'Redrum' Scene: The Shining

In this scene it is made clear to the viewers that the use of the red lipstick, the knife and Danny’s unorthodox speech reflects the deep psychological fear within him. Danny is supposedly possessed by some unknown supernatural force which causes him to do what he does in this scene.  Kubrick makes this apparent by using 3 key elements of Mise-En-Scene. Firstly, the knife is exaggerated in scale which dwarves Danny and makes the viewer aware of the fact he is only a small child and it isn't right for him to be holding such a dangerous object. This ultimately makes the viewers concerned for Danny’s well-being  Secondly, the use of the red lipstick symbolises blood and danger. As Danny is the one using the lipstick, it foreshadows that he may be at the hands of bloodshed.  The maturity associated with the use of lipstick conveys that he is being possessed by an elder supernatural force. The way in which the word ‘Redrum’ is written is childish as some letters are the wrong way around. This shows that Danny still has some control over his body and he isn’t being completely possessed by the supernatural force. Thirdly, Danny’s distorted and seemingly old voice makes it apparent to the viewers that he is possessed as it does not match his supposed innocence that a child of his age should have.

Low key lighting is used throughout this scene to create contrast and dark shadows which is a convention in this genre of film. The knife is situated directly in front of the lamp which gives it a silhouette and enhances its evil potential at the hands of Danny. The use of low key lighting and having dull colours in the room brings contrast specifically to the red lipstick as this way it will stand out more. However, it’s not just the dullness of the room and low key lighting which creates the contrast with the red lipstick. Wendy is very pale skinned so when the viewers see her wearing the lipstick it, again, makes the lipstick extremely apparent. This emphasises the danger within this room.

The use of Danny holding such large knife enhances the way in which this film’s social norms are seemingly broken. It is widely known that children should not play with knives or sharp objects; but with the use of this it shows Danny has dominance in this scene which is a key example of social norms being broken as mothers always should have dominance over their young children.

The speed in which Danny is moving and his prolonged speech pattern makes it seem as though time is moving slower. This builds up tension as the viewers are anxiously waiting for impending doom.  Usually a scene with a slow pace is a very peaceful scene; however, Kubrick has used the slow pace to portray the complete opposite as the slow pace creates masses of tension for the viewers.  

When Danny reaches up to touch the knife, the music suddenly becomes very loud and intense, and continues this way as he runs his hand down the length of the knife. This draws attention to the knife and makes the viewers focussed on it as it has been made apparent that this knife will have great significance in this scene. When Danny finishes writing ‘redrum’ on the door, the music ,again, takes a sudden loud and off key turn as he approaches Wendy with the knife; this causes the viewers to assume a panicked state. Danny’s voice mirrors the non diegetic sound as he approaches his mother; both he and the music get more intense and louder. This could be another indication to that Danny is possessed as something is mirroring what he is doing.  

When both characters are in the frame they occupy an equal amount of space, thus showing their entire body so the viewers are able to see their movements clearly. The scene is shot at Danny’s eye level so the viewers are able to connect with him in at least once sense. It could also possibly show that because Danny is possessed he may be watching this occur from beyond in a supernatural place. The knife is the main focus of this scene as it is always directly in the centre of the frame. This shows that the knife itself has evil capacity and it’s the one that will cause bloodshed.

When Danny wakes up Wendy by shouting ‘Redrum’ she grabs the knife off him and holds him close to her so Danny is now out of focus and the attention is on Wendy. The use of this shows that Wendy is now in control of this situation which foreshadows she is about to experience this supernatural force.  Wendy is now in the centre of the frame and the focus is on her lips because she is wearing the red lipstick. This is to draw attention to her shocked expression so the viewers feel the same as she looks in the mirror and sees the reflection of ‘redrum’ as ‘murder’. It is often seen as a device of the devil to spell things backwards. In this moment the viewers are seeing this at the exact same time as Wendy as the scene cuts away from Danny and Wendy and zooms in on the mirror, showing the word ‘murder’. As this happens the non diegetic sound gets very loud and intense which heightens the intensity and anxiousness of the atmosphere.