Shelley Duvall’s Struggle in ‘The Shining’: Recalling 127 Takes as a Groundhog Day Experience

Actress Shelley Duvall put her heart into her role as Wendy Torrance in Stanley Kubrick's timeless classic, The Shining, back in 1980.

Over time, the public learned of the challenging circumstances on set and how Kubrick mistreated Duvall during the film's production.

Duvall's portrayal of Wendy Torrance garnered critical acclaim, propelling her to global stardom.

Yet, only she truly understands the grueling nature of the shoot, particularly the infamous staircase scene that demanded a staggering 127 takes.

The relentless pressure and Kubrick's harsh treatment nearly pushed Duvall to bid farewell to acting permanently.

Now, at 74 years old, she has recently made a comeback to the Hollywood scene following a two-decade hiatus.

The 1980 masterpiece, The Shining, featuring Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, and Danny Lloyd, is often hailed as a cinematic gem.

Adapted from Stephen King's novel of the same title published in 1977, the movie captivated audiences worldwide.

In a memorable sequence from the film, Wendy Torrance, brandishing a baseball bat, ascends the stairs in reverse.

This particular scene holds the record for the most retakes in cinema history, standing at an astounding 127 attempts.

Reflecting on this experience in a previous interview, Duvall shared, “I had never done more than say, fifteen takes before in my life…”

Duvall likened the repetitive takes to the premise of the 1993 film, Groundhog Day, where the protagonist relives the same day endlessly.

As the takes piled up, she described reaching a point where reality blurred, allowing her to immerse herself fully in the scene.

Witnesses from the movie's crew have attested to Kubrick's demanding demeanor towards Duvall.

Despite the adversity, Duvall persevered and poured her emotions into her performance.

Her anguish, terror, and exhaustion depicted on screen were genuine responses rather than acting.

Kubrick's behavior almost drove Duvall away from acting entirely.

Beyond her role in The Shining, Duvall showcased her talent in other renowned films such as 3 Women (1977), Popeye (1980), and Roxanne (1987).

Although she retired from acting in 2002 after starring in Manna from Heaven, she made a triumphant return to the silver screen after two decades, portraying Rico's Mother in 2023's The Forest Hills.

Viewers can relive Duvall's unforgettable staircase scene in The Shining, now available for streaming on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

Reconnecting with Hollywood, Shelley Duvall remains resolute in pursuing acting opportunities despite past traumas, emphasizing the importance of cherishing every moment in the industry.