The architectural framework of Stanley Kubrick´s scenarios. The Shining a Case Study

Abstract:

In cinema, architecture adds a critical dimension to the visual and narrative construction of film,
significantly shaping its aesthetic and perceptual impact. Within this framework, this article examines how
Stanley Kubrick employs architecture in The Shining as a narrative device, integrating it into the architectural
frame to guide the viewer’s perception and reinforce the film’s psychological atmosphere. To this end, the
director draws on classical principles—proportion, symmetry, geometry, and repetition—to construct coherent
and plausible scenographic spaces. Based on real architectural references, such as the Ahwahnee Hotel and
the Arizona Biltmore, Kubrick recreates environments consistent with the aesthetics of the 1930s, incorporating
an architectural language rooted in Renaissance classicism. These principles are applied in a controlled and
harmonious manner, enhancing both spatial coherence and visual clarity. This organization establishes parallels
with classical painting—particularly in the use of central framing and geometric composition—revealing the
mechanisms through which the viewer’s experience is structured. Ultimately, scenic space emerges as a
fundamental component of narrative construction, capable of shaping emotional response and deepening the
cinematic experience.

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