Shelley Duvall's Performance in 'The Shining' Deserves Praise, Not Criticism

What is it about certain characters in horror that garners such affection? We rally behind the final girl armed with sharp wit and survival instincts, and even cheer for the bumbling sidekick who miraculously dodges every threat. Conversely, there are characters we love to despise—sinister, conniving figures who scheme against our heroes. Yet, among these extremes, some characters seem to draw undeserved ire for no clear reason. One such character is Wendy Torrance (played by Shelley Duvall) from ‘The Shining’, whose recent passing underscores the unfair criticism she endured from the horror community.

Wendy Torrance is introduced as the wife of Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) and the mother of Danny (Danny Lloyd). The family moves to the isolated Overlook Hotel, where Jack has taken a caretaker job, hoping the solitude will cure his writer's block. However, as supernatural forces grip Jack, turning him homicidal, Wendy becomes the voice of reason amidst the chaos. Her struggle to protect herself and her son against Jack's descent into madness forms the crux of her character arc.

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Critics often label Duvall's portrayal of Wendy as grating, weak, and incapable—a sentiment exacerbated by comparisons to Stephen King's original novel, which painted Wendy as a more assertive character. King himself criticized Stanley Kubrick's adaptation for altering Wendy's personality and omitting key aspects of her backstory. Kubrick's insistence on multiple takes and perfectionism pushed Duvall to her limits during filming, contributing to the raw intensity of her performance. Scenes like Wendy's frantic escape attempts and her iconic showdown with Jack in the bathroom were shot dozens of times, taxing Duvall physically and emotionally.

Despite the negative reception, Duvall's depiction authentically captures the terror and helplessness of a woman trapped in an abusive relationship—a narrative Kubrick deliberately amplified. The backlash towards Wendy reflects a broader misconception about women in horror needing to exhibit stoicism rather than vulnerability. Wendy Torrance, however, realistically portrays the trauma response of someone facing imminent danger, highlighting the complexities of survival under duress.

Shelley Duvall's career spanned beyond ‘The Shining’, with roles in diverse films like ‘Popeye’ and ‘Time Bandits’. Her final role in ‘The Forest Hills’ marked a return to the horror genre, underscoring her versatility as an actress. Despite the challenges she faced on ‘The Shining’ set, Duvall's portrayal of Wendy Torrance remains a poignant reminder of her talent and dedication to her craft.

In essence, Shelley Duvall's Wendy Torrance deserves appreciation for her portrayal of a woman grappling with fear and survival, rather than unwarranted criticism from audiences.

–Farheen Ali