The Shining, recreated

Charles Papert · July 7th, 2008, 07:57 AM

For those who are familiar with Vivian Kubrick's fascinating documentary on "The Shining" that has appeared on the past two DVD versions of the movie, this is a wonderful clip that recreates behind the scenes of the classic film, including look-alikes for crew members seen in the documentary and picture-perfect copies of various sets from the film.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008...annel4.kubrick

The story behind the clip is worth reading on that page, but the video is squeezed; a more accurate version of the clip can be seen here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PG3Dc...eature=related

Buba Kastorski · July 7th, 2008, 09:04 AM

that kind of shots make me put the rig on and go,
awesome work!

Brian Drysdale · July 7th, 2008, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buba Kastorski

that kind of shots make me put the rig on and go,
awesome work!

I wonder if they did a Kubrick number of takes. From memory, I recall Garrett Brown saying they did 36 takes up that staircase.

James Hooey · July 18th, 2008, 12:17 AM

Very cool Charles. The Shining is probably my favorite movie ever. The recreation of the sets and actors and such was well done. Seems that everytime I watch the clip I start noticing a little more leaning with the steadycam around corners and some slightly jerky moves. The ending sort of floats around a bit too. Do you agree or my hyper sensitivity to the shot in your opinion?

Charles Papert · July 18th, 2008, 02:29 AM

Well, all the things you mentioned are present in the shot, so I can't dispute that. The horizon issues are pretty classic--panning while making wide arcing turns with a rig presents a particular challenge to maintain level. I wouldn't want to be too harsh as it is a tough shot and many of the more delicate aspects of framing and timing were well met. Not knowing who operated this, I wouldn't want to be too judgmental about it but I know that if it had been my work, I would still concur with your findings.

It's a fine line when one is in the learning stages of Steadicam--I like to see new ops be constructively critical of their work but not overally harsh or quickly frustrated as it is such a long-term process. I'm the first person to see errors or sloppiness in my own work; there's almost always room for improvement somewhere.

Brian Drysdale · July 18th, 2008, 04:17 PM

I think part of the charm is that it looks like a Steadicam shot, especially since the connection is so well known by film buffs. Also, the film is important for the development of two handed operation as against the singled handed Steadicam operation.

I've had directors complain because there isn't that floaty effect, so you can't get too hung up - it's what what works for each shot. Although, I'm always happiest when it looks like a dolly.

James Hooey · July 19th, 2008, 01:03 AM

Thanks Charles and Brian for giving my eyes some confirmation.

By no means would I suggest that this is poor work...on the contrary there is much that I like about the shot. It's examples like this that I love to study and learn from to better my own stabalizer proficiency.

I agree completely with the framing and timing of everything btw....it's pulled off very well and has a very behind the scenes 'live' look to it even though I would guess it was fully rehearsed several times.

July 7th, 2008, 07:57 AM	#1
Charles Papert Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 4,988	The Shining, recreated For those who are familiar with Vivian Kubrick's fascinating documentary on "The Shining" that has appeared on the past two DVD versions of the movie, this is a wonderful clip that recreates behind the scenes of the classic film, including look-alikes for crew members seen in the documentary and picture-perfect copies of various sets from the film. http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008...annel4.kubrick The story behind the clip is worth reading on that page, but the video is squeezed; a more accurate version of the clip can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PG3Dc...eature=related __________________ Charles Papert, SOC www.charlespapert.com

July 18th, 2008, 12:17 AM	#4
James Hooey Major Player Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Bruce Pennisula, Canada Posts: 266	Very cool Charles. The Shining is probably my favorite movie ever. The recreation of the sets and actors and such was well done. Seems that everytime I watch the clip I start noticing a little more leaning with the steadycam around corners and some slightly jerky moves. The ending sort of floats around a bit too. Do you agree or my hyper sensitivity to the shot in your opinion? __________________ http://www.revostock.com/ViewProfile.html?&ID=4811 If I'm not learning something I'm bored.

July 18th, 2008, 02:29 AM	#5
Charles Papert Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 4,988	Well, all the things you mentioned are present in the shot, so I can't dispute that. The horizon issues are pretty classic--panning while making wide arcing turns with a rig presents a particular challenge to maintain level. I wouldn't want to be too harsh as it is a tough shot and many of the more delicate aspects of framing and timing were well met. Not knowing who operated this, I wouldn't want to be too judgmental about it but I know that if it had been my work, I would still concur with your findings. It's a fine line when one is in the learning stages of Steadicam--I like to see new ops be constructively critical of their work but not overally harsh or quickly frustrated as it is such a long-term process. I'm the first person to see errors or sloppiness in my own work; there's almost always room for improvement somewhere. __________________ Charles Papert, SOC www.charlespapert.com

July 19th, 2008, 01:03 AM	#7
James Hooey Major Player Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Bruce Pennisula, Canada Posts: 266	Thanks Charles and Brian for giving my eyes some confirmation. By no means would I suggest that this is poor work...on the contrary there is much that I like about the shot. It's examples like this that I love to study and learn from to better my own stabalizer proficiency. I agree completely with the framing and timing of everything btw....it's pulled off very well and has a very behind the scenes 'live' look to it even though I would guess it was fully rehearsed several times. __________________ http://www.revostock.com/ViewProfile.html?&ID=4811 If I'm not learning something I'm bored.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

July 7th, 2008, 09:04 AM	#2
Buba Kastorski Major Player Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Canada Posts: 234	that kind of shots make me put the rig on and go, awesome work!

July 18th, 2008, 04:17 PM	#6
Brian Drysdale Trustee Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Belfast, UK Posts: 1,004	I think part of the charm is that it looks like a Steadicam shot, especially since the connection is so well known by film buffs. Also, the film is important for the development of two handed operation as against the singled handed Steadicam operation. I've had directors complain because there isn't that floaty effect, so you can't get too hung up - it's what what works for each shot. Although, I'm always happiest when it looks like a dolly.