The best horror movie of all time

Rating: 10/10 (11 October 2004)

I can't believe how some here bash this movie. This is not only the best horror movie, but its absolutely one of the top 100 movies. Those who complain about it fall into two categories: Those who like the book better and think Kubrick didn't do it justice, or: Those who see it 20 years later having a predetermined bias against it because of the great reputation it has. I'll just say in response that yes, Kubrick took little bits of the book, and made it something entirely different. Having said that, if you focus on the movie, on its own, it is one hell of a movie. The camera work is terrific. The acting is great. The score, which everyone complains about, is frankly perfect for what the film portrays. The music keeps you on edge right out of the gate, which is the purpose. Its nerve-racking. As for Jack Torrance free falling into insanity too quickly, did you want the movie to be 3 and a half hours? As it is, its almost 150 minutes. In fact, Torrance doesn't fully go insane until the end. What people complain about happen to be the hints, the traits, of a man GOING insane, which is the character arc that critics here say is non-existent. So, in closing, if you're going to see this movie, forget what you heard, forget how great people say it is. Go in clear headed and formulate your own opinion, not one swayed by Stephen Kings eternal whining, or by your instinct , which is to temper your enthusiasm with backlash because of the popular opinion. What you'll find is a master filmmaker making a great film.