Jack Torrance and Frank Alexander...

The images above show similarities in visual style, specifically camera work, in A Clockwork Orange and The Shining. Kubrick clearly presents a connection between these two characters, but what is it they have in common?

Writing? Yes, obviously, they are both writers, but Jack doesn't really write anything, and in the film we never see any of Alexander's productions; so are they both unsuccessful at their hobby? Well... yes.

Background? Both lived happily married lives (not sure about Jack though, he conveys to us that he's not particularly keen of his wife...) but the rape of Mrs Alexander and the dwelling forces within Jack cause the loss and breakdown of the family unit.

Insanity? Most definitely! On the outside they appear sane but their experiences and inner demons drive them to show elements of insanity, such as their cunning plans to demonstrate violent actions.

Revenge? Mainly just with Alexander as he wants to get revenge for the attack, rape, and death of his wife; Torrance on the other hand is (arguably) just caught in a time loop; he is a puppet on strings playing the role of the original caretaker, Delbert Grady... so what were Grady's motives? Ullman says at the beginning of the film during Jack's interview, "he seemed like a completely normal individual... police thought it was cabin fever". This suggests it was not the individual but the winter, or the hotel; Ullman later says the hotel was built on an Indian burial ground, therefore there are many lurking spirits haunting the place.

Control? It is debatable as to whether either character are completely in control or not... Alexander is out of control of the rape and death of his wife, but does control his future actions and his choice of vengeance. Jack on the other hand seems completely in control of his actions and decisions, however once we learn of the possession-like insanity, it is clearer he is out of control and merely doing as he is told; furthermore this could be a result of temptation, it may be that deep down he has always wanted to "bash your brains in" (directed at Wendy).

But why these two characters in these films?

Perhaps it was the aim of Kubrick to capture particular feelings felt by Alexander towards Alex the same in Jack. Specifically frustration. Frustration and urge to want to kill Alex is very clear and this can be seen in the worms eye view of Jack locked in the storeroom; his frustration to want to escape and murder his wife and son.