The Controversial 'Tony' in The Shining: A Closer Look at Kubrick's Daring Choices

Stephen King's magnum opus, The Shining, has captured the imaginations of horror fans for decades. However, not all elements from King's novel make it into Stanley Kubrick's iconic film adaptation, and one such element is the fictional character 'Tony.'

The Origin of Tony

In the book, Danny Torrance, the protagonist, has an imaginary friend named Tony. This friend serves as a critical ally and warning system for Danny, especially when the Overlook Hotel first welcomes his father as a winter caretaker. Tony communicates with Danny through finger-puppetry, a subtle yet profound method that conveys a unique form of communication between these two characters.

Why the Film Decision?

The film adaptation, directed by Stanley Kubrick, chose a more practical and less ethereal approach to Danny's imagined companion. Instead of featuring a finger puppet, Kubrick opted for a young actor to improvise the character. This decision was met with mixed reactions. Critics praised the creativity of the young actor's performance but, as mentioned, the knee-jerk response from some was to question the artistic liberties taken by the director.

One of the most contentious changes was the choice to use a finger puppet rather than a male actor. In the book, Danny frequently engages in conversations and physical interactions with Tony, which the film couldn't fully capture. The director's choice of a finger puppet was seen as a practical solution but, as my previous sentiments indicated, quite insulting to the original story's integrity.

Key Elements Missed in the Film

The actress who played Danny in the film commented on the stark differences between the novel and the film, highlighting the many elements left out. One notable absence is the glass-domed clock, which served as a crucial prop in the book. This clock, later known as 'Danny's Crystal Ball,' frequently shows Danny glimpses of his potential fate and becomes a source of dread and suspense in the narrative.

The absence of this pivotal prop is not the only oversight. The book's inclusion of giant, animatronic hedge animals adds to the atmospheric and horrific experience. Kubrick chose a hedge maze, which, while much less menacing, still elicits a sense of fear and claustrophobia in the audience. Given the technology available at the time, it seems extraordinary that such a detailed and interactive prop was not utilized in the film adaptation.

The Shining's Breathtaking Elements

Despite the reimagined plot elements, Kubrick's adaptation maintains its haunting and chilling atmosphere. One such element is the choice of a roque mallet as Jack Torrance's weapon. The book’s description of the mallet's sound when Jack swings it is vivid and evocative: a "whooshing" sound that sends a chill down the spine. Kubrick's film, while perhaps less evocative in this instance, still manages to convey the same menacing presence.

Conclusion

Overall, while The Shining novel and film differ in many respects, the book’s depiction of Tony provides a richer and more intricate narrative. The finger-puppet technique, though striking in its simplicity, is unable to fully capture the depth and complexity of Tony's role. The book, on the other hand, offers a more detailed and nuanced look at Danny’s psychic abilities and the manipulative nature of the Overlook Hotel.