Why The Shining’s IMAX Return Proves Shelley Duvall’s Brilliance

Forty-five years after its original 1980 debut, The Shining is making a comeback in theaters —this time, in IMAX. The film ’s return promises a heart-pounding experience, as audiences are once again drawn into the eerie halls of the Overlook Hotel. The story centers on Jack Torrance, played by Jack Nicholson, who takes a job as the winter caretaker of a secluded hotel. He brings along his wife Wendy, portrayed by Shelley Duvall, and their young son Danny. As the snow piles up outside, Jack’s grip on reality slips, leading to a terrifying spiral of violence and dread.

Over the decades, The Shining has become a pop culture touchstone, referenced in everything from animated sitcoms to prestige dramas. Yet, its journey to classic status wasn’t without controversy. Stanley Kubrick ’s adaptation of Stephen King’s novel made significant changes, especially in how Jack and Wendy were depicted and by shifting the narrative focus. King himself has been vocal about his disappointment, once saying in a 2013 interview that Kubrick’s Wendy is

“one of the most misogynistic characters ever put on film. She’s basically just there to scream and be stupid.”

Duvall even received a Razzie nomination for Worst Actress at the inaugural ceremony in 1981.

Reevaluating Wendy Torrance

Despite the initial criticism, the film has undergone a major reevaluation over the past four and a half decades—though King’s opinion remains unchanged. One aspect that still sparks debate is Duvall’s portrayal of Wendy. Much of the negativity stems from misinterpretations of her performance and persistent online myths that diminish her role. Contrary to King’s harsh assessment, Wendy is far more than a passive victim. She’s the emotional anchor of the story, amplifying the terror Jack brings to the screen. Without her, the film’s sense of danger would be hollow. Horror thrives on the dynamic between predator and prey, and The Shining is no exception.

Duvall’s work was shaped by an infamously grueling 56-week shoot that tested her endurance. The legendary staircase scene, where Wendy fends off Jack with a bat, reportedly took 127 takes—though some dispute that number. Duvall once shared,

“[Kubrick] doesn’t print anything until at least the 35th take. 35 takes, running and crying and carrying a little boy, it gets hard. And full performance from the first rehearsal. That’s difficult.”

While she’s often cast as a casualty of Kubrick’s demanding methods, Duvall herself spoke positively about their collaboration. To ignore her own perspective is, ironically, a form of the very misogyny King criticized.

The Power of Fear

Wendy’s frequent screams have been mocked, but what else could someone do when faced with a loved one threatening their life? Trapped in a bathroom as her husband hacks through the door with an ax, her terror is palpable. Duvall’s performance captures the raw, paralyzing fear of a nightmare you can’t wake up from. Her Wendy isn’t calm or collected, but she’s achingly real—her panic radiates off the screen, making the audience feel as trapped as she is. It’s a portrayal of terror that’s both relatable and unforgettable, echoing the universal experience of helplessness in the face of overwhelming fear.

For those seeking a holiday film that’s anything but traditional, the snowy isolation of The Shining’s anniversary release offers a chilling alternative. Duvall’s Wendy set the standard for horror heroines, and her legacy remains unmatched.