The Shining (1980) *****
Even for a director like Stanley Kubrick (my favorite director, in fact), it's a bold move to claim a movie is a masterpiece before it's even released. But that's just what the attention-grabbing theatrical poster for The Shining (1980) by iconic designer Saul Bass did. Then again, Kubrick had made several masterpieces (almost all of his films are) prior to The Shining. And he had two more masterpieces to deliver after The Shining, which is my favorite of his films, #5 on my Top 100 Films list, #2 on my Top 10 Horror Films list, and what I consider to be a perfect film.
I hadn't watched The Shining for 10 years (far too long), but it's one of those films that burrows in your head—every moment is seared into my consciousness. It's less a terrifying experience for me as much as an unsettling one and absurdly funny at times. Jack Nicholson gives one of the all-time great movie performances—over the top, to be sure, but also one full of memorable facial nuances. Shelley Duvall and Danny Lloyd's talents are an integral part of why the film works as well.
Much has been written about Stephen King's dislike for this adaptation and while he has some valid points, sometimes you gotta say "sorry Steve, this movie rules." I love his 1977 novel but I love the film even more. Whether it's the insanely detailed production design, the incredibly smooth Steadicam tracking shots, the beautifully long dissolves, the dissonant Penderecki pieces that pierce the soundtrack and heighten the tension—there is just so much to admire, study, and soak up with each viewing.
The Shining has been referenced, parodied, memed, and giffed to death but it remains a classic, one of the most perfect horror films ever made, and one that holds up forever...and ever...and ever.
You can find my Stanley Kubrick Features Films Ranked list here.
You can find my Stephen King Feature & Television Film Adaptations Ranked list here.
I hadn't watched The Shining for 10 years (far too long), but it's one of those films that burrows in your head—every moment is seared into my consciousness. It's less a terrifying experience for me as much as an unsettling one and absurdly funny at times. Jack Nicholson gives one of the all-time great movie performances—over the top, to be sure, but also one full of memorable facial nuances. Shelley Duvall and Danny Lloyd's talents are an integral part of why the film works as well.
Much has been written about Stephen King's dislike for this adaptation and while he has some valid points, sometimes you gotta say "sorry Steve, this movie rules." I love his 1977 novel but I love the film even more. Whether it's the insanely detailed production design, the incredibly smooth Steadicam tracking shots, the beautifully long dissolves, the dissonant Penderecki pieces that pierce the soundtrack and heighten the tension—there is just so much to admire, study, and soak up with each viewing.
The Shining has been referenced, parodied, memed, and giffed to death but it remains a classic, one of the most perfect horror films ever made, and one that holds up forever...and ever...and ever.
You can find my Stanley Kubrick Features Films Ranked list here.
You can find my Stephen King Feature & Television Film Adaptations Ranked list here.
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