Tags
1980's, Danny Lloyd, Horror, Jack Nicholson, Philip Stone, Psychological Horror, Scatman Crothers, Shelley Duvall, Stanley Kubrick, Stephen King, The Shining
Film Title
The Shining
Director
Stanley Kubrick
Starring
- Jack Nicholson as Jack Torrance
- Shelley Duvall as Wendy Torrance
- Danny Lloyd as Danny Torrance
- Scatman Crothers as Dick Hallorann
- Philip Stone as Delbert Grady
The Shining is a deeply intense and atmospheric film from the talented Stanley Kubrick. Based on the book by horror author Stephen King and featuring a terrifying performance from Jack Nicholson, The Shining burns itself into the memory with haunting visuals, unsettling score and eerie story.
Jack Torrance is a former schoolteacher who in the opening scenes of the film applies for a job as the off-season caretaker at the Overlook Hotel, which is situated in Colorado. Because of the often bitter winters, the hotel is often cut off from the outside world. Jack believes this is what he needs as he is attempting to write a book and wants some isolation to concentrate on his work. He is warned however about the sinister events that occurred with the last caretaker, Delbert Grady. He was a mild-mannered man who because of the intense cabin fever he experienced was driven insane and proceeded to murder his wife and two young daughters with an axe, before unloading the barrels of a gun into his head. Undaunted, Jack brings his meek wife Wendy and young son Danny to the hotel after receiving the job. Upon arrival, the hotel cook Dick Hallorann notices something about the young Danny. Danny has what he calls ‘The Shining’ which is the ability to see events in the past as well as the future. Danny’s knowledge of what has happened and will happen manifests itself as an imaginary friend called Tony. Danny, out of his family is the first to come into contact with the haunting presence of former misdeeds as creepy visions float through his mind. Jack, who we learn is a recovering alcoholic and abusive man, also starts to disintegrate as his tenure at the hotel goes on, until he descends into full-on madness from which no one is safe.
Stanley Kubrick is at the height of his cinematic powers directing this eerie piece of psychological terror. He gives The Shining an atmospheric and ambiguous pulse that reaches out and sucks the viewer in with spellbinding menace. Ever the craftsman, Kubrick employs gliding camerawork to show us the sheer scope of the hotel and the sinister sets of events that keep replaying. Kubrick manages to successfully blur the lines between what is real and what is not and he does this with assured skill and unsettling pace. What I’ve always admired about The Shining, is the use of repetition. The repetition of certain phrases, the repetition of visions and mirrors gives the film a deeply unsettling sense of disturbed and subtle horror. Memorable scenes abound in this film from the cascading river of blood that emerges from an elevator, the ghosts of the dead girls dressed in identical clothes beckoning a terrified Danny to play with them “forever and ever” and not forgetting Jack, axe in hand, roaring “Here’s Johnny” as his terrified wife Wendy almost crumbles in hysterics. An ominous score perfectly accentuates the encroaching horror that engulfs the family during their stay at the hotel with ghostly piano, sinister synthesizers and doom-laden strings .
Jack Nicholson is outstanding in the role of Jack Torrance, whose already fragile grip on reality begins to fall away as he becomes victim to the hotel’s past. Filled with wild-eyed mania and imposing stance, Nicholson creates an unforgettable portrait of mental disintegration. Shelley Duvall encompasses the simpering, meek and mousy personality of Wendy, who almost too late begins to see what her husband has become and has to fight to survive his spiral into madness. The young Danny Lloyd brings a certain level of maturity to the character but shows that despite his knowledge of what is going on, he is still a terrified child. Scatman Crothers brings a wise side to the role of the hotel cook who also possesses the same gift as Danny, while Philip Stone sends shivers down the spine as the ghost of the former caretaker, who coerces Jack into committing violent acts.
From the stunning opening shots to the chilling last frame, The Shining is an unforgettable film of psychological terror.
alexraphael said:
Superb review. Loads of great points. You are so right to point out the visuals. That little scooter thing and the carpet are so striking, but the river of blood is my favourite.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks Alex. The repeating spirals of the carpet are indeed striking but as you say the river of blood is a chilling highlight.
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beetleypete said:
I saw this on release, because of Kubrick. I have to agree with you both that’s it is all about the visuals, and the marvellous snow-bound setting; but I do not believe that it is the masterpiece that almost everyone else acclaims it to be. As much as I like Nicholson in many roles, he is prone to often uncontrollable over-acting, and this is a perfect example. Ms Duvall isn’t one of the best to walk onto a film set either, and I was left feeling that it could have been a more impressive film, with a different cast.
I am walking to the wall now, and fixing the blindfold over my eyes, ready to receive the firing-squad of disagreement.
Best wishes, Pete.
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vinnieh said:
Appreciate you commenting Pete. We’re all entitled to our own opinions on movies, it would be super boring if everyone always agreed on everything.
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ThoughtsFromTheBooth said:
Watch the film Room 237 for more on this film. Most of it is crackpot theory but some of it is really interesting. Like how Danny and his tricycle move from one floor to the next without getting in an elevator. Goes to show how haunted the hotel really is.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for the suggestion, will have to watch Room 237 when I get the chance.
