In Stanley Kubrick’s classic horror film, The Shining, the infamous axe scene is one of the most iconic and chilling moments in cinema history. Jack Nicholson’s portrayal of the deranged and unhinged Jack Torrance is unforgettable, and the intensity of this scene is still talked about to this day.
But just how many takes did it take to get this scene right? Well, according to various reports and interviews, it is said that Kubrick asked Nicholson to perform the scene a staggering 127 times! This is a testament to Kubrick’s meticulous attention to detail and his dedication to capturing the perfect shot.
Each take of the axe scene is said to have lasted around 3 days, as Kubrick wanted to capture every possible angle and nuance of Nicholson’s performance. The scene itself is a masterclass in tension and suspense, with Kubrick using long, sweeping shots and eerie silence to build the sense of dread.
It’s no wonder that Nicholson’s performance in this scene is so memorable, given the countless hours and takes that went into its creation. The axe scene in The Shining stands as a testament to both Kubrick’s perfectionism and Nicholson’s extraordinary acting abilities.
How many times was the axe scene filmed in The Shining?
The axe scene in the movie “The Shining” is one of the most iconic and memorable moments in cinema. In this scene, the character Jack, played by Jack Nicholson, breaks down a door with an axe while shouting the famous line, “Here’s Johnny!”
Director Stanley Kubrick was known for his meticulous attention to detail, and this scene was no exception. To achieve the desired effect, the axe scene was filmed a staggering number of times. According to various interviews and accounts from the cast and crew, the scene was shot a total of 127 times.
Why so many takes?
Kubrick wanted to capture the perfect combination of intensity, timing, and emotion in the axe scene. He pushed the actors to their limits, demanding multiple takes to ensure he had enough material to construct the scene exactly as he envisioned it. The repetitive nature of filming the scene over and over again allowed the actors to fine-tune their performances and explore different nuances in their delivery.
The toll it took on the actors
The extensive filming of the axe scene took a toll on both Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall, who played Wendy. The intensity of the scene required them to repeatedly perform physically and emotionally demanding actions, causing both mental and physical exhaustion.
Despite the challenging process, the end result speaks for itself. The axe scene in “The Shining” has become an iconic and unforgettable moment in film history, showcasing the dedication and commitment of both the actors and the director.
Director and actor explanations
Stanley Kubrick, the director of “The Shining,” had a specific vision for the axe scene and wanted to achieve a sense of realism and intensity. He believed that multiple takes were necessary to capture the raw emotion and energy required for the scene. Kubrick was known for his meticulous attention to detail, and this scene was no exception.
Jack Nicholson, who played the character Jack Torrance in the film, also understood the importance of repeating the scene multiple times. He wanted to deliver the best performance possible and was willing to go through numerous takes to achieve that. Nicholson’s dedication to his craft and his ability to portray the character’s descent into madness contributed to the chilling and memorable nature of the axe scene.
Despite the physical and emotional demands of filming the axe scene repeatedly, both Kubrick and Nicholson recognized the value of the process. Their commitment to their respective roles ensured that the final result was a scene that continues to be iconic in the history of cinema.
| Director: | Stanley Kubrick |
| Actor: | Jack Nicholson |
| Movie: | The Shining |
The behind-the-scenes footage
During the filming of “The Shining,” one of the most iconic and memorable scenes is the axe scene. In this scene, Jack Nicholson’s character, Jack Torrance, breaks down a bathroom door with an axe while shouting the famous line, “Here’s Johnny!” The intensity and brutality of this scene have made it one of the most discussed moments in cinema history.
Behind the camera, director Stanley Kubrick meticulously storyboarded and planned every shot, ensuring that each moment was captured perfectly. The axe scene required multiple takes to achieve the desired effect and intensity. Jack Nicholson, known for his commitment to his roles, fully embraced the character’s madness and delivered an exceptional performance in each take.
The behind-the-scenes footage of the axe scene reveals the dedication and talent of everyone involved. The camera angles, lighting, and sound were carefully planned and executed to create a sense of claustrophobia and terror. Each take showed variations in the intensity and delivery of the lines, with Nicholson improvising in some instances, adding an extra layer of unpredictability to the scene.
