The greatest horror film ever

Rating: 9/10 (25 May 2012)

IMDb Top 250: 48
Here's the shortest horror story ever: the last man on Earth is alone in a room when he hears a knock on the door. That one sentence provokes so much thought: why is he the last man, what happened to everyone else? What's on the other side of the door? But the most important question raised is: is there something actually there, or was the knocking in his head? That sums up The Shining. A fear of the unknown, the uncertainty in seeing what you do, and having your mind involuntarily the think of terrible things happening offscreen at the Overlook Hotel.
The Shining is the best horror film of all time, better than The Thing, Alien, or The Exorcist.
This surprisingly straightforward Kubrick tale focuses not a message, but plot, atmosphere and theme. The themes here are isolation and madness. A family has to look after a mountaintop resort alone for 6 months. We're told of the hotel's sinister past and we learn of Tony early, both ominous, planting the seeds of terror laced throughout the film. The great success of the opening act is that plot points and setting are explained, making us familiar without seeming blatantly expository: this works perfectly. We learn as Jack learns.
Speaking of Jack, he rules. Every line he says is an instant classic ("Cozy!") due to Nicholson's sarcastic, biting, sinister voice and look. He's such an amazing actor. And we can tell he's a little off right from the start, setting him apart from other 'descent' stories featuring white knights. Lots can be inferred about his character: we learn he hasn't had a drink in 5 months, despite the "pivotal accident" being 3 years ago. I think my understanding and sympathy for Jack, initially at least, is because I know a Jack Torrence, so you might not be so caring for him. The IMDb FAQ may say his alcoholism isn't a factor in the film, but from his mannerisms and attitude, I can tell you that it is.
Other than Jack the whole cast is superb. Wendy (Shelley Duvall) is woefully meek and vulnerable. Big eyed and likable, unlike her husband. I also know a Wendy: these are real characters. Danny is an exceptional character, really well acted, one of the best child performances. Hallorann, Lloyd and Grady (who really amps up the creepy and is possibly the only actor to work with Kubrick on 3 films) round out the impeccable support.
Of a good horror film needs to be scary, and I deem The Shining the best. There's no cheap scares with loud bangs. There's no real "shock" horror, only true eeriness and fear that chills right to your bones. The fantastic music that accompanies the film really adds to the horror, especially the cranking music in late scenes. The horror feels believable because there's nothing computer generated and everything is realistic looking. This makes the line between psychological and supernatural blurry, the key to the whole film. The uncertainty lets your mind wander and create genuine fear. Sure, there's some gore and the most horrifying nudity ever, but most of it is relevant to the story. There are some unexplained elements though, like the "bear room".
I haven't read the book but I know that the film does leave out several aspects and changes others. The goal of a horror film is to scare the audience, and the Shining scares, creeps and shocks more than any other horror film I've seen. But it also has an excellent story, a haunting atmosphere and amazing acting to compliment these scares. Another masterpiece. 9.4/10