We re-launched the Redrum sock this week. Last Friday we went to the Jewish Museum in San Francisco that happened to be showing off an amazing show of Stanley Kubrick's films, including The Shining. The filmic inspiration for this sock. An accident we can assure you. But, maybe something you might call a "happy accident." Seriously.  

It was hard not to rush straight to The Shining segment of the show upon entry. But, as you stand there looking around you'll start to realize that all the films being represented are amazing. Ok, maybe you knew that already. Directly at the front of the show there was a board that listed all of his films and the years that they came out. Just standing there and listening to casual observers surprise over the films was more than worth it. "Wait, he directed Spartacus?" "Wait, he directed Lolita?" "Wait, he directed Eyes Wide Shut?" And it went on and on, and we just stood there marveling, chuckling at these people. 

Then, of course, we walked into the show, took a look at the first few images that lined the wall, and did the same thing ourselves. Turns out that, in the very early of his career Stanley Kubrick was a photographer for Look Magazine, a magazine that was more focused on the photographic image than its stories. Something that must have been quite remarkable at the time. But, it is even more remarkable that Kubrick himself, starting at the age of 17, was one of their photographers, taking pictures that told the tales of amputees, disappointing presidential elections, of Rocky Marciano, Frank Sinatra and other strange tales of the time. And it is plain to see, through these photographs where Kubrick developed the brooding visual language he later utilized in his films. 

It should be noted that every film diorama in the Jewish Museum was littered with amazing pieces from each of his films and the people that he collaborated with in bringing them to life. Did you know that Saul Bass did the storyboards for Spartacus? Or that Weegee shot the on set stills for Dr. Strangelove?!? 

But, we are getting off topic and not here today to discuss each of this type of thing.
Or, said another way... 

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. 
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. 
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. 
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. 

The scene where little Danny Torrance roams the halls on his big wheel was playing overhead as we stared at the miniature maze in the museum. Room 237 looms overhead as he comes to a stop on our favorite carpet and turn, mesmerized by its even glow. The inscription at the base of the maze stated something to the effect of — if you find yourself at a dead end, travel back to where you went wrong and try again. Seems simple enough. Unless of course you're being chased by a crazed lunatic. 

In all actuality, if you're a Kubrick fan, or a fan of film in general make sure to head to the Contemporary Jewish Museum and check out the Kubrick exhibition. There are twins out front that you can take your photo with. A miniature maze to work through, and all the original typewriters, time markers and of even Axes from the films. 

Also, why didn't we make a baby blue sweater sock? Maybe next year.