Challenges and Extras
Creating the perfect axe scene was not without its challenges. The door used in the scene was specially constructed to withstand the force of the axe strikes, ensuring the safety of the actors and crew. However, this meant that multiple doors had to be prepared and replaced after each take, adding to the complexity and time required for filming.
Additionally, the behind-the-scenes footage includes scenes of the crew setting up the shots, adjusting lighting, and discussing the details of the scene. This glimpse into the production process provides a valuable insight into the artistry and collaboration required to bring a scene to life.
A lasting cinematic masterpiece
Despite the numerous takes and meticulous planning involved in capturing the axe scene, it remains one of the most iconic moments in “The Shining” and cinematic history. The combination of Stanley Kubrick’s directing, Jack Nicholson’s unforgettable performance, and the dedication of the entire crew resulted in a scene that continues to captivate audiences and inspire filmmakers to this day.
| Behind-the-scenes footage of the axe scene: |
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| Link to behind-the-scenes footage |
Film Editing Process
The film editing process is a crucial part of creating a movie. It involves selecting and arranging shots to create a coherent and engaging story. Here is a step-by-step overview of the film editing process:
- Organizing the footage: The first step in film editing is organizing all the footage that was shot during production. This involves categorizing and labeling the shots based on their content and importance to the story.
- Assembly editing: Once the footage is organized, the editor begins assembling the shots in the order they were shot. This assembly edit provides a rough overall structure for the film.
- Rough cut: After the assembly edit, the editor starts refining the footage by removing any unnecessary shots or scenes. This rough cut is the first version of the film that begins to resemble the final product.
- Fine cut: In the fine cut stage, the editor focuses on pacing and rhythm, carefully selecting the best shots and sequences to enhance the storytelling. This process involves tightening the edit, adding transitions, and fine-tuning the audio.
- Sound design: Once the visual edit is complete, the film’s sound design is created. This includes adding dialogue, music, sound effects, and ambient noise to enhance the overall cinematic experience.
- Visual effects and color grading: If necessary, the film may undergo visual effects work to enhance or alter certain shots. Additionally, color grading is done to ensure consistent color and tone throughout the film.
- Final cut: The final cut is the completed version of the film. It is the result of all the editing decisions made throughout the process and is ready for distribution or presentation.
The film editing process requires a deep understanding of storytelling, pacing, and technical skills. Through careful selection and arrangement of shots, the editor shapes the raw footage into a cohesive and powerful cinematic experience.
Impact on the final cut
The infamous axe scene in “The Shining” has had a significant impact on the final cut of the film. Director Stanley Kubrick was known for his meticulous attention to detail and his desire for perfection, which resulted in numerous takes for this particular scene.
The multiple takes of the axe scene allowed Kubrick to experiment with different angles, lighting, and performances from the actors. This process allowed him to find the perfect combination that would evoke the desired emotions and create the desired impact on the audience.
Enhanced suspense and tension
The numerous takes of the axe scene helped Kubrick to build a sense of suspense and tension throughout the film. By showcasing different takes from various perspectives, he was able to heighten the feeling of uncertainty and keep the audience on the edge of their seats.
Additionally, the repetition of the axe scene allowed Kubrick to fine-tune the timing and pacing of the sequence. This meticulous attention to detail resulted in a scene that is often regarded as one of the most iconic and suspenseful moments in cinematic history.
Showcasing Jack Nicholson’s performance
One of the main motivations behind the multiple takes was to showcase Jack Nicholson’s exceptional performance as Jack Torrance. Kubrick wanted to capture every nuance of Nicholson’s portrayal of the character, allowing his talent to shine through in every frame.
Through the various takes, Kubrick was able to capture Nicholson’s intensity, unpredictability, and sheer madness in a way that emphasized his character’s descent into insanity. This contributed to the overall impact and success of the film, solidifying Nicholson’s performance as one of the most memorable in his career.
| Effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Suspense and tension | Multiple takes heightened the sense of uncertainty and kept the audience on the edge of their seats. |
| Timing and pacing | Repetition allowed for fine-tuning of the sequence, resulting in a scene with perfect timing and pacing. |
| Showcasing performance | Various takes captured Jack Nicholson’s exceptional performance, emphasizing his character’s madness. |
