use of steadicam in the shining-

A major part of the filming process of the shining was the use of the steadicam mounts created by Garrett Brown. This allowed the cameraman’s movement to not affect the level or position of the camera meaning a steady shot almost anywhere, not just limited to using tracks etc.

Kubrik, the films director, got the creator to operate the steadicam during filming as to make sure it was used correctly as it was a brand new invention.

notable uses in the shining-

In one scene in the shining we follow behind Danny riding a tricycle around the the hotel hallways, the use of the steadicam in this scene helps massively to create tension within the audience, and help to emerse them within the film. This is done by, firstly, the steadicam itself not making any noise which focuses the audience on the loud noise of the wheels on Dannys tricycle, this eerie noise of the wheels unsettles the audience and builds tension and secondly, helps to emerse the viewer in the film by having zero other noises then the tricycle. For example noises that could have possibly been made by the operator of the steadicam was removed by using a wheelchair to push the operator along to film, the use of this wheelchair also allowed the steadicam to be at a lower level which is why we are able to have the along the floor shot behind Danny, which itself also helps to build tension and  emerse the viewer because as we are following behind Danny, we don’t know what is coming next or what will be around a corner, which will engage the audience as they will want to see what is coming next.

symmetry in the shining-

The use off symmetry within the shining is extremely prominent. Symmetry is used frequently through the course of the film, to effect the viewer in a way that aids the scene.

The first way the use of symmetry will effect the audiuacne is an immediate attention grab, anything centred in a shot will draw the attention of the viewer to it straight away and give them a sense that whatever object or person is being centered is important and should we payed attention to.

An example of this is the twins in the halls in the shining hotel.

Already, twin girls in matching close silent and starring would be an eerie or spooky sight for an audience, however when symmetry is added the audience no longer see this as a small eerie thought an they might have if for example the girls where features in the background of another shot. They become the entire focus of the viewer and all thoughts are on them, and as naturally auidiances try to guess hat will happen next, which in a scene like this combined with the tone and dark imagery of the film leads to some uneasy thoughts about what could happen to these girls, or what they might do.