The most artistic horror film ever made.

Rating: Null/10 (27 September 2000)

THE SHINING (1980) [not to be confused with the horrid remake in 1997, which in itself should have been an insult to Kubrick,] can be described in many ways.
To start off with one of the most crucial details, one must realize that they are watching a Stanley Kubrick film. What characterizes a Stanley Kubrick film?, one might ask. Well, that's not easy to say, but a "Kubrickian" film encompasses a particular genre being advanced by pioneering cinematography, stunning visuals, strong (and sometimes explicit) dialogue, and a high level of metaphoric art and symbolism. One cannot watch a Kubrick film with a relaxed mind and expect to be entertained. In order to fully enjoy and comprehend a film by Stanley Kubrick, it is imperative to think. Go below the surface of what you see on the screen and find a metaphor or symbolism that each shot represents. THE SHINING is a perfect example of this idealogy. One must rememember that in a Kubrick film, each shot means something.
Second, this film is very reliant on themes and imagery to support these themes. Foremost is the pertinent theme of reflections. Mirrors enhance reflections and are key elements in the movie. It is through a mirror that we watch Jack eat his breakfast, not be able to see Grady (but be able to see Jack at the same time,) Danny watches a mirror at the beginning of the film while he shines, and it is mirrors that finally reveal the true meaning of the phrase "redrum." Reflections play a major role in the unfolding of the story. From using them to see that Grady is a ghost, to finding Jack's true intentions.
The acting in this film is also superb. Jack Nicholson (as usual) in top form and to be able to believe how great he was in this movie, you'd have to see it for yourself.
Lastly, the cinematography in THE SHINING is breathtaking. From the credit sequence following Jack through the Rockies, to the renown steadicam of Danny on his tricycle, to the tracking shots through the maze, I have rarely seen better camera-work.
There are many more elements to this film, more than I could write in this comment with a maximum of a mere 1000 words. I'm sure that if you see this movie, and you're ready to think and be scared by plot devices such as tension, climate, atmosphere, depth, color, and symbolism (and not get cheap scares from computerized images of green goblins in the miniseries,) THE SHINING is the movie for you.