The Shining Last Frame Theory

Ballroom Photograph Theory

The last frame of The Shining (1980) shows Jack Torrence in an old ballroom photograph from 1921. I believe that this goes ways to prove a popular opinion that Jack Torrence is reincarnated by the hotel to repeat a cycle of violence. Other references to repeated violence are when Wendy tells the hotel staff that Jack hasn't had a drink in 5 months due to an incident, later in the film Jack tells the bartender that he dislocated Danny's arm 5 years ago. Kubrick makes these events seem similar to give off the impression that Jack has hurt Danny many times creating a repeat cycle of violence. Other factors supporting the reincarnation theory include when Delbert Grady tells Jack he has always been the caretaker at the hotel. The hotel management foreshadow the exact violent actions of Jack when they explain a past incident in the hotel. Kubrick is trying to create an air of repetition. In a recently uncovered alternate ending the hotel manager visits Wendy and Danny who are recovering in hospital and gives Jack's tennis ball to Danny, many has speculated that this is the passing of Jack's madness to his son, cursing him to repeat the violent cycle.