‘[Kubrick] actually took out a scene … where Jack finds the scrapbook in the boiler room. And I thought that was very important because you had to know the moment in which he came under the control of the hotel. It’s like the moment in a fairy story when the hero takes the poison apple. The main character makes a mistake that brings them into the grip of evil. That was when Jack made his mistake. Before that, it could have gone either way. It’s his vanity and his hope to be a great writer that leads him to take this scrapbook as a gold mine of subjects. That was written and shot. I was sorry to see that Kubrick cut that out.’
“‘[Kubrick] actually took out a scene … where Jack finds the scrapbook in the boiler room. And I thought that was very important because you had to know the moment in which he came under the control of the hotel. It’s like the moment in a fairy story when the hero takes the poison apple. The main character makes a mistake that brings them into the grip of evil. That was when Jack made his mistake. Before that, it could have gone either way. It’s his vanity and his hope to be a great writer that leads him to take this scrapbook as a gold mine of subjects. That was written and shot. I was sorry to see that Kubrick cut that out.’”— Novelist Diane Johnson, co-screenwriter of The Shining, discussing a deleted scene in a 2002 interview. (via the-overlook-hotel)
Anyone who read the book knows that was a pivotal moment for Jack. Also Mr. Halloran’s character in the book and is full of wisdom, grace, and gruffness and a better ending. Wendy is also much stronger and not a quivering mass her only concern is doing what is best for her son. Love this book.
I Kind of felt that Kubrick wanted to take it more in a “is this the supernatural or insanity at play?” direction. Doing so would make taking scenes like that out somewhat understandable. That said, I loved the book.
