Based on the novel by Stephen King: Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) is a troubled writer who accepts a winter job as a caretaker at the Overlook Hotel in Colorado during the off-season. He is accompanied by his wife, Wendy (Shelley Duvall) and young son, Danny (Danny Lloyd) who has psychic abilities. During the stay, supernatural events occur that threatens Jack's sanity and the safety of Wendy and Danny.
The film's beginning includes a detailed, extended sequence of the Torrance family settling into the hotel before it officially closes to the public. There are many long shots of the camera following people from behind, leading them in the front with the camera moving backward, or occasionally moving sideways. These lingering shots create a mood to lure in viewers and more or less entrap them before the horror begins. Director Stanley Kubrick deserves kudos for this unique approach.
Nicholson is sometimes over the top but mostly gives a great performance in a challenging role - especially the first time he is seen in a mysterious bar. And his delivery of "Here's Johnny" is unforgettable. Duvall and Lloyd also give fine performances as people who will do anything to survive.
The supernatural elements in the story are occasionally confusing but overall, the story is thankfully uncomplicated for one with such ambition. With so much going for it including the amazing interiors of the hotel plus a thrilling climax involving an outdoor snow-filled hedge maze, "The Shining" rightly deserves its place among the greatest thrillers ever. - dbamateurcritic
RATING: 9 out of 10
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT: Directing by Stanley Kubrick.
The film's beginning includes a detailed, extended sequence of the Torrance family settling into the hotel before it officially closes to the public. There are many long shots of the camera following people from behind, leading them in the front with the camera moving backward, or occasionally moving sideways. These lingering shots create a mood to lure in viewers and more or less entrap them before the horror begins. Director Stanley Kubrick deserves kudos for this unique approach.
Nicholson is sometimes over the top but mostly gives a great performance in a challenging role - especially the first time he is seen in a mysterious bar. And his delivery of "Here's Johnny" is unforgettable. Duvall and Lloyd also give fine performances as people who will do anything to survive.
The supernatural elements in the story are occasionally confusing but overall, the story is thankfully uncomplicated for one with such ambition. With so much going for it including the amazing interiors of the hotel plus a thrilling climax involving an outdoor snow-filled hedge maze, "The Shining" rightly deserves its place among the greatest thrillers ever. - dbamateurcritic
RATING: 9 out of 10
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT: Directing by Stanley Kubrick.