Expert: Popcorn Guy - 2/26/2006

Question
YES, I JUST WATCHED THE SHINING TODAY AND FOR THE FIRST TIME I REALIZED I DON'T UNDERSTAND SOME THINGS? FIRST OF THE LITTLE BOY (JACK'S SON) DOES HE HAVE 2 PERSONALITES? HE TALKS TO HIS (FRIEND) TONY? WHO IS TONY? AND HOW DOES HE SEE THINGS IN THE FUTURE?AS ALSO THE OTHER GUY CAN SEE THINGS? HOW? AND WHY IN THE END OF THE MOVIE THEY SHOW JACK IN A PICTURE AT THE HOTEL IN 1920? OH AND DID THE PARENTS OF TOMMY KNOW HE HAD THIS (POWER)?OR PROBLEM?

Answer
Hi, Lucy...

I'm very hesitant on spilling details about movies... not out of spoiler problems or anything, but there are things tht are left open to interpretation...

There is no explpanation as to the "how" or "why" Danny and Halloran have the power they have, any more than any person can explain why they have psychic powers of any sort. Danny's parents both know he has an imaginary friend named Tony that seems to tell him things once in a while, and that seems to warn him when danger is near. Whether that's a second personality or not, I would say no. If you want a better explanation of the relationship between Danny and Tony, I suggest reading Stephen King's book.

Why does Jack show up in the picture from the '20's? What do you think it means? I have always interpreted it as whatever evil that possesses Jack has always been in The Overlook, and will remain there, like a photo, waiting to be experienced again and again. But, as I said, that's a moment that director Stanley Kubrick put in as an eyecacher, to make the audience think about what they jsut saw. And Kubrick never explained the images and thought-provocations in his films. He let the audience make up their own minds....

Hope this helps,

PCG