Key Takeaways:
– Jack Nicholson's famous “Here's Johnny” scene in The Shining was largely influenced by his past as a firefighter.
– The original take had to be reshot as Nicholson broke the door too quickly due to his adeptness at door-breaking.
– The reshoot of the scene used a real wooden door instead of a prop, adding to its scary impact.
Behind the Legendary Scene from The Shining
Hollywood has served up many iconic scenes. Still, none have perhaps managed to capture the collective imagination quite like Jack Nicholson's axe-wielding, door-busting “Here's Johnny” moment from Stanley Kubrick's 1980 horror classic, The Shining. The scene, where Nicholson's character, Jack Torrance, descends into madness and tries to murder his wife and child, is seared into our memories. The credit for such a memorable scene goes not only to Kubrick but also to Nicholson's background skills.
Looking Back at Nicholson's Past
Nicholson brings a unique flavor to his on-screen roles, his past work surprisingly aiding his acting prowess. Before becoming a Hollywood star, Nicholson worked as a firefighter. This role required him to have a knack for breaking down doors and maintaining a high level of physical fitness. This training came in handy during the shooting of the aforementioned scene from The Shining.
A Mishap that Led to Revising the Scene
The riveting scene of Nicholson smashing a bathroom door with an axe and shouting “Here's Johnny” could have been a lot different. Initially, the door used for the scene was a prop. However, Nicholson, true to his firefighter training, broke it too quickly once the cameras rolled. This turn of events led to the scene losing its anticipated impact and tension.
To solve this, the crew decided to reshoot the scene, this time using a real wooden door instead of a prop. Stanley Kubrick yelled ‘action,' and Nicholson get into character, breaking down the door with an unnerving energy. The reshooting paid off, adding to the chilling authenticity of the terror that the scene conveyed.
A Permanent Mark on Pop-Culture
The reshoot evidently did the trick. Nicholson's trepidation-inducing peep into the bathroom through a hole in the door remains a chilling memory for horror fans. This testament to Nicholson's acting chops and his background as a firefighter will forever remain one of the most impactful scenes in Hollywood.
The Aftermath and Recognition
Upon its release, The Shining received critical acclaim, earning a rating of 8.4/10 on IMDB and 83% on Rotten Tomatoes. The film's spine-chilling scenes, including Nicholson's iconic performance, have ensured its enduring popularity. Today, it is available for rent on Apple TV+ in the U.S.
In conclusion, Nicholson's journey from fighting real fires to creating cinematic ones is a fascinating tale of an actor's commitment to their art. The actor's experience, coupled with Kubrick's visionary approach, gave birth to an unforgettable scene that is sure to send chills down your spine even after four decades.
Now, whenever you visualize Jack Nicholson from The Shining, remember that his terrifying performance in the “Here's Johnny” scene was significantly aided by his real-life expertise. His character might have been under the influence of malevolent spirits, but his door-breaking skills were undoubtedly pure Nicholson.
