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Steven Weber Reflects on His Role in “The Shining” Miniseries
Steven Weber has built a notable career in television and film, currently gaining recognition as Dr. Dean Archer in Chicago Med on NBC. Yet, for many, his portrayal of Jack Torrance in the often-overlooked miniseries adaptation of The Shining stands out as one of his most significant performances. This role presented Weber with the challenging task of stepping into shoes first filled by the legendary Jack Nicholson in Stanley Kubrick’s iconic film adaptation of Stephen King’s beloved novel.
In an interview with MovieWeb’s George Edelman, Weber discussed the motivations behind creating the three-part ABC series, noting its ambition to remain true to King’s source material. He remarked, “The reason why it was made was because the Stephen King faithful, including Stephen King himself, were very cognizant of Kubrick’s film, which, while powerful, deviated significantly from the book. King was unhappy with that adaptation and sought to rectify those perceived wrongs. I think we succeeded in a lot of ways. While it was a TV version and lacked gore, there was a remarkable fidelity to the book, providing plenty of scares under the direction of Mick Garris, alongside Rebecca de Mornay.”
Steven Weber on Not Feeling the Pressure of Jack Nicholson’s Legacy
Taking on the role of Jack Torrance—a character that has left a lasting mark on cinematic history—could make any actor feel intimidated. Jack Nicholson’s performance in the 1980 film is frequently hailed as one of the greatest in film history. However, Weber approached his role with an unexpected perspective, stating, “What we tried to do was be faithful to the characters. I either stupidly or brilliantly didn’t think about myself in Jack Nicholson’s shoes. I just focused on the character itself without dwelling too much on the comparisons.”
Reflecting on the depth of the character, he added, “In hindsight, I wish I had considered certain aspects more carefully. The essence of The Shining is not merely about horror, but rather about alcoholism and its destructive impact. Now that I have more life experience, I realize I could approach those scenes with a greater understanding of what that truly means.”
While some critics maintain that the miniseries is overshadowed by Kubrick’s cinematic classic, Weber believes there is value in the adaptation’s expanded runtime and adherence to the original narrative. He expressed, “I think it was a job well done and worth viewing. People love it. I go to conventions, and fans are always enthusiastic about the show. This miniseries and Kubrick’s version can coexist in the same universe.”
About “The Shining” Miniseries
Release Date: 1997 – 1996
Network: ABC
Directors: Mick Garris
The opportunity for various interpretations of such a renowned story allows room for both the original and the adaptations to be appreciated for their unique contributions to the legacy of The Shining.
Source
movieweb.com