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.
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.
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 Chinese animated film "Nezha 2: The Rebirth of Nezha" has surpassed all other animated films globally in box office revenue, reaching $1.38 billion. This achievement dethrones the previous record-holder, also a Chinese film, "Monkey King: Hero is Back." Released in January 2025, "Nezha 2" continues the story of the popular mythological figure, this time set 3,000 years later in a dystopian future.
Hacker News commenters discuss the success of Nezha 2, attributing it to factors beyond just domestic Chinese support. Some highlight the increasing quality of Chinese animation and storytelling, suggesting it's now attracting a wider international audience. Others mention the film's accessibility through streaming services, expanding its reach beyond theatrical releases. A few commenters express curiosity about how revenue is calculated and distributed with China's unique box office system and streaming landscape. Some also question the article's claim of "highest-grossing globally," pointing out that it omits Japanese anime films like Demon Slayer and Spirited Away which have higher lifetime grosses, and clarify that Nezha 2 is the highest-grossing non-US animated film. Finally, some comments touch upon the ongoing challenges and censorship within the Chinese film industry.
Orson Welles's "Chimes at Midnight" (1966), finally receiving a 4K restoration in 2024 from Janus Films, is a masterful adaptation of Shakespeare's Falstaff plays, focusing on the complex relationship between the aging knight and Prince Hal. The film portrays Falstaff not just as a comedic figure but also a tragic one, grappling with his own mortality and the prince's inevitable rejection. This restoration, supervised by Orson Welles expert and longtime champion Peter Bogdanovich, represents the fulfillment of Welles’s own wishes for the film's presentation and will allow audiences to experience this often-overlooked masterpiece in its intended form.
Hacker News users discussed the seeming paradox of Chimes at Midnight, a small, independent magazine achieving significant cultural impact despite its limited readership. Commenters praised the magazine's high production quality, unique content, and focus on in-depth exploration of niche topics. Some highlighted the power of physical objects and the tactile experience they offer in a digital world. Others drew parallels to the early days of the internet and the close-knit communities that formed around shared interests, suggesting Chimes at Midnight taps into a similar dynamic. The potential for small, focused publications to thrive in the current media landscape was a recurring theme, with several commenters noting the importance of catering to a specific, passionate audience rather than chasing mass appeal. A few expressed skepticism about the long-term viability of the magazine's business model, but the overall sentiment was one of admiration and cautious optimism.
Jan Miksovsky's blog post presents a humorous screenplay introducing the fictional programming language "Slowly." The screenplay satirizes common programming language tropes, including obscure syntax, fervent community debates, and the promise of effortless productivity. It follows the journey of a programmer attempting to learn Slowly, highlighting its counterintuitive features and the resulting frustration. The narrative emphasizes the language's glacial pace and convoluted approach to simple tasks, ultimately culminating in the programmer's realization that "Slowly" is ironically named and incredibly inefficient. The post is a playful commentary on the often-complex and occasionally absurd nature of learning new programming languages.
Hacker News users generally reacted positively to the screenplay format for introducing a programming language. Several commenters praised the engaging and creative approach, finding it a refreshing change from traditional tutorials. Some suggested it could be particularly effective for beginners, making the learning process less intimidating. A few pointed out the potential for broader applications of this format to other technical subjects. There was some discussion on the specifics of the chosen language (Janet) and its suitability for introductory purposes, with some advocating for more mainstream options. The practicality of using a screenplay for a full language tutorial was also questioned, with some suggesting it might be better suited as a brief introduction or for illustrating specific concepts. A common thread was the appreciation for the author's innovative attempt to make learning programming more accessible.
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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.