LANGUAGE ANALYSIS OF 'THE SHINING' MOVIE

Released in 1980, 'The Shining' is a horror film directed by Stanley Kubrick. Based on Stephen King's novel titled "The Shining", this movie stars Jack Nicholson, Danny Lloyd, Shelley Duvall and Scatman Crothers. It revolves around the protagonist's slow descend into madness as his creative frustration, isolation and mental instability overtake the better part of him.

The movie creates an extremely eerie and discomforting atmosphere with the use of dialogues, imagery and other non-verbal components. One of the most famous dialogues of the movie include "Little pigs, little pigs, let me come in. Not by the hair of your chiny- chin- chin? Well then I'll huff and I'll puff, and I'll blow your house in." Said by Jack Torrance, this quote is an excerpt from the fairy tale "The Three Little Pigs". In that context, it is said by the Big Bad Wolf as he tries to enter into the houses of the three pigs. Here, it has been used as a way of creating tension and a sense of impending fear as Jack tries to gain access to his wife with an axe in his hand. The scene demonstrates how elements from classic literature and folklore can be used on screen to create more psychological depth.

As Jack grows closer to his total descent into madness, we can see the change in his tone, diction and methods. He can be seen making use of manipulative language so as to guilt-trip his wife. In the dialogue, "And you are concerned about him. And are you concerned about me?", we can see him using a manipulative tone so as to assert dominance over his wife.

The movie also uses language as a way to showcase certain themes.Danny has some psychic abilities that manifest in the form of his imaginary friend (Tony). This friend apparently uses a croaking version of Danny's voice to communicate. The word "REDRUM" is scribbled by Danny on the door of his mother's room while croaking the word repeatedly in a trance. This word is a palindrome of 'murder' and is used as a way to hint the intention of Jack. 

One of the dialogues in the movie say, "Women, can't live with them, can't live without them." It reflects traditional gender stereotypes and attitude towards women during that period and portrays women in a negative light.

Another dialogue in the movie mentions a racial slur used for Hallorann Said by Jack Torrance, this usage reflects realism and also, Jack's slow loss of control over his senses. From another perspective, it reflects racial stereotypes towards black people. 

The repetition of the proverbial phrase "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy" in Jack's supposed 'new piece of writing' shows the peak of his psychological deterioration. It reflects his creative frustration and his growing sense of isolation in the hotel. Usually taken in the sense of having a balanced lifestyle with equal work and leisure, here this proverb signifies something much more deeper, creating a visual representation of Jack's obsession and madness.

This is how the movie, "The Shining" was able to create a successful psychological thriller with the use of polished dialogues, imagery, hints and symbolic elements. Overall, the usage of language in the movie is very helpful in creating a better understanding of the film's themes and messages.