Shelley Duvall cries while watching back terrifying Shining scene during rare interview
‘We filmed that for about three weeks, every day – it was very hard,’ actor said
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
Shelley Duvall broke down in tears while watching one of The Shining’s most terrifying scenes for the first time in years.
Duvall participated in a rare interview in which she recalled her challenging time on set working with director Stanley Kubrick and Jack Nicholson, who played her husband.
In the 1980 Stephen King adaptation, Duvall played Wendy Torrance who moves to the secluded Overlook hotel alongside her husband, Jack, and son, Danny.
While stranded at the hotel, Jack slowly descends into depravity, which puts his wife and son in danger.
One scene in particular sees him frantically ranting at her, telling her: “I’m not gonna hurt you; I’m gonna bash you brains in.”
READ MORE:How tormented stars, Kubrick’s temper and box-office disaster led to an immortal horror
The extended sequence sees Jack creep towards Wendy as she backs away up a staircase, visibly distressed as she swings a baseball bat in his direction as a form of protection.
It turns out Duvall hasn’t seen the film in an extremely long time and, after watching this scene back while being interviewed by The Hollywood Reporter, felt emotional.
When asked why she was crying, Duvall said: “Because we filmed that for about three weeks. Every day. It was very hard. Jack was so good – so damn scary. I can only imagine how many women go through this kind of thing.”
Kubrick made his actors shoot that scene 127 times. Duvall stated: “It was a difficult scene, but it turned out to be one of the best in the film.”
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Duvall also acknowledged that Kubrick had a “cruel” side, adding: “He’s got that streak in him. He definitely has that. But I think mostly because people have been that way to him at some time in the past.”
READ MORE: Jack Nicholson prepares to film The Shining’s axe scene in resurfaced video
However, she rejects the suggestion that he mistreated her on the film’s set, saying: “He was very warm and friendly to me.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments