For my Iconic scene I decided to look at the “Heres Johnny” scene from the shining, this is seemingly on the most fomous scnese in horror movie history.
The Camera Work
Watching this scene with no volume to focus on the camera work, several key elements stood out.
First, there are many fast cuts and zoom-ins, especially on Jack’s face. These quick edits heighten the intensity, making his movements feel unpredictable and erratic.
Additionally, when Jack is swinging the axe, the camera subtly moves back and forth, mimicking the rhythm of his swings. This technique makes the viewer feel the force of each blow, pulling them into the action.
One of the most striking shots occurs when Jack’s face appears through the broken door—his face dominates the frame, making it the only thing we see. This extreme close-up enhances the horror, forcing us to confront his manic expression up close.
In contrast, when we see Wendy, she is often framed from a farther, wider angle, making her appear smaller and more vulnerable. This reinforces the power imbalance between her and Jack—while he fills the screen with his presence, she is dwarfed by her surroundings, emphasizing her fear and helplessness.
Kubrick’s camera choices in this scene don’t just capture the action; they actively manipulate the audience’s emotions, making us feel as trapped and terrified as Wendy herself.
The Audio Track
Listening to the scene without visuals, the audio alone amplifies the tension and reinforces the sense of scarcity and imminent danger. The music is minimal but highly effective—it doesn’t need to be loud because Jack’s voice alone is terrifying enough. The music, devoid of a clear melody, enhances the unsettling atmosphere, creating a sense of unease. The absence of a definitive musical theme makes everything feel more unpredictable and ominous.
When Jack swings the axe, the music swells slightly, adding to the panic and urgency of the moment. However, it’s not just the music that makes the scene tense—the sound of the axe hitting the wood and the screeching grind of the axe’s edge further heighten the dread. These sounds are visceral, making the violence feel immediate and real. Wendy’s screams—raw and desperate—emphasize the intensity of her fear, allowing us to hear exactly what she’s feeling.
Jack’s voice, especially when he delivers the famous line, “Here’s Johnny!”, is almost taunting, making it even more chilling. His tone suggests a twisted enjoyment, which is disturbing because it contrasts with the terror in Wendy’s voice. His almost gleeful delivery adds a layer of psychological horror that makes the scene all the more unsettling. This choice is a brilliant example of the actor’s performance, as Jack Nicholson’s line delivery heightens the scene’s emotional impact.
Another powerful use of sound is the strategic silence before Jack speaks. The quiet before he delivers his lines is punctuated only by Wendy’s breathless gasps, which makes Jack’s words feel even more piercing and menacing. The absence of sound before the chaos creates a moment of anticipation, making the audience feel the full weight of the silence before it is broken by Jack’s chilling voice.
Putting it all Together
Watching the scene all together, both the camera work and audio combine seamlessly to create this iconic moment in The Shining. The zoom-ins and framing, paired with the audio, make the viewer feel as though they are right there in the bathroom with Wendy, especially in the shot where Jack’s face peeks through the door. The intense close-up on Jack’s face dominates the frame, exaggerating his madness and making the moment feel even more terrifying. The zoom-ins on his expression intensify the horror, making his appearance feel larger-than-life and unsettling.
The framing of Wendy, often placed in the far corner of the frame, reinforces her helplessness, while Jack is positioned more centrally, making him feel dominant and threatening. This exaggeration of power dynamics amplifies the eerie atmosphere, pulling the viewer deeper into the tension of the scene.
By isolating the audio and visuals separately, it became even clearer how Kubrick builds tension and draws the audience in. The slow, deliberate zooms, the unsettling framing, and the sparse yet effective use of sound create a palpable feeling of dread. It’s not just the actions unfolding on screen that make the scene so terrifying—it’s the way the camera and sound combine to manipulate the audience’s perception and emotions.
Ultimately, it’s the careful craftsmanship of Kubrick, combined with excellent acting, that elevates this scene to its iconic status. Every zoom, every frame, every sound decision works together to make us feel trapped and terrified, just like Wendy.