If the book is as intriguing as this movie - some book

Rating: 8/10 (31 December 2003)

Yes! I admit I have never read the book. I've never really cared for Stephen King most of the time. His work seems well written but derivative - at least those things I have read. Many of his book-to-movie or TV specials have been jaggedly uneven in their final presentations. However, this movie is watched everytime it is on. The ONLY version to see is the uncut version. This movie is jaggedly uneven as well but it works.
I thought Nicholson's acting was peculiar. He seemed real insincere and unnatural. At first I thought it was bad or uncertain acting but after a few viewings I am not so sure. He is intended to give you a sense of instability and he succeeds very much so.
Duvall is mousey and frequently irritating. She also seemed insincere. But when the situations were genuine (like Duvall interacting with the child or being chased with an axe) - they both kicked into high gear with some extremely convincing performances. The child actor was frequently - well, he seemed camera conscious and not very natural. Still, he provides many moments of unbalanced terror. I guess I can't complain. I watched the movie to get the creeps and this movie indeed gave me the creeps.
The background music track is very effective in creating a sense of startlement without intruding on what is actually going on. Much of the time it comes as noises (sinister hisses, piercing dissonance, creaks, moans, etc). They do not seem out of place and in fact are very appropriate.
The sets are left in their natural unassuming state until a mental fugue takes place. Then things begin to acquire a otherworldly shimmer, just enough so that the viewer knows that what is going on isn't normal. Anyway, your brain senses it. Well done.
Now the story on the screen may or may not be the book. Having no idea what the book was about I decided to watch this one night - I was in my late 20s. A couple of the images really got to me. I had no real idea what 'The Shining' was supposed to be until it is explained later in the movie. If the movie is any indication - the so-called 'Shining', as it was defined, played a secondary or supporting role in the proceedings. Therefore after my first viewing I was wondering why the movie was called 'The Shining'? I have to assume that the book must play more to this concept.
Nevertheless, gang, the bottomline here is that I liked this movie a lot. Like I said, UNCUT version only!!! There is one scene that will make you want to hurl. (You guys will know what I'm talking about.) I will go out of my way to watch this movie. it is interesting and creepy every time. The movie is so good - I may just have to read the book.