Comparing The Devil In The Little Shop Of Horrors And The Shining

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Representation of the Devil in the film industry is a popular marketing scheme. Most of the time, the representation of such figureheads is evident in films such as Bedazzled (2000) and Constantine (2005). Consequently, some Devil-like figures embody Evil by possessing an individual in films such as Rosemary’s Baby (1968) and The Rite (2011). After searching for two Hell-worthy movies in my personal DVD collection, I stumbled upon The Little Shop of Horrors and The Shining. While one could compare and contrast many aspects, this essay will concentrate on the following: differences between each film and the characters chosen to represent the Devil, the personal Hells associated with each individual, the evil influences and their end goals. Lastly, …show more content…

The shift in the dynamic between Plant and Man ( now singing in a duet) displays the acceptance of evil ways. Similar to Milton Lucifer, our individual has accepted the terms of his demise and is making do with the result. The film proceeds to show the popularity of Audrey II: signs in the windows, a lineup at the store, and a radio show interview giving Seymour his wish to become a “somebody.” Our Devil in the making, Mr. Torrence, completes his evil possession when his wife accuses him of hurting their son. The audience can sense Jack’s mind-breaking with the look in his eyes. Knowing this is the last straw, he rapidly walks towards the Golden Ballroom, where his desires await him. As he sits down, Jack says softly, "I'll give anything for one drink, even my goddamn soul.". Once he sips the alcohol, Jack Torrence's Fate is sealed. The barman, Lloyd, is the Devil's advocate in every sense of the word. His purpose during the film is to ensure Jack's character keeps to the sadistic agenda, giving him nudges here and there to keep Jack on the right path. For example, Jack begins to display his true colours when he mentions his wife and son are a type of ball and chain, not giving him the space he needs to complete his work. As on cue, Lloyd replies: "Can't live with them, can't live without them." Giving an agreeable answer to our Devil in the making, hinting at Jack about what comes next. The final moment of acceptance comes to Jack in the bathroom, where he is getting cleaned up by the Butler who spilled drinks on him moments before. Suddenly, he realizes the Butler is the previous caretaker from 1970, Mr. Grady. Jack Torrance: “Mr. Grady, you are the caretaker here. I recognize ya. I saw your picture in the newspaper. You, uh, chopped your wife and daughters up into little bits. And then you blew your brains out.” Delbert Grady: [after a short pause] “That's strange, sir.

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