The Kubrick Komplex

Rating: Null/10 (25 December 1999)

I read, many, well - founded critiques praising Stanley Kubrick's work on this movie, The Shining, but, I thought an opposite opinion would be welcomed, even as a novelty, perhaps. I've seen this movie with a great friend of mine, and one of the most addicted fans of both Kubrick's and Nicholson's work. She obligated me to see the movie, knowing that I hate horror films, and I'm not much of a fan of the great Kubrick - but I did made her watch Joanna with me that same day.. After seeing it, I just stumbled upon my usual opinion on Kubrick's movies. Visually striking, no context whatsoever. It seems promising, at first, and there are absolutely masterful camera angles, but, it's all part of the pretty package that surrounds this overrated piece of junk!
The movie has absolutely no story, Nicholson's performance reaches the highest camp ever seen after 'Valley Of The Dolls', Shelley Duvall's is extremely annoying as the loving, ever so comprehensive wife, that only reacts to his husband when he becomes obviously menacing to herself and their child, and no explanations of the going ons, at all! It is not the same case as Hitchcock's The Birds... on that, we have clues, little insights that makes us feel we know what happened... on The Shining, we have no clues, just tons and tons of episodic happenings, and gatherings of odd, bizarre moments. IS Nicholson posessed by the old caretaker? IS Nicholson posessed by an antique spirit that lived within the Hotel, a long time ago...? IS Nicholson going mad? Do we care...?
The only relief that we have is a solid performance by Danny Loyd, great soundtrack, and as I 'd said before, dazzling camera angles. Otherwise, confuse, contrived, arty and irritating piece of trash.

It's The Kubrick complex... visually striking, where's the story?

For A Good Early Kubrick, rent Lolita, or Paths Of Glory, Or Dr. StrangeLove. Keep away from this supposedly arty dead end of a movie.