Diane Arbus’s work has inspired many other artists and creators over the years. Many have tried to imitate her style and subjects. One of the few who really used her work in an elegant way (in my opinion), is Stanley Kubrick.

Identical Twins was shot by Arbus in 1967 after spotting them in a Christmas party for twins and triplets. (one of the many venues Arbus would go to in order to meet ‘outsider’ crowd). It shows two young twin girls, dressed in matching close and haircuts, starring into the camera. The way they stand, almost seem as if they are physically connected, along with the very subtle, yet opposite expressions, create a very disturbing image. Without going into questions of identity or self, needless to say that a lot was written about this significant photo.

In 1980, a film adaption of the Stephen King novel, “The Shining“, was made by Stanley Kubrick, starring Jack Nicholson. The film is considered by many as one of best horror movies of all times. It has countless iconic scenes and phrases. Among them is the shot of the two twins who were murdered in the hotel where the story takes place.

As Danny, Jack Nicholson’s son, is driving around the hotel hallways, he comes across the two twins. They begin to talk to him (”come play with us”), while he has flashes of the way they were murdered. Although the basis of the scene was originally in the novel, the visual interpretation delivered by Kubrick (as inspired by Arbus) create the benefit that you hope to see in a film adaptation of a great book.

(© Diane Arbus, Warner Bros. Pictures)