I have a vision, a shining of a successful King novel to film

Rating: 8/10 (4 November 2014)

Every project Kubrick touches, turns to Gold. The guy was a legend, a directing god of cinema. What he's done here, transforming this Stephen King novel to film can is magic. A very little few King books, (I mean a very little few) make successful transitions to film, literally falling flat on their faces, forgettable pics, or ones that really stink, not how the novel intended. The Shining stands alone from all the other King books to film. Kubrick uses wide and low shots, making hallways seem mammoth as well as a hedged maze. Of course Nicholson, the stealer of the show is another reason to see it, less attractive in his hey day, but sells his role beautifully. We we never forget that connected corridor shot, two elevator in the background, where a violent wave or torrent of blood fills it up to capacity, where the screen quickly becomes one of full venesection. I really don't want to give away the story to this, as this is where the intrigue and fun of it is. After a cautious word, involving the original caretaker, O Grady responsible for the multiple slaying of his family, Jack starts changing for the much worse (talk about writer's block). Also he's having visions. Are they real or not? He is met by the notorious O Grady, and what's up with Jack's son, who has a sixth sense, and has been warned about Room 237. We know what curiosity did? Redrum = Murder. It's easy to work out the real answer when you think about it, which you will the full picture with the story here. I enjoy watching this film every time, the opening music score and wide shot of credits, as we track Jack's Vee dub, along a cliff top road is breathtaking, and watching Nicholson lose it, every time, is a pleasure much appreciated. The chalet itself used in the film is grand inside, as is the establishing shot too. The well acted movie has a lot of wonderful qualities. I mean if not for this movie, we wouldn't have that killer line, "Here's Johnny".