Quentin Tarantino, known for his eclectic and bold filmmaking style, has often cited Stanley Kubrick as a significant influence. According to No Film School, the Kubrick film that left a considerable mark on Tarantino is The Shining (1980). With its meticulous craftsmanship and unsettling atmosphere, this psychological horror masterpiece resonates deeply with Tarantino’s approach to storytelling, tension, and visual flair.
Why The Shining?
Kubrick’s The Shining is a study in precision, from its haunting
Steadicam shots to its layered narrative that blends psychological dread with
supernatural ambiguity. Tarantino, a director who thrives on bold stylistic
choices and narrative depth, has admired Kubrick’s ability to
create an immersive, almost suffocating atmosphere. The Overlook Hotel’s
labyrinthine corridors and Jack Nicholson’s unhinged performance as Jack
Torrance inspired Tarantino to explore intense character-driven narratives in
his work.
For instance, Tarantino’s films like Reservoir Dogs (1992) and Inglourious
Basterds (2009) echo Kubrick’s knack for building tension in confined
spaces. The infamous “ear-cutting” scene in Reservoir Dogs mirrors the
claustrophobic dread of The Shining, where the setting becomes a
character. Similarly, the opening scene of Inglourious Basterds—a
masterclass in suspense—owes a debt to Kubrick’s ability to make every frame
feel deliberate and loaded with subtext.
Shared Themes and Techniques
Both directors share a love for meticulous detail and subverting audience
expectations. Kubrick’s use of symmetry, long takes, and unsettling music in The
Shining finds parallels in Tarantino’s stylized dialogue, nonlinear
storytelling, and carefully curated soundtracks. For example, music
in The Shining—like Wendy Carlos’ eerie score—has a counterpart in
Tarantino’s iconic needle drops, such as “Stuck in the Middle with You” in Reservoir
Dogs. Both choices amplify the emotional weight of their scenes.
Tarantino also admires Kubrick’s fearless exploration of dark themes. The
Shining delves into madness, isolation, and the collapse of family, while
Tarantino’s films often tackle violence, morality, and revenge with a similar
unflinching gaze. Yet, both directors infuse their work with a sense of irony
and playfulness, making their heavy themes accessible and engaging.
A Lasting Legacy
Tarantino’s reverence for The Shining underscores a broader truth
about cinematic influence: great filmmakers inspire each other to push
boundaries. Kubrick’s technical brilliance and narrative audacity gave
Tarantino a blueprint for crafting visceral and cerebral films.
Whether it’s the Overlook's slow-burn terror or the Tarantino standoff's explosive dialogue, both directors remind us that cinema is about creating
unforgettable experiences.
Studying The Shining alongside
Tarantino’s oeuvre for aspiring filmmakers offers a masterclass in tension, style, and storytelling. As
Tarantino himself might say, it’s about taking the audience on a ride—one
that’s as thrilling as it is thought-provoking.
Want to dive deeper into Kubrick’s influence? Check out No Film School’s
article for more insights.