Smile 2 writer-director Parker Finn details how they used Stanley Kubrick’s iconic Jack Torrance stare from The Shining to achieve the film’s signature smile. The sequel is a follow-up to the surprise hit, Smile, which follows a therapist who believes something sinister and supernatural is happening around her. The upcoming Smile 2 takes the setting away from a hospital and follows pop star Skye Riley as she starts to experience unexplainable terrifying events while dealing with fame.
Finn explained to The Hollywood Reporter that there were many challenges when creating the film’s signature smile, since it goes against a person’s natural desire to smile “in a friendly way.” To create the perfectly creepy smile, “it’s all about disconnecting the eyes from the smile” with “a bit of a head tilt.” The director revealed that they “leaned into” the idea of “the famous Kubrick Stare” to achieve the effect. Check out his comment below:
I find what you want to do is smile actually in a friendly way; you don’t want to overexaggerate it, you don’t want to strain your face, but it’s all about disconnecting the eyes from the smile, and then about how you position the head. There’s a bit of a head tilt that happens; there’s the famous ‘Kubrick Stare,’ we sort of leaned into that idea, and then it becomes all about the filmmaking tools.
What It Means For Smile 2
No Wonder It Looks Familiar
Ray Nicholson’s smile on the promotional posters bears a striking resemblance to his father Jack Nicolson’s stare in The Shining. Finn’s comment confirms the link between Smile 2 and Kubrick and explains the poster’s nostalgic vibe. With the sequel largely focusing on the idea of making something familiar creepy, a similar approach was also applied to crafting the characters in Smile 2.
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Smile 2 Review: Naomi Scott Is Daring As Haunted Pop Star In Surprisingly Humorous Horror Sequel
Smile 2 is entertaining. Certainly, don’t expect the best commentary on mental health issues, but be ready for some jump-scare fun.
To create Scott’s fictional pop star, the director looked up to a number of female superstars for inspiration, including Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Britney Spears, Olivia Rodrigo, and Tate McRae. The idea of creating “somebody that both felt instantly familiar but had her own unique flavor” resonates with Smile 2‘s theme. Based on what Finn said, the upcoming film will largely dance around the theme of nostalgia and déjà vu in its delivery of horror.
Our Take on Smile 2
It’s Creepier
There are a number of things to look forward to in Smile 2, and the connection to the iconic Kubrick’s stare just makes the film even better. It seems that Smile 2 is taking things even further in comparison to the first film. The stage is bigger, and the smile is even creepier. Smile 2 takes the haunting experience from everyday life to the stage and behind.
Ray Nicholson’s meaning look proves that the smiles can be a lot worse by channeling Jack Torrance, so perhaps even the entity is evolving. There is certainly more going on in the storyline that Skye has to juggle. She’s haunted by the entity while facing the stress and pressure of stardom. Her struggle and mental state will likely be a focus in the film.
Source: THR
Smile 2 is the sequel to the 2022 psychological horror film by director Parker Finn that centers on a therapist who witnesses a patient’s suicide, leading to a series of terrifying supernatural events. The sequel will see the return of Finn as director, with Paramount continuing distribution.
- Director
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Parker Finn
- Release Date
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October 18, 2024
- Distributor(s)
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Paramount Pictures