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The Vern said:
Ummm No you don’t Unless you want to watch a bunch of yahoos speak wild tales about The Shining. Most other analysis videos you find online are more compelling that that one. I just think it’s funny that this was nominated for a razzie
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vinnieh said:
The word yahoo always makes me laugh for some reason. Message received Vern.
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Mark Walker said:
Wonderful stuff Vinnie. Arguably the best horror film ever made and also arguably Kubrick’s best film. I love the psychological angle and how it could be perceived from different viewpoints. For example, that it could all be in Wendy’s head. This was never an angle I had considered until a recent viewing but it just shows the layers that Kubrick achieves. It’s a classic for sure!
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vinnieh said:
Thanks Mark. That’s a really interesting point you make about the viewpoints of the characters. I couldn’t help but notice that when either Jack or Danny sees one of the ghosts, they are by themselves. That had me thinking the same thing as you.
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Mark Walker said:
It’s also mentioned that Jack once struck Danny in the past which could lead to Wendy’s psychological fears and how her isolation has actually driven her mad!
Then there’s the ballroom photo of Jack at the end?
So many possibilities going on.
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vinnieh said:
So many possibilities, Kubrick really knew how to psychologically toy with the viewers.
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Mark Walker said:
Absolutely! And yet it’s so often just taken as a linear horror film (and can be enjoyed as such at the same time).
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vinnieh said:
I liked how for a horror film it wasn’t immediately shocking, it build tension and unease with assurance and managed to be intelligent at the same time.
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Mark Walker said:
Again, I absolutely agree. Kubrick’s use of atmosphere played a huge role throughout. He even managed to make wide open rooms and spaces feel so foreboding and claustrophobic.
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vinnieh said:
I noticed as well how the spirals on the carpets as Danny’s rides around are eerily similar to the maze he runs through later in the film.
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Mark Walker said:
Exactly! These are only a few examples of why it demands repeat viewings. To think that this was nominated for Razzies when it was released is beyond me.
(Added trivia: Did you realise that it’s the same carpet from the evil boy Sid’s house in Toy Story?)
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vinnieh said:
This was nominated for Razzie’s? That’s a blasphemy. I thought that carpet pattern looked very familiar, thanks for the trivia Mark.
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Mark Walker said:
Yep! Razzies man! Can you believe it?
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vinnieh said:
I am genuinely shocked Mark.
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Mark Walker said:
I was too. Blasphemous indeed!
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vinnieh said:
It’s absolutely scandalous that’s what it is.
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vinnieh said:
Also wanted to say it’s really good to hear from you Mark. Have you checked out any of my ladies posts?
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Mark Walker said:
Yeah, sorry for my absence recently Vinnie. Always meant to repay your loyalty to my site. Not checked out your ladies posts yet but I’ll swing by again tomorrow. I’m away to get pissed again! 😉
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vinnieh said:
I’m sure my ladies posts will definitely interest you, especially after a hangover on a Sunday morning.
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Mark Walker said:
Niiice! I’ll call back then! 🙂
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vinnieh said:
There are some gorgeous girls on these posts. But be warned, because of my female fan base, I had to include a few shots of handsome men for them.
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Tom said:
That trivia is fascinating. Wow. I KNEW there was a reason to really hate that Sid character…..
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vinnieh said:
Other than him being the Devils child.
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Tom said:
Stellar review man. Couldn’t agree more. Unfortunately I’m also in the camp that thinks Shelley Duvall is a horrendous actress but Kubrick’s direction and Nicholson’s performance crowd her out no question.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks Tom, always appreciate your comments.
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theipc said:
Excellent post, sir! I want to watch that Room 237 too. Great job, here!
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vinnieh said:
Thanks Eric, I really enjoyed this film, so psychological and deeply unsettling.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I’ve always had mixed feelings about Kubrick’s The Shining. I thought Jack Nicholson was brilliant, and the visuals were incredible, but I liked the ending in the Steve Weber version because it stayed true to the book.
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vinnieh said:
Appreciate your comment. I didn’t know there was another version of the film, will seek it out now. I’ve heard that Stephen King wasn’t too keen on this version of his novel.
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Abbi said:
You know how every cinephile has a major classic movie they haven’t seen? This is mine. I have got to change that.
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vinnieh said:
Definitely watch it Abbi, you won’t regret it.
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Hypersonic55 said:
I’m going to play devil’s advocate here, I don’t hate The Shining, I think it is a very creepy and eery film which some great cinematography and a great central performance from Jack Nicholson. However, as a fan of film and hearing about how famous and amazing this film was and the countless references its spawned, when I watched it was left a little underwhelmed. The film wasn’t the conventional horror film I was expected, there was a lot less action that I expected and more psychological stuff, and in general there was just imagery that disturbed and revoulted me. I’m probably in the minority, I like the film for what it is but I don’t love it. Cool review yo. 😀
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vinnieh said:
You’re entitled to your own opinion man, thanks for commenting.
