Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining, based on Stephen King’s acclaimed novel, has earned its place as one of the most iconic horror films of all time. The story follows the Torrance family—Jack, a writer played by Jack Nicholson, his wife Wendy, and their son Danny—who take on the role of winter caretakers for an isolated hotel. Upon arriving, Jack learns of a dark history: a previous caretaker succumbed to madness, killing his entire family before taking his own life. Kubrick’s adaptation differs from King’s original vision, a point that left the author disappointed. However, the film’s impact remains undeniable, filled with unforgettable scenes that linger long after viewing.
Diverging Themes: King vs. Kubrick
While Kubrick’s adaptation took creative liberties that introduced broader psychological horror, Stephen King’s original novel centered around a very personal, haunting theme: alcoholism and its potential to devastate families. King intended for Jack’s descent to be a cautionary tale about addiction, its dangers, and the destructive impact it can have on relationships. This is poignantly illustrated when Jack’s character begins his downfall after meeting the ghostly bartender in the hotel, a metaphor for his struggle with alcohol.
Alcoholism in Society: A Difficult Conversation
Discussing alcoholism can be challenging, particularly because alcohol consumption is deeply embedded in many cultures. For example, in Japan, many salarymen frequently visit izakayas (places where alcohol is served) after work, creating a social expectation around drinking. In Western countries, bars and pubs serve as familiar venues for celebrating events or milestones, and celebratory scenes with champagne—whether in sports like F1 or the NBA—reinforce the message that drinking is a normative, even celebratory, behavior.
Alcohol and the Brain: A Controlled Mind?
Like many drugs, alcohol directly impacts the brain, notably suppressing activity in the anterior prefrontal cortex, the region responsible for inhibitions. While alcohol may offer temporary relief or pleasure, it’s addictive, impairing judgment and inhibiting self-reflection. Some argue that alcohol’s widespread acceptance and promotion may serve as a tool for societal control, much like the “bread and circuses” of Ancient Rome. By promoting alcohol, society may be unintentionally encouraging a behavior that, while socially accepted, limits individual awareness and critical thought.
A Personal Perspective: The Real Cost of Alcohol
As a former alcohol addict, I can testify that alcohol offers no true benefits. Socially, relationships built while under the influence lack authenticity, as they stem from a version of ourselves dulled by intoxication. Physically, alcohol is one of the few substances that can cross the blood-brain barrier, directly damaging brain cells that cannot regenerate. Sleep after drinking is compromised, failing to provide the restorative benefits of a sober night’s rest. For many, the idea of life without alcohol seems daunting, underscoring just how entrenched this substance is in our lives and how conditioned we are to view it as a necessary aspect of social interaction.
Kubrick’s The Shining, while deviating from King’s intent, serves as a profound reminder of how addiction—especially alcohol—can corrode not just individuals, but entire families. King’s exploration of alcoholism remains relevant, reminding us of the potential perils that lurk within widely accepted social norms. By examining the personal and societal consequences of alcohol, we gain insight into our relationship with this substance and are prompted to question its role in our lives and in society at large.
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