The Shining may have been released 36 years ago, but it occupies as much real estate in our cultural imagination as when it first rolled in on a wave of blood and geometric wallpaper.
The documentary Room 237 explored the myriad theories and rumors surrounding the hotel horror flick to a groundswell of ballyhoo. News outlets recently reported that a paranormal expert claimed he’d seen two ghostly figures in a photo taken at the Colorado hotel where the film was shot. And a pivotal moment in this season’s finale of Girls referenced the film’s classic “Heeere’s Johnny” scene. There may be no clearer indication of cultural relevancy than a hat tip from Mz. Dunham.
Unlike many cult favorites (hello, “Lebowski”), The Shining knocked everyone’s socks off right out of the gate – even if the flaws were readily acknowledged . This adaptation was that rarest of things: an improvement, rather than a shoddy echo, of a Stephen King novel. It was also a Stanley Kubrick film that eschewed the director’s characteristically icy elegance for over-the-top violence.
The film vibrated, really, with a red, red rage. Or was that red rum? Continue Reading →
In the wake of the Orlando murders and during LGBT pride month, I have been looking to the elders of the literary queer community for wisdom and context. I’ve been reading lesbian poet, essayist, and self-proclaimed woman warrior Audre Lorde. I’ve been reading gay essayist and novelist James Baldwin. And I’ve been reading the words of gay essayist, cultural critic, playwright, biographer, memoirist, and novelist Edmund White. Still very much on the scene – 
Four nights ago I dreamed that my friend K and his daughter were holding my hands as we went on a nature adventure. I woke up smiling without much more to go on. K, who is a painter and musician of some repute, was not leading me on; he was just leading me. I could tell he loves me, though. And while he loves a lot of people, this doesn’t preclude his love for me. Love is love is love is love, said Lin-Manuel