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Jonathan Payne said:
Great review. Love Kubrick’s work, and The Shining stands as a truly perplexing example of his playoff between subliminal detail and repetition of visuals and phrases. As the IPC mentioned above, you should definitely check out Room 237, it’s almost as creepy as The Shining itself.
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for commenting, those repeating visuals add so much to the psychological impact of this film.
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Jonathan Payne said:
Definitely, and a huge part of Kubrick’s entire film work.
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Victor De Leon said:
Solid write up! Big fan of this film. Saw as a kid when it was first released and it made such a big impact on me. I can write a thesis on this movie and never still express the respect of love I have for it. It is a film that I am afraid to review, myself, because I am a fan-boy and my review would be a gush-fest. Good work!
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vinnieh said:
I love all the layers to the film and the sheer mastery at play in Kubrick’s hands.
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Victor De Leon said:
The last act shows, passionately, how much of a a masterful director and artist Kubrick was in this medium.
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vinnieh said:
Totally agree with you there, the last act is so haunting and unforgettable.
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Victor De Leon said:
One thing that always stands out for me is Kubrick’s use of space and the depth of the shots along with the musical cues and cuts. It creates a very disorienting and other-worldy universe.
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vinnieh said:
He really does give the film that ghostly aspect that is so spooky yet filled with meaning.
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Victor De Leon said:
exactly!
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The Film Fetishist said:
Great review Vin! I love this movie, but the book is still my favourite. I’m re-reading it at the moment. You’re right about Jack Nicholson! He is terrifying as Jack… kinda sexy too!
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vinnieh said:
Thanks for commenting. From what I’ve read about Nicholson, he’s always been a big hit with the ladies.
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The Film Fetishist said:
Yes, I think he has! He’s not particularly good looking at all, but his demeanour is very sexy.
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jeffgoulding said:
As a Stephen King devotee, I’m his number one fan 🙂 I feel I can say that his books don’t always translate onto the big or even small screen. There are a few exceptions and Shining is one of them. For me this is a masterpiece. I agree with an earlier comment about Nicholson’s overacting, but his casting in this is inspired. I can’t imagine anyone else doing the meltdown scene at the end. Great film and thanks for the review.
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vinnieh said:
I can’t imagine anyone else playing the role like Jack Nicholson, he just gives so much menace to the part.
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Beth said:
I saw this originally with my brother who enjoyed the Texas Chainsaw Massacres – and he was TERRIFIED by this movie. I thought that Shelley Duvall was miscast and that it threw the movie off a little, but what a masterpiece of a film! Great review!
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vinnieh said:
It certainly is one intense experience.
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55theintimidator55 said:
It remains shocking to me that The Shining was nominated for zero Oscars. Instead, Stanley Kubrick was nominated for the Razzie for Worst Director. People were high off their heels that year because they somehow all missed this golden goose.
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vinnieh said:
It’s a travesty that this got no Oscar nominations.
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55theintimidator55 said:
And to try to shame Kubrick with a Worst Director nomination, just shameless. Would be like nominating Tom Hanks for a Worst Actor.
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vinnieh said:
It’s just an outrage.
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wwwpalfitness said:
This was scary as I was a kid watching this
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vinnieh said:
I can imagine that you were terrified.
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indiefan20 said:
It blows my mind that Stephen King actually didn’t like this adaptation of his book. For me, it remains one of the scariest movies ever made. That lady in the bathtub made me afraid of hotel bathrooms for God knows how long, and Nicholson’s performance is eerie and downright darkly hilarious at the same time. And yes, the kid did a great job considering his young age. Though considering what a pain in the ass Kubrick was on set, it’s no wonder he did nothing substantial with his acting prowess after “The Shining.” Great review!
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vinnieh said:
I think authors can be really really protective of their work and obviously get annoyed if something important is changed. Though saying that, this is a really creepy horror film.
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Buffy Devane said:
Another fine review. I was both a Kubrick fan and Nicholson fan from an early age, but oddly enough I found this film underwhelming when I watched it in my teens. Maybe my expectations were too high because of the double pre-eminence?
Anyway, on a second viewing a couple of years back, I felt completely absorbed into this piercing, unsettling world. A must-watch, in my view.
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vinnieh said:
I can see what you mean. It’s an unconventional and more psychological horror than most. It takes its time to build up dread and creepy unease, which to someone young might come off as boring. But I think part of why it is great is how it takes the measured approach and allows the scary nature of everything to emerge slowly.
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Buffy Devane said:
That’s true… I think it did take me time to appreciate that the often slow pacing of directors like Kubrick and David Lynch was important for a kind of immersion in the world that they present.
I do like a good high-tempo jump-scare filled horror, but the unsettling slow-burn of psychological horror really can stay in our memory long after the film’s over.
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vinnieh said:
It is very much a slow burn horror, but all the better for that. The creepiness becomes more genuine and terrifying this way. I must say thanks for going through my posts here, will you be doing the same on my other blog?
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Buffy Devane said:
Oh, it’s my pleasure; you write balanced and thoughtful reviews. Haha yes the other blog’s on my ‘to-do’ list so I’ll be getting on there soon!
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vinnieh said:
Good to know.
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