'The Shining'—A Movie Review

If you happen to run into the Grady sisters chanting ‘redrum’ in your stay at the Overlook Hotel... best get out of there now.

The Shining was released into theaters in 1980. The Torrance family realizes that they are not alone as they are looking after The Overlook Hotel. The evil presence corrupts their minds, pitting the family against one another in their isolation from civilization.

I have always had a love-hate relationship with Stanley’s Kubrick’s adaptation of one of Stephen King’s most popular novels. I loved the novel from beginning to end, and I even read it a second time. While Kubrick’s version of The Shining is a metaphorically dark, creatively shot and well-acted piece of film history it doesn’t live up to the true horrifying dramatic essence of the novel.

Jack Nicholson went to the highest extremes as Jack Torrance. Nicholson was incredible in his sharp delivery, most notably when he is confronting Wendy and his spine-tingling scenes in the climax. However, he made the character of Jack too hot-headed, sinister, and lacking remorse for his actions.

I hold my head high for Shelley Duvall who was put to the extremes from the stress of making this film. Due to Kubrick’s repetitive retakes, Duvall was in emotional turmoil and even losing her hair from having to stay in a constant state of hysteria.

Duvall was not the right choice for Wendy Torrance, who was a fighter in the book and never backed down. She made Wendy too meek. The final half of her performance, although extremely well-acted through amazing terrifying reactions to horror, was awkward.

Danny Lloyd did an impeccable job as Danny Torrance. The mannerism in which he communicates with Tony was something he came up with at his audition. Kubrick was very protective of Lloyd during filming. Lloyd didn’t even know he was filming a horror film until 11 years after he made the film!

Although Lloyd did a great job and had incredible patience throughout filming, he didn’t capture the essence of Danny Torrance. He looked bored at some moments, specifically when he is talking to Halloran about his special ability. His ability to shine, or telekinesis powers, is more or less glossed over, which it is a huge plot element in the book.

Scatman Crothers was great in his role as Dick Hallaron. As he struggles to travel back to the hotel upon the realization that something is not right I am not fond of his climax in the film. Halloran was one of my favorite characters in the book and I feel like Crothers didn’t add the spirit and charisma that the character had.

Kubrick had a very different vision of The Shining. I am beyond amazed at his camera techniques and the sinister foreboding music flooding in the background. This is a great film to sit down and study all the incredible scenes and imagery.

Kubrick was known for persistent constant retakes of even the simplest scene. For example, the scene that involves Jack and Wendy’s confrontation was shot about 35 to 40 times. And Jack Nicholson reportedly broke down a total of 60 doors in the climax for just one scene!

No matter what, I am always hypnotized to watch The Shining whenever viewings are shown. It has its moments of horror, excellent scene delivery by Jack Nicholson, and the ending is riveting. Still, it lacks important plot elements, character traits, and relationships displayed in the novel.

The Shining is still a film that everyone needs to witness. I am excited to see what the sequel Doctor Sleep will add to the story when it is released into theaters.