Such a rewarding horror movie...

Rating: Null/10 (28 July 2011)

The Shining starring Jack Nicholson as Jack, Shelley Duvall as Wendy and Danny Lloyd as Danny, tells the story of the Torrance family taking on the duties of care taking the overlook hotel in Colorado. However things take a turn for the worst as super natural forces force Jack into a severe case of cabin fever. As more and more mysterious things take place Jack begins to lose control and beings to take his responsibility as the caretaker to a dangerous level. Jack finally reaches a breaking point and attempts to attack his wife; she defends herself by giving Jack a blow to the head. Shortly after waking up Jack loses all sanity and goes on an axe wielding rampage, attempting to kill Wendy and Danny. His family is able to escape the hotel as he is left to freeze to death in the hedge maze.
Several different themes present themselves within this movie including supernatural aspects and the effect of isolation on the human psyche. This film holds a very special place in my heart as one of the first true horror films. This film doesn't use a ton of gore or "jump" moments but it creates such a creepy atmosphere and a feeling of realism that it takes horror to a whole different level. The performance of Jack Nicholson as Jack Torrance is the stuff of legend. From the moment Jacks family reaches the hotel we are treated to one of the best acting performance we've ever seen. The character of Jack Torrance is one that will stick with viewers long after they have seen this film. The scene of Jack axing through the bathroom room and shouting "here's Johnny" is etched in Hollywood stone. I don't think enough can be said about the director (Stanley Kubrick) and his vision of this film. The camera work of Kubrick following Danny on his big wheel really gave a different perspective and was truly groundbreaking. Several other scenes such as Jack backing Wendy up the stairs were shot using Steadicam which was seen as being difficult at the time but Mr. Kubrick pulled it off in stunning fashion. If you've never seen this film I suggest you watch it, maybe even twice. You will find yourself rewarded with one of the best acting performances ever seen and what's considered one of the best horror films of all time.