One of the scariest movies of all time by one of the best directors of all time. ***1/2 out of ****.

Rating: 9/10 (19 June 2000)

THE SHINING / (1980) ***1/2
Stanley Kubrick is one of the best American directors who ever lived. No recent filmmaker has more effectively depicted ideas and created movies that literally defined generations; such films by Kubrick include "2001: A Space Odyssey," "A Clockwork Orange," "Dr. Strangelove," and most recently Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman in the psychosexual thriller "Eyes Wide Shut." Twenty years ago, this infinite artist completed "The Shining," one of the scariest movies ever made. The film, based on the similarly horrifying novel by Stephen King, is vivid in its characters and overpoweringly haunting with its terrifying undertones. Stanley Kubrick co-wrote, produced and directed this thriller that is well worth the view.
The film stars Jack Nicholson as Jack Torrance, father of young son Danny (Danny Lloyd) and spouse to his wife, Wendy (Shelley DuVall). This family is not strongly knitted; never do we see the couple kiss, show tenderness, or make love. Jack used to be an alcoholic and once physically abused Danny. This factor is a major piece in the story's puzzle.
As the movie opens, Jack receives a job maintaining a massive hotel in the mountains over the winter. This resort is called the Overlook Hotel. Jack's temporary service will provide his family with extra cash, a wonderfully positioned vacation, and him some quiet time to continue work on his long awaited manuscript. The innkeepers explain to the Torrance's they will be on their own for the upcoming harsh winter season.
The Overlook Hotel is a magnificent architectural design. The film's atmosphere alone makes it worthy of recognition. This chosen location is a perfect place for a horror picture to transpire. Along with a haunting atmosphere, the plot also builds momentum through dialogue. These smart variables also vividly promote the vary essence of Nicholson's performance that induces psychological terror. Being stranded in a captivating hotel with a person who has a violent history is a circumstance commendable of true fright.
Each scene advances the movie's story into a further depth of tension and develops the characters to a greater level. The gradual increase of Jack's frightening behavior creates a sense of heart-stopping suspense. After an extraordinary setup, when the hotel's radios are destroyed, transportation is taken away, and a colossal snowstorm strands the Torrances in captivity, the sky is the limit for what is in store for them. Unfortunately, the filmmakers do not take advantage of the payoff to a movie with a sufficient premise.
Jack Nicholson extensively defines Stanley Kubrick's horrific masterpiece. His performance is outstanding, easily the best of his career. He intelligently depicts a character of intensity and raw barbaric depth. Also perfectly cast is Shelley DuVall, performing with fright-inducing intricacy. Danny Lloyd, best compared with today's Haley Joel Osment, is top notch as well.
Although "The Shining" is a precarious, well-portrayed adaptation, its conclusion is disappointing in the highest regards. With such an effective first and second act and superior character development, we come to expect more than a lazy, disagreeable closing like this; "The Shining" does not execute the climax in which it builds.
Another problem is with the second half of act two, featuring a assumed hero, Dick (Scatman Crothers), as the film interacts between him and Jack's terrorizing. He is eliminated so quickly, however, we question his existence in the movie period. Furthermore, the 1997 retelling starring Steven Weber better explains Danny's psychological power.
"The Shining" is an interesting motion picture to study; I own it. Discovering certain plot twists, analyzing performances, learning from direction techniques, and witnessing haunting atmospheres and tricky camera angles is fun. Most audiences will treasure "The Shining" for what it offers, but also condemn the film for the method in which it sums itself up.