The 1980 movie that transformed acting, according to Margaret Qualley
Margaret Qualley has built a career moving fluidly between provocative independent films and large-scale commercial productions. Her acclaimed performance in the body-horror film The Substance drew extensively from Stanley Kubrick's visual language and thematic concerns, referencing his science fiction epic and his most psychologically disturbing works.
When discussing her preferred Kubrick film, Qualley specifically praised The Shining from 1980, crediting Jack Nicholson's performance as transformative in establishing an innovative performance style. Despite its current status as a horror landmark, the film received a cold initial reception and generated multiple unflattering award nominations, including for actress Shelley Duvall. That nomination was later withdrawn following revelations about Kubrick's treatment of Duvall during production, prompting critical reconsideration of the film's legacy.
- Margaret Qualley identifies Jack Nicholson's performance in Stanley Kubrick's 1980 film The Shining as revolutionary in acting technique
- Qualley's recent acclaimed film The Substance drew significant visual and thematic influence from Kubrick's catalogue
- The Shining was initially poorly received with unflattering award nominations, though critical reassessments have since emerged