**** out of ****

Rating: 8/10 (1 October 2002)

Kubrick's delve into horror succeeds in one level that most horror films fail on - it's actually scary. Nicholson's performance is fantastic - yes, over the top, but perfectly fitted for the role. This movie contains some of the most genuinely frightening scenes ever committed to film. The common criticism is that Nicholson goes crazy to quickly, but it is a full hour into the film before he even begins to, let alone actually does. This building anticipation towards the actual event is part of what makes this such a great horror film. On top of all this, the film is technically masterful, with some of Kubrick's best camerawork, including some impressive long tracking shots. Not just for horror either - there are lots of Kubrick themes and symbols woven into the story.