Kubrick's vision of King's classic novel

Rating: Null/10 (23 April 1999)

It's interesting to note that Stanley Kubrick's film version of Stephen King's novel "The Shining" is considered one of the classic films of the horror genre - as it is also worthy of mentioning that many feel that King's book will probably be the most enduring of his novels in the decades to come. They however are entirely separate from one another. Kubrick created his own vision of King's novel and for that we must be eternally grateful. Stephen King has stated that he never liked Kubrick's treatment of his novel (this is why "The Shining" was remade as a television mini-series in 1997). I've seen both, and although I am a fan of King's writing, I must say that I still prefer Kubrick's film over the mini-series. Kubrick builds the suspense for well over half the film before unleashing the terror of the Overlook hotel. The mini-series, while more faithful to the original story draws on too long (I think it being split over three nights hurt it more, though, than the length. This is a very suspenseful story and breaking it up ruins the suspense.). This film, along with Kubrick's others, shows just why he was regarded with such admiration, not only by other filmmakers but with the movie going public as well.