Actress Shelley Duvall, who was known for playing eccentric characters in several popular films recently passed away due to complications from diabetes. The veteran actress left behind a lasting legacy, which for better or worse includes her iconic performance in the 1980 horror film The Shining, directed by Stanley Kubrick.
The film proved to be extremely challenging for Duvall and the excruciating process she underwent deeply affected her even during the later stages of her career. However, during an interview conducted before the film’s shooting, Duvall suggested that she was aware of the challenges of working with Kubrick, and here is what she had to say.
Shelley Duvall Knew the Challenges of Working With Stanley Kubrick on The Shining
Actress Shelley Duvall played the role of Wendy Torrance in The Shining, starring opposite Jack Nicholson. The film initially debuted to mixed reviews but over the years has achieved a cult status, being dubbed one of the best horror films of all time.
During a conversation with Interview Magazine in 1977, Duvall spoke about the then-upcoming film directed by Stanley Kubrick and shared details about the project. The actress revealed that the shoot was expected to last 15 to 25 weeks and called the script frightening.
When I first heard of it I was wondering why Stanley Kubrick would want to do this film and then I read the book and it turns out, I think, to be really primal about fears and about the fears that one has in a relationship with another person.
Duvall made the above statement expressing her excitement to work with Kubrick on the horror film. However, the actress’ words also suggest that she knew the process would be extremely grueling.
In the interview, she also revealed that the cast was very small and the film would be shot in London. Moreover, with Duvall underlining the film’s attempt to explore primal fears, it is evident that the actress expected the process to be challenging. Nonetheless, she seemed committed to the part.
The Shining Almost Ruined Shelley Duvall’s Life After a Gruelling 13-month Shoot
The Shining began filming in May 1978 and wrapped in July 1979, lasting a total of thirteen months. The shoot proved extremely grueling for Duvall, who later opened up about the experience of working with Stanley Kubrick on the movie.
Duvall found the process unbearable and draining, especially since she reportedly had to perform almost 127 takes of the infamous staircase scene from the movie. Describing the experience in an interview with People, Duvall said:
Crying 12 hours a day for weeks on end. I will never give that much again. If you want to get into pain and call it art, go ahead, but not with me.
From Duvall’s words, it is evident that the film had a deep emotional impact on her and had scarred the actress to a certain extent.
In her later years, Duvall’s mental health struggles were well documented in the media, with her experience on The Shining being cited as a major factor in the same. However, the actress maintained that Kubrick was very warm and friendly to her despite having a mean streak to him. Duvall passed away on July 11, 2024, at the age of 75.
The Shining is streaming on Max.
