The BEST film-adapted Stephen King story and a classic horror film

Rating: 10/10 (17 November 1998)

For those of you who know of Kubrick and his great work, and love this movie then you need not read on. This is for those ardent Stephen King fans who hate this movie and LOVE the mini-series. The main reason this movie is so great is because King had nothing to do with it- or should I say that Kubrick would not let him anywhere near it. When Kubrick makes his films he becomes an autocrat- he has to if the film is going to approach the vision he has for it. King laid the groundwork for the plot, but Kubrick shaped it into a cinematic masterpiece. Let us not forget that King is a WRITER. This is a point which most people-who are fans of authors whose books become the basis for films- tend to overlook. A film is 50% SOUND and 50% VISUALS. It is the filmmaker's responsibility to create the best audio-visual experience he/she can while remaining true to the story. The mini-series pales in comparison to the film because it tried to follow the book exactly. Point in case- what is scarier when being swung at your head- a croquet mallet or an axe? Everyone who reads the book visualizes it(and eveything else) differently, but on the big screen an axe has a more direct emotional impact. Some of you may feel that I am a King-basher and I am unfair. That is not the case. I thoroughly enjoyed It, the Stand, Eyes of the Dragon and the Dark Tower series. I even liked the Shining. But we are talking about making a STORY into a MOVIE. Just look at King's track record when involved in other films and TV projects. They are all weak and most are poorly done because a WRITER is trying to bring to the screen something that only exists in his head. King is a good storyteller, but to create a great, even good, film it requires different thinking and a different creative approach. If you see the film version of the Shining again or if it is for the first time then enjoy the sights and sounds of one of the greatest tales of terror ever told- one man's journey into isolation, desperation and madness. And for an added bonus look for the subtle link between the hotel and Native Americans. Enjoy!