Care to Shine?

Rating: 8/10 (29 October 2002)

I'm not sure whether I've come to admire Kubrick or not, but, in a bizarre way, I think you can't help but stand still and stare, while in awe, at a man of his artistic discipline and rigorous vision. Brilliant films such as the Clockwork Orange or Dr. Strangelove are undoubtedly tremendous achievements, Lolita remains an interesting experience, Full Metal Jacket put me in a strange mood, something between amusement and deep reflection (oh, well, maybe not so deep), Barry Lindon was just too awkward and long, despite showing off with some great costumes and art design, but The Shining...where can I put that?
After having read the story, I wouldn't really say that the book version was better, yet I don't have the conviction to affirm that the film is either. OK, so what it's about: a couple (the Torrance's) with one child travel to this lonesome, yet luxurious hotel somewhere in the mountains and get a job as caretakers, thus having to inhabit the hotel only by themselves for the winter period. All alone, desperate to put together a play, Jack Torrance takes a slip towards insanity...and it seems that being locked away with the same bunch of people over a long time frame can have quite devastating effects on the psyche.
SPOILER
I will just ask one question, which remains without answer from my perspective: why let Hallorren die after all that effort? It just doesn't fall into place and keeps me thoroughly unsatisfied. I wouldn't try to argue saying Stephen King's version of it was better, because it was too "soft and predictable", still Kubrick's choice leaves me puzzled.
END OF SPOILER
The film is truly entangled in its own weary life, wavering between its characters, delightfully portraying Jack Torrance's desperation. Nicholson is simply brilliant in doing it. On the other hand, Shelley Duvall is just a mess...she's so bad, I'd have normally expected her to ruin the whole movie. But this is the funny part: she didn't. Kubrick maintains some balance within the story and between the characters, although the ending kind of leaves me staring in a blur, due to it being somewhat meaningless, even absurd. It simply doesn't convey an acceptable solution, that's my issue.
On the whole, however, "The Shining" is definitely worthwhile, although not as impressive as Kubrick's other works. If you have any doubts whether watching the movie is productive or not, just imagine Jack Nicholson at his best. It's not the mysterious and terrifying King here, it's the pragmatic and analytical Kubrick.