Behind the Scenes: The Creation of Scatman Crothers' Death Scene in 'The Shining'

When creating a critically acclaimed film like Stanley Kubrick's 'The Shining', every detail is meticulously planned and executed. One of the most memorable scenes from the film is Scatman Crothers' death scene. According to behind-the-scenes information, it took an impressive number of takes for Scatman Crothers to perform this scene, but Kubrick's editing choices were even more intriguing.

Arc of the Take: 70 Takes and Beyond

It is well-documented that producer Stanley Kubrick shot an astounding 70 takes of Scatman Crothers performing the death scene. According to some sources, during the shoot, Crothers was instructed to repeatedly go through the motions of getting hit by an axe, with each take building up to the final moment of his character's demise. This suggests a methodical and deliberate approach to capturing the perfect performance.

However, when re-watching the DVD, my observations reveal a considerably different picture. None of Kubrick's takes are used in the final scene. The character is hit with the axe and then seen on the ground. This might lead one to ponder, how many spontaneous, unplanned takes did Kubrick retrieve after his initial 70?

Original vs. Final Cut: A Tale of Censors and Creativity

It is widely believed that the original death scene was more graphic and supplementary. For some reason, Kubrick decided to edit it down to enhance the overall creepiness and to avoid controversy. The longer, more graphic version could have been seen as too disturbing for the intended audience. Censors, script adjustments, and other studio requirements likely played a role in this decision.

Christopher Nolan once said, "Sometimes you have to remove what seems important to make the whole piece work." Kubrick's decision to tone down the scene demonstrates the importance of pacing and thematic consistency in filmmaking. It ensures that the audience's experience is not overwhelmed and maintains the film's eerie and haunting atmosphere throughout.

Behind the Scenes: Excerpts from 'The Shining' Vault

The vault at the Stanley Kubrick archive at the American Film Institute (AFI's Stanley Kubrick Page) offers glimpses into the mind of a meticulous filmmaker. Archived footage, sketches, and notes reveal the nearly obsessive attention to detail Kubrick paid to every aspect of 'The Shining'. These documents provide a unique insight into the artistic and technical decisions made during the film's creation.

Interestingly, some unedited scenes include a more graphic version of Scatman Crothers' death. These scenes suggest that the final cut was meticulously canvassed for impact and emotional resonance. Even though Kubrick ultimately decided to go with a simpler and more brutal edited version, he clearly explored more graphic options.

Conclusion

The unveiling of the 70 take version of Scatman Crothers' death scene in 'The Shining' showcases the lengths to which Kubrick went to capture a perfect performance. Despite the extensive efforts, the final cut omitting the original longer version underlines his commitment to a cohesive and chilling narrative. As we explore the behind-the-scenes of 'The Shining', we can only appreciate the artistry and vision that went into this iconic film.

References

1. Kubrick, S. (1980). The Shining. Warner Bros.

2. American Film Institute. (n.d.). Stanley Kubrick's 'The Shining'. Retrieved from