The Shining

1980 • 143 minutes

About this movie

"All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy" -- or, rather, a homicidal boy in Stanley Kubrick's eerie 1980 adaptation of Stephen King's horror novel. With wife Wendy (Shelley Duvall) and psychic son Danny (Danny Lloyd) in tow, frustrated writer Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) takes a job as the winter caretaker at the opulently ominous, mountain-locked Overlook Hotel so that he can write in peace. Before the Overlook is vacated for the Torrances, the manager (Barry Nelson) informs Jack that a previous caretaker went crazy and slaughtered his family; Jack thinks it's no problem, but Danny's "shining" hints otherwise. Settling into their routine, Danny cruises through the empty corridors on his Big Wheel and plays in the topiary maze with Wendy, while Jack sets up shop in a cavernous lounge with strict orders not to be disturbed. Danny's alter ego, "Tony," however, starts warning of "redrum" as Danny is plagued by more blood-soaked visions of the past, and a blocked Jack starts visiting the hotel bar for a few visions of his own. Frightened by her husband's behavior and Danny's visit to the forbidding Room 237, Wendy soon discovers what Jack has really been doing in his study all day, and what the hotel has done to Jack.

Ratings and reviews

Lately, Kings movies have been doing more justice to his novels and short stories. Stand By Me came out when I was 13yo and will always have a special place in my hurt. But really folks, this is Kubrik. How can one go wrong. A dark and excruciatingly slow burn that leaves an impression not soon forgotten. I would argue it's no Full Metal Jacket or Dr Stranglove nor my favorite 2001, but I never change the channel when I come across ot.

It's not scary, just really creepy. The fact of being stuck in a hotel with a family member who is out to kill you. And in the midst of it all, the hotel is haunted. I love this movie, even though some fans of the novel complain about it being a horrible adaptation of the book. Jack Nicholson for me is just slimy all time favorite actor, and he killed this performance. 5/5

The Shinning is both one of my favorite books/movie from my favorite authors/directors. Like any other film adapted from literature they will always be indifferences between them. And Kubrick's take on King's novel is no exemption, while many will say thats a reason to bash on this movie, this movie is worth watching time and time again to catch all the easter eggs, and book references Kubrick has snuck in. Enjoy