MOVIE NEWS – Shelley Duvall, best known for her role in the film The Shining, died at seventy-five. However, fewer people know how his most famous film was received at the time of its release…

Yesterday, we received the sad news that Shelley Duvall, the star of The Shining and multiple award-winning actress, passed away at the age of seventy-five. Duvall is best known for her haunting performance in Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 psychological horror film. In it, she portrayed true, wide-eyed, visceral terror like no other actress could. In addition to Kubrick’s horror classics, Duvall was also known for her frequent collaborations with Robert Altman.

Duvall died in her sleep at her home in Blanco, Texas, of complications from diabetes. Following her death, her longtime partner, musician and former Breakfast Club singer Dan Gilroy, released a brief statement to The Hollywood Reporter. In it, he stated that Shelley “is now free”.

“My dear, sweet, wonderful life partner and friend left us. Too much suffering lately, now she’s free. Fly away, beautiful Shelley.”

Duvall’s film career began when she was discovered by Robert Altman in 1970. The actress made her debut in the black comedy Brewster McCloud. A dynamic creative partnership was born, with Duvall and Altman working together repeatedly over the years. The duo covered genres such as musical comedy (Nashville), western (McCabe and Mrs. Miller), or crime drama (Thieves Like Us). Each project was met with acclaim (and occasional controversy), with their 1977 psychological drama 3 Women winning Duvall the Best Actress award at the 1977 Cannes Film Festival. Their performance together with Sissy Spacek is still legendary.

Duvall had another minor but memorably funny role in Woody Allen’s Annie Hall. She joined forces with the late great Robin Williams in the live-action adaptation of Popeye, playing Olive Oyl. In fact, she starred in director Terry Gilliam’s cult fantasy classic, Time Bandits.

Shelley Duvall is best known for starring in Stanley Kubrick’s horror film The Shining

However, Duvall’s best-known role is undoubtedly that of the wife/adversary of Jack Nicholson’s manic character in The Shining. The movie, released in 1980, is, of course, based on Stephen King’s novel of the same name, and director Stanley Kubrick was at the helm, telling the story of a crazy man who works as a janitor at the Overlook Hotel. As the tormented wife of Jack Torrance, played by Nicholson, who sinks deeper and deeper into madness and obsession, Duvall portrays the all-encompassing and inescapable terror like no other with her wide-open eyes. The filming of the film notoriously wore down the actress.

Kubrick allegedly treated her horribly on set, even forcing her to retake one of the most iconic scenes 127 times.

The revoked “award” of The Shining and Duvall

Not everyone knows, but The Shining, which is now considered a popular horror classic, was severely condemned at the time of its release. Kubrick was nominated for the worst director, while Duvall was nominated for the Golden Raspberry Award (or “Razzies”) in the worst actress category. Those awards eventually went to Robert Greenwald (Xanadu) and Brooke Shields (The Blue Lagoon), but the nominations have been controversial ever since.

It’s rare for a Razzie award or nomination to be revoked after the fact. But Shelley Duvall’s nomination, which she received for her role in The Shining, was withdrawn in 2022. The nomination was withdrawn due to Kubrick’s behaviour and treatment of Duvall during the filming. Kubrick’s cruel treatment was notorious, as detailed in his daughter Vivian Kubrick’s documentary. Razzies founders John J.B. Wilson and Maureen Murphy said they would not have nominated Duvall if they had known the backstory. They added that everyone can make mistakes; it’s part of human nature.

At the same time, Kubrick’s nomination was not withdrawn, even though it can be seen today: the audience, and especially critics in 1980 were not yet ready for The Shining, which subsequently gained its deserved status.

And as for Shelley Duvall, she will be sorely missed as a true Hollywood star. Her fans and colleagues continue to share their condolences on social media. We hereby join them: rest in peace, Shelley; thank you for everything!

Source: The Hollywood Reporter, The Washington Post