Creepiest movie I have seen... More than meets the eye.

Rating: 8/10 (4 November 1999)

I will not add to the mountains of adulation already posted about this film. I will just say that I agree with most of it. The Shining was a great film, but was more than just a horror flick. That is, the entire film can be viewed metaphorically. With this in mind, "The Shining" becomes an arcane yet clear commentary on American history. The Overlook Hotel was built on Native American burial grounds. The United States was built on Native American lands.
Historically, America has tried to suppress or "overlook" this fact, trying to hide the truth that our nation was built on murder and blood. The scenes of blood rising through the floors are symbolic, illustrating that this truth can no longer be contained. The images of Native american art, tapestry, wall and floor patterns are pervasive throughout the film. The hotel, