Shelley Duvall is reported to make a comeback to the genre of horror for the first time in nearly two decades. Popularly renowned for playing the role of Wendy Torrance in The Shining, the American actress has earned a name for herself in the film industry not only as a talented actor but as an acclaimed producer as well.
The actress was last seen playing the character of Detective Dubrinski in the 2002 indie/comedy film, Manna from Heaven, shortly after which she announced her retirement. But now, the iconic star is once again back in the game and all set to star in a new indie horror/thriller, The Forest Hills.
Shelley Duvall to appear in The Forest Hills
The Forest Hills follows the story of Rico, a seriously disturbed man who suffers from severe head trauma as a result of a camping trip in the Catskill Mountains and is tormented by terrifying and ghastly visions because of the same.
The film is directed by Scott Goldberg and is also going to star Dee Wallace, American History X star Edward Furlong, and Chiko Mendez. Mendez is set to play the character of Rico, while Shelley Duvall will play his mother’s role as well as his inner voice.
See also: 31 Days of Horror: 5 Ageless Horrors That’ll Never Get Old
Goldberg sang high praises of the Annie Hall (1970) star as he talked about The Shining and Duvall’s exceptional performance in the film. “Shelley contributed to The Shining being an absolute masterpiece by giving her all,” he remarked.
Although The Shining has been an imperative part of her career, Duvall was left utterly traumatized after working in the film and was even on the verge of quitting. But alas, the masterpiece was delivered to fans against all the odds.
Shelley Duvall’s distressing experience in The Shining
Stanely Kubrick‘s classic 1980 horror film, The Shining, was an adaptation of Stephen King’s novel of the same name. It starred Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Danny Lloyd, and Scatman Crothers. In the film, Duvall played the role of Wendy Torrance, Jack’s wife and the mother of their child.
Kubrick’s reckless and horrid treatment of the actress on set has become an infamous part of the film’s overall history, wherein she was regularly censured for not delivering a good performance to such an extent that Duvall had almost quit the movie.
See also: 5 Reasons Why 2022 Was A Great Year For Horror Movies
The filmmaker deliberately mistreated her and broke her down, just so he could get his desired performance on screen. The film’s shooting went on for over a year, during the entirety of which Duvall was mentally harassed to no bounds. From excessive crying to screaming and shrieking at the top of her lungs, she had to do the most taxing things every day. Consequentially, The 4th Floor actress had gotten extremely mentally and emotionally exhausted and even admitted to having an anxiety attack on set.
However, The Shining continues to be a horrifying and psychological masterpiece to this date. And Duvall’s contribution to the film is one of the major reasons for that, besides its gripping plot and production.
No release date for The Forest Hills has been revealed yet.
See also: 31 Days of Horror: 5 Obscure Horrors to Change it Up On Halloween
Source: Twitter
