an exhaustive examination of the miniature ship models employed in the filming of the 1990 submarine thriller, "The Hunt for Red October." The author's primary focus is the accuracy and effectiveness of these models in representing their real-life counterparts, particularly the titular Soviet Typhoon-class submarine, the Red October, and the American Los Angeles-class submarine, the USS Dallas.

  The post commences with an acknowledgement of the film's enduring popularity and its impact on popular culture's perception of submarine warfare. It then delves into the practicalities of filmmaking, highlighting the challenges and expense of utilizing actual submarines for extensive shooting. This naturally leads to a discussion of the crucial role played by miniature models in achieving realistic depictions of underwater action sequences.

  The author then meticulously dissects the construction and appearance of the various models, offering copious photographic evidence from the film alongside images of the real submarines for comparison. Specific details like the placement of hatches, the configuration of the conning towers, and the accuracy of the propulsion systems are scrutinized. The author expresses particular admiration for the level of detail achieved in recreating the Red October's unique caterpillar drive system, a crucial plot point in the film.

  Beyond the primary vessels, the author also examines the models used to depict other ships appearing in the film, including surface vessels like the USS Reuben James. The effectiveness of the special effects employed to simulate underwater movement, such as the use of bubbles and lighting, is also discussed.

  The author concludes by praising the model makers for their craftsmanship and dedication to verisimilitude, arguing that their work significantly contributed to the film's overall success. The post implicitly suggests that the use of practical models, as opposed to purely computer-generated imagery, lends a tangible realism and weight to the on-screen action that enhances the viewer's immersion in the narrative. The meticulous attention to detail in the models, the post argues, underscores the film's commitment to authenticity, further bolstering its credibility and impact. This commitment to realistic portrayal, even in miniature, arguably contributes to the film's enduring appeal and its continued status as a classic of the submarine thriller genre.

  • Hunt for Red October
  • movie
  • Film
  • 1990
  • Submarine
  • Model Ships
  • Cinema
  • Cold War
  • Thriller
  • Tom Clancy
  • Naval Warfare
  • Scale Models
  • Miniatures

  Summary of Comments ( 55 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43641469

  Verbose tl;dr

  HN users discuss the accuracy of the Hunt for Red October movie's depiction of submarine technology and procedures, with several pointing out inaccuracies but acknowledging the film's entertainment value. One commenter with apparent submarine experience details how the movie's portrayal of sonar, silent running, and caterpillar drive is unrealistic. Others highlight the political context of the film's release near the end of the Cold War and its impact on perceptions of submarine warfare. The discussion also touches on the book's origins, Clancy's writing style, and comparisons to other submarine films like Das Boot and Crimson Tide. A few comments praise the film's sound design and score.

  The Hacker News post titled "Hunt for Red October 1990 (2016)" links to a blog post about the model submarine used in the film "The Hunt for Red October." The discussion on Hacker News is brief, containing only a handful of comments, and doesn't delve deeply into the subject.

  One commenter expresses surprise at the size of the model, noting it was much larger than expected, measuring 50 feet in length. Another comment mentions the effectiveness of the model work in the film, especially considering the limitations of special effects technology at the time. This commenter goes on to say that the practical effects hold up better today than many CGI effects from that era. There's a brief exchange where one user corrects another about the definition of a "miniature," clarifying that the term doesn't necessarily imply a small size. A final comment laments the decline of practical effects in modern filmmaking, expressing a preference for the tangible quality of models and miniatures.

  Overall, the comments are short and focused on the impressive nature of the model submarine and the quality of practical effects. They don't offer extensive analysis or debate, but provide brief observations related to the linked article.