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