Did Jack Nicholson face cheese sandwich phobia during the making of The Shining
Unveiling the Mystique: Jack Nicholson and Stanley Kubrick’s Unusual Rumor During The Shining
For decades, the collaboration between Jack Nicholson and Stanley Kubrick on the 1980 horror classic, The Shining, has fueled a plethora of intriguing rumors and myths. Kubrick, known for his meticulously detailed filmmaking style and enigmatic public persona, often found himself at the center of speculation. His rare public appearances and precise directorial methods have crafted an almost mythological aura around his legendary career, which includes masterpieces such as Dr. Strangelove, A Clockwork Orange, and Eyes Wide Shut.
The Origins of Kubrick’s Eccentric Reputation
Stanley Kubrick’s reclusive nature contributed to the topics of gossip surrounding him. Yet, he often challenged these narratives. In a notable 1987 discussion, the director rejected claims of his reclusiveness, asserting that he regularly hosted friends and industry colleagues at his home in Hertfordshire.
Addressing bizarre rumors, such as wearing a football helmet while driving, maintaining a strict speed limit of 30 miles per hour, and even helicoptering in pest control for his garden, Kubrick expressed his frustration: “I lead a relatively normal life, I think,” he stated, emphasizing how such absurdities take on a life of their own.
The Cheese Sandwich Conundrum: Fact or Fiction?
One of the most peculiar rumors to emerge from the production of The Shining is the story involving Jack Nicholson being forced to consume only cheese sandwiches while on set. According to this narrative, Kubrick aimed to incite emotional turmoil in Nicholson by providing him with his least favorite food. This supposed strategy was intended to amplify Nicholson’s performance as his character descends into madness.
While it may sound far-fetched, it highlights Kubrick’s unconventional approaches to eliciting raw emotion from his performers. The rumor suggests that by making Nicholson endure something he loathed, Kubrick hoped to capture more authentic feelings on film.
The Impact on Shelley Duvall: A Troubling Experience
Moreover, the production had taxing effects on actress Shelley Duvall, who portrayed Wendy Torrance. Reports indicate that Kubrick’s techniques required Duvall to remain in a state of constant fear, resulting in significant physical and emotional strain. She recounted her experience, noting the emotional toll and her efforts to prepare for scenes by listening to somber music to invoke the necessary feelings.
- Duvall described the emotional exhaustion she felt while shooting the film.
- She reiterated how the constant pressure led her body to rebel: “I don’t want to cry every day.”
Debunking the 127 Takes Myth
Another key aspect of the production lore involves the infamous scene where Nicholson’s character threatens Duvall with a baseball bat. While it has been widely reported that this scene was shot a staggering 127 times, Lee Unkrich, who authored a making-of book about The Shining, contests this exaggeration. He clarified that records show no shot exceeded 15 takes, with the highest being for an introductory dolly shot.
| Shot Type | Take Count |
|---|---|
| General Shots | Max 15 |
| Introductory Dolly Shot | Highest |
Assessing the Cheese Sandwich Claim
Despite its enduring popularity, the cheese sandwich rumor regarding Nicholson remains unverified. Unkrich, who has extensively researched the film, finds this tale particularly amusing yet fundamentally incorrect, labeling it “ridiculous.” The perpetuation of such myths illustrates how easily misinformation can circulate in the realm of cinema.
In conclusion, while the legend of Jack Nicholson’s culinary tribulations during the making of The Shining persists, evidence suggests that this particular story is more fiction than fact. The interplay of truth and myth in Hollywood is a fascinating phenomenon, reminding us of the enigmatic genius of Stanley Kubrick and the captivating tales of those who worked alongside him.
The post Did Jack Nicholson face cheese sandwich phobia during the making of The Shining appeared first on CDN3 - el-balad.com.
