POPOLOGY presents: The Science of Popular—Spotlight on The Shining!
Did you know Danny Lloyd, the young actor who brought Danny Torrance to life in The Shining (1980), has one of the most unique behind-the-scenes stories in Hollywood? Let’s break it down,
POPOLOGY-style:
Why Danny Was Perfect:
Even as a child, Danny had an uncanny ability to focus—a quality so rare, it earned him the role. Kubrick recognized the makings of a future icon in his quiet intensity.
A Horror Movie? Not for Danny!
Here’s where the science of popular shines: Kubrick, ever the master of detail, shielded young Danny from the terror. He thought he was starring in a heartfelt drama, not a psychological horror masterpiece! For intense scenes, like Wendy's desperate confrontation with Jack, Kubrick swapped Danny for a life-size dummy. Talk about movie magic!
Tony's Famous Finger Wiggle:
That eerie finger movement Danny does when speaking as Tony? Completely spontaneous! It was his idea during the audition, and Kubrick knew instantly it was iconic.
The Truth Revealed:
Danny didn’t even know the full story until he was a teenager! He saw a heavily edited version of the film years later and didn’t watch the uncut masterpiece until he was 17—eleven years after filming wrapped.
From Hollywood to the Classroom:
Today, Danny Lloyd has swapped the screen for the chalkboard, teaching biology at a community college in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. From The Shining to shaping young minds—what a journey!
Popological Insight:
This story isn’t just about a movie—it’s about the cultural phenomenon of The Shining and the care, creativity, and cleverness that made it a timeless classic. It’s a shining (pun intended!) example of how the science of popular unfolds behind the scenes.
What Would The Jetsons Cartoon Look Like According To Artificial Intelligence? Here is a Remixed Parody to match the Original Opening Jingle for your pleasure! We included the actual cartoon fro your comparison to enjoy.
What do you think?
Who is your favorite character from the series & why?
James Earl Jones Signed Over Voice Rights to Disney for Darth Vader Prior to Passing
In a move that ensures the iconic voice of Darth Vader will live on, legendary actor James Earl Jones signed over the rights to his voice for the character to Disney before his passing.
According to sources, Jones, who voiced the iconic villain in the Star Wars franchise, entered into an agreement with Disney to allow the company to use his voice recordings, likeness, and vocal style for future Darth Vader appearances.
The process, known as “voice preservation,” involves:
1. Voice recording sessions: Jones recorded extensive vocal takes of various Darth Vader lines, phrases, and sounds.
2. Vocal style analysis: Disney’s sound engineers studied Jones’ vocal delivery, tone, and cadence to create a digital signature.
3. AI-powered voice synthesis: The recorded voices and digital signature will be used to create a synthetic voice model, allowing Disney to generate new dialogue and performances.
This innovative approach ensures that Darth Vader’s iconic voice will continue to be heard in Star Wars content, from films to video games, while respecting Jones’ legacy and contribution to the franchise.