A masterpiece. A film of complex character discovery and probably the most known film of Jack Nicholson.

Rating: 9/10 (31 December 2000)

Hard to believe it's been two decades since this horror classic first puzzled us. Though I didn't see The, Shining until probably 1988 on TV after countless viewings I still have many thoughts and questions about this film. If you know anything at all about Stanley Kubrick and his directing and producing of film you know that he always leaves the viewer to think and ask questions. I for one think that film should be that way, I know film is for entertainment purposes but viewers should think it not only helps them enjoy film but also educates them in the process. Kubrick has no pressure on him he always has a good concept and finds his work fun and his emotions help a film such as The, Shining. Stanley likes the mad with realism to make it interesting, and that is the entire concept of The, Shining. Think what you want about The, Shining many see it as the greatest terror ever. Really behind it all is a film of strong character discovery involving the issues of alcoholism and child abuse. Though I never read the Stephen King novel but I didn't want to because I know what a perfectionist that Kubrick is at doing film but both the film and story work good together. Jack Nicholson gave a monster and memorable performance as aspiring novelist Jack Torrance, who takes the job of caretaker of a seasonal hotel in the mountains of Colorado. Jack gave the most wild and out of control performance for an actor in film history. Jack was always the greatest and being unpredictable he really makes his work fun and puts every ounce of heart and soul into his acting. Jack Nicholson is by far my all-time favorite actor! Jack Nicholson was one actor who hit the mark on Hollywood for the century. The most memorable and quoted scene from the film is when Jack hacks his way through a door with his axe while his wife (Shelley Duvall) cowers on the other side. Jack cuts a hole big enough for his face to be seen and cries out: "Heeeeeeeere's Johnny". That line made Jack even more famous and brought a certain injection of light relief into a particularly terrifying moment when you think you're being brought down. Think back to the scene between Scatman Crothers and Danny Lloyd the conversation they have gives some meaning and insight to help you understand The, Shining a little better. Call it ESP or special powers but as Scatman says the ability to shine or they call it shining meaning the ability to know the future and know about bad things that happened in the past or even communicate with people without speaking by mind reading. I must say that Scatman Crothers gave one of the most beautiful supporting roles in film history he really helped The, Shining along. The only weak thing in The, Shining was the performance of Shelley Duvall it was like Kubrick and others had to pull her lines out of her she seemed overwhelmed with the part. The musical score throughout this film is absolutely great it has that chilling and tingling feeling to keep you in great drama. The setting of The Overlook Hotel and the winter snow made this film even more chilling. The big question is answered in the end though it will take you several viewings to understand and answer honestly, and that is has Jack Torrance ever been to The Overlook Hotel before? You find that the answer lies in a ghostly time warp of madness and murder. You name it a film of different meanings and a conflicting of past issues that are discovered and even (Danny Lloyd) Jack Torrance's son gives a fine performance. You have it all in this horror classic the best actor alive Jack Nicholson and one of the all-time great directors Stanley Kubrick make The, Shining a film that is very important to history for the way it makes a viewer search for hidden messages in a beautiful and lonely scenery.