Every movie blogger has a list of classic movies they have not seen yet. You carry them on your back like Atlas did the globe, hoping to one day be able to throw it off and make the load less. Even though that might happen, we keep discovering other movies we should also see, so the reality is that the weight remains the same. The Shining was the one movie out of the top 100 movies on IMDB I had not seen yet and kept delaying on seeing. The reason for it was a simple one, it is classified as a horror movie and I’m not a fan of them. In my mind I had built up the movie as something I would not be enjoying, but eventually I knew I had to watch it. I’m happy that I finally did so as it turns out to be my favorite Kubrick movie.
The opening shot of the movie is stunning, with a helicopter flying over mountains, following a yellow Volkswagen beetle. There is a moment the helicopter gets so close to the car that you are stunned by the way that was shot. You don’t see shots like that anymore. Well, you might but then it is only a CGI render of something which is not real and that just isn’t the same.
For those unfamiliar with the story, it is about Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) who decides to take a job where he needs to look after an empty and isolated hotel during the winter. Together with his wife and son they move in and it is the start of a haunting story. The story is based on a Stephen King novel and you notice it, the supernatural elements elevate the story to something that you can’t stop watching. Thanks to amazing visuals (my favorite being a simple one where the son is riding through the empty hotel on his tricycle) and stunning performances by the whole cast.
Although the movie is indeed a horror movie it isn’t very gory and is more psychological and I found out I do not mind watching those (as I do not think it is scary). It is filled with memorable moments and probably Nicholson’s most famous quote “Here’s Johnny!”. I have seen many Nicholson movies, but this is probably my favorite performance of his. Initially a nice guy, the hotel slowly changes him, his eyes showing that something is happening inside of him, waiting for the moment he might snap. The location itself is also a great character, with loads of big spaces, inhabited by just three people. This is one of those movies I know I will watch many times in the future and I wish I had watched this sooner as it is an amazing film.
Great review. The Shining’s one of my all time favorite films and is one of my favorite Kubrick movies.
Thanks, as I said it is also my favorite Kubrick movie.
The Shining is “a horror movie and I’m not a fan of them.”
I think 10/10 means that might have changed. I wonder how many undiscovered horror classics are now waiting for you. Nice review!
Well, I guess I can watch them as long as they aren’t too gruesome, but it is hard to know that in advance.
10 is the correct score!! Glad you liked it 🙂
It can be the only score. I was happy I have finally seen it.
Have to see it soon. I consider it as one of my biggest movies in my shame list. And well, your 10 tells me it’s about time to see this one!
Yeah, you should check it out Mettel!
The O Cinema–a local art house theatre–is having a Kubrick retrospective this week. Last night was “Dr. Strangelove”, tonight “Full Metal Jacket”, Wednesday “2001”, Thursday “A Clockwork Orange”, Friday & Saturday “The Shining”, and Sunday “Eyes Wide Shut”. The whole idea came about because they are also running “Room 237” starting this weekend.
All that being said, I liked your review. The more you watch the film the more you pick-up other details. If you get a chance, there is a great mini-documentary you should watch. I saw it with my DVD version of the film and you truly learn a lot about Kubrick and his methods. A woman I know used to work with Shelly Duval and asked her about her experience on that film. Duval called it her Vietnam.
I’m still amazed to this day that Stephen King hates the film.
Going back to your review, I also love the scene of the son riding the tricycle through the halls.
Wow, that is cool. I would have loved to see this movie on the big screen.
What is the name of the mini documentary and why doesn’t Stephen King like it?
The short Doc is titled “Making The Shining” by Vivian Kubrick, Stanley’s daughter.
I believe there a few reasons, but the main reason is the casting. He wanted an actor w/ less edge than Jack Nicholnson, and a less vulnerable–and more blond–actress than Shelly Duval. IMDb mentions the reason in their trivia sections.
Thanks, will check it out.
Still freaky no matter what anyone says. Good review Nostra.
Yeah, but still one I would love to see again!
‘The Shining’ is a decent adaptation of a Stephen King epic novel. And a splendid Stanley Kubrick film. Creepiness and tension is part and parcel as both build throughout.
Excellent review, Nostra!
Thanks a lot and it is so great how it all builds up!
What a strange coincidence, because I saw this for the first time the other night at a local theater! While that opening sequence was beautifully shot, that haunting music really carried those scenes setting such an eerie tone…and throughout the rest of the movie! All the acting was incredible–especially Danny! I started looking up all the conspiracies surrounding the movie after reading about the doc Room 237. Interesting stuff, albeit far fetched.
Cool! Yeah, the music added so much…I really noticed it while I was watching it.
Love it, so damn crazy from all over the film 😀
Happy to hear that Tim.
Perfect score Nostra, one of my favorite films of all time. Too bad Room 237 couldn’t do it justice.
Yeah, it is a shame, but it is nice to see some more imagery in Room 237.
This is a movie virtually everyone loves except me. Why not? Because Jack was SO over the top. I want to like it. I’ve watched in a bunch of times in an attempt to convince myself that I do like it but alas, it doesn’t work for me. I don’t find it scary, which worries me since I find so many things scary. I laugh instead of shivering. I worry what that say about my wiring.
You think he was? He was slowly turning into a madman, so I did not mind that. But there are always movies which are generally loved and you might think different about.
As I said, I WANT to like it. It simply doesn’t work for me. I liked the book and usually like Nicholson. He is a great actor. Oh well.
Won”t hold it against you Marilyn 😉
Whoa perfect score. I am the same as you, I’m not a fan of horror. But there are those movie with the genres you hate who still fascinates you. This movie might be it! Thanks for the review, Nostra
Yep, a perfect score. Give it a chance Andina!
Glad you finally got to see this one man, that sure is a load off your shoulders. One of my favourite Kubricks for sure. I’m not a big fan of horror films either but I love this.
Yeah, i just kept pushing it forward, but happy to having finally watched it.
So glad you finally got around this one Nostra. Even more pleased that you liked it as much as I do. Top class movie. No question about it. 🙂
I’m happy I can now join the group of people loving this Mark 😉