Decoding the Ending of The Shining: End of Jack and the Hotel's Ambiguity

The ending of Stanley Kubrick's adaptation of The Shining remains one of the most debated and intriguing parts of the film. The series of events culminates in a series of photographs that cast a shadow of ambiguity over Jack Torrance's fate. These photographs, which have sparked numerous theories and discussions, add a layer of complexity to the story, prompting audiences to question not only the characters' fates but also the underlying themes of the film. This article will explore the various interpretations of the ending and uncover the hidden references that make this piece of cinema so captivating.

Jack's Fate: The Controversial Final Scene

One of the most discussed aspects of the film is the appearance of Jack Torrance in one of the final photographs. Many viewers interpret this as an indication that Jack has died within the hotel and his soul was absorbed by the Overlook. In the film, Jack states, "I'll sell my soul for a drink," and seconds later, a ghost appears asking Jack about his preferred drink, further suggesting a supernatural exchange of Jack's soul for a drink.

The DVD and Blu-ray version of the film includes chapters named after specific scenes or events, with the final chapter titled “The Hotel Claims Jack”. This implies that the Overlook Hotel has indeed claimed Jack's soul, assuming he is now one of its eternal guests. However, some viewers argue that the image might instead show that Jack has been working at the Overlook Hotel since the 1920s, making it impossible given the film's present setting. This theory suggests that the photograph could be of one of his coworkers or friends who resemble Jack, rather than Jack himself.

Further Analysis: Hidden References and Plagiarism Claims

It is worth noting that the film’s ending is not only the subject of numerous theories but also a point of contention between author Stephen King and director Stanley Kubrick. Stephen King has suggested that Kubrick's adaptation could be seen as a form of plagiarism, given the similarities between his own work and the plot of Kubrick's movie. For instance, the Book Burnt Offerings, published in 1973, shows pictures of the house absorbing the spirits of those who died there, which is avoided in King's own The Shining. However, in Stanley Kubrick's adaptation, these elements are included, particularly the line, "You've always been here." This line hints at the supernatural presence of the hotel, directly referencing the events in Burnt Offerings.

King expressed his initial disdain for Kubrick's adaptation, suggesting that Kubrick had implied theft by referencing elements from his own work. However, these ideas are often overshadowed by the discussions around the film's ending. Kubrick's famous line and the end credits, which read:

“Here’s Johnny!”

“Now you fucking walk out of here!”

“The hotel claims him.”

These lines, as well as the final photograph, have fueled speculation about Jack's fate and the hotel's power over its guests.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the ending of The Shining is a testament to the film's complexity and the power of ambiguity. Whether Jack truly worked at the Overlook Hotel since the 1920s or whether he died within, the photograph and the final scene leave viewers questioning the true nature of the Overlook Hotel. This ambiguity is a deliberate choice by Stanley Kubrick, allowing the audience to participate in the storytelling process and create their own interpretations of the ending. It is this seamless blend of horror, mystery, and psychological thriller that makes The Shining a timeless classic in the world of cinema.