Quirkiness in Normality: A Shining Star’s Tale

Jerry Tavin/Everett Collection

When Shelley Duvall was cast as Wendy Torrance in Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining” (1980), she took on her most mainstream role, encapsulating the essence of normality. Duvall, who passed away on July 11 at age 75, had previously spent a decade portraying unique characters in Robert Altman films. Despite her reputation for playing eccentric roles, Duvall delivered a performance in “The Shining” that felt remarkably authentic.

In “The Shining,” Duvall’s character Wendy, with her distinctive doll-like features, embodies a devoted homemaker. She endeavors to support her husband’s dream while caring for their son in an expansive and eerie hotel. Her husband Jack, played by Jack Nicholson, becomes increasingly unhinged, leading to one of the film’s iconic scenes where Wendy fends him off with a baseball bat.

That scene, where Wendy’s terror feels palpable, is a testament to Duvall’s acting prowess. Kubrick, notoriously demanding, pushed Duvall to her limits to elicit genuine distress, making her performance all the more believable. Duvall later acknowledged the intense process but stood by it for the film’s sake, elevating “scream queen” acting to an art form.

Shortly after “The Shining,” Duvall starred in Robert Altman’s “Popeye,” delivering a memorable performance as Olive Oyl. Her portrayal, marked by unique physical mannerisms and a distinctive voice, was both heartfelt and humorous, showcasing her versatility.

Duvall’s journey as an actress began with a chance encounter with Altman during the shooting of “Brewster McCloud,” where her unique presence caught everyone’s attention. Despite having no prior acting experience, Duvall’s natural charm and quirkiness captivated audiences.

Altman recognized Duvall’s talent and cast her in several films, including “McCabe and Mrs. Miller,” “Thieves Like Us,” and “Nashville.” In “Nashville,” her character L.A. Joan, a groupie with constantly changing appearances, added a magical aura to the film.

One of Duvall’s most acclaimed performances was in Altman’s “Three Women” (1977), co-starring Sissy Spacek. Duvall played Millie, a chatty and somewhat irritating character, with such nuance that she earned the Best Actress prize at Cannes. This role solidified her status as a unique and compelling actress.

Despite her early success, Duvall shifted her focus to television, creating and producing children’s programming like “Faerie Tale Theater.” Though her presence in the film industry waned, her influence persisted through her diverse body of work.

In later years, Duvall faced mental health challenges, highlighted during a controversial appearance on “Dr. Phil” in 2016. This episode was criticized for exploiting her vulnerability. Despite these challenges, Duvall’s legacy as a distinctive and transformative actress remains intact. Her performances showcased a blend of innocence, devotion, and vulnerability that left a lasting impact on audiences.

Shelley Duvall’s career, marked by an ability to bring quirky characters to life, reflected a deep sense of humanity. Her work continues to be celebrated and remembered for its originality and emotional depth.

Source: Variety