Stark Contrast: The Shining vs. The Exorcist

When it comes to choosing between The Exorcist (1973) and The Shining (1980), I will lean towards The Shining. My decision is not entirely based on the technical brilliance of each film, though Friedkin's direction in The Exorcist was undoubtedly phenomenal. Instead, it is rooted in the moral and philosophical themes at the core of The Shining.

Primary Themes and Moral Dilemmas

The Exorcist raises an intricate moral and philosophical question: is evil inherently residing in the Devil, or is it more about the 'God' who permits such atrocities to befall an innocent child? The film presumes the truth of the Catholic form of Christianity, where God, Jesus, supernatural phenomena, and trials of faith are all central.

The protagonist, Regan, is subjected to unimaginable horrors, and the antagonist is a powerful demon, Pazuzu. The underlying message is that a God who allows such barbarism seems more monstrous than the monsters themselves. If the god allows his creations to suffer, he ceases to be a benevolent father figure. This raises devastating questions about divine morality and the nature of a loving deity.

Why The Shining Stands Tall

On the other hand, Stephen King's adaptation of The Shining offers a more nuanced critique. As director Stanley Kubrick elucidates, the film explores themes of exploitation, class struggle, and the corrupting influence of power. Jack Torrance, the main character, illustrates the underprivileged seeking to rise and move upward in society, but instead succumbing to the dominance of the powerful.

Jack Torrance symbolizes the unworthy dominant figure, willing to sacrifice his wife and son to please his 'betters'. This narrative doesn't rely on demons and devils but on the inherent evil of abusive and exploitative systems. Kubrick challenges the audience to confront the real-world issues of power and dominance, rather than attributing evil to mythical beings. The film’s closing scene leaves a more promising note of resistance and survival.

Commentary on Religious Beliefs and Horror as Metaphor

Blatty's creation of The Exorcist is deeply rooted in Christian theology, which affects its portrayal of demonic possession. As Joseph Atwill's Caesar's Messiah suggests, the idea of demonic possession might have originated as a political and revolutionary narrative rather than a religious one. This reinterpretation offers a critical perspective that challenges the religious status quo.

Kubrick's approach in The Shining transcends supernatural elements to a more profound exploration of social issues. The film's antagonist, the Overlook Hotel, symbolizes a corrupt institution, exploiting the marginalized for profit. This critique of societal structures and the abuse of power is a more potent horror, one that resonates long after the credits roll.

Conclusion: A More Intriguing Mirage

In conclusion, The Shining stands as a more insightful and thought-provoking horror film. It takes the audience on a journey through the dark corridors of class struggle and power dynamics, rather than relying on the simplistic dichotomy of good versus evil. While The Exorcist offers less contemporary issues, The Shining leaves a lasting impact by questioning the very foundations of societal structures.

Both films offer terrifying and unforgettable moments, but The Shining ultimately provides a more complex and enduring critique of the world we live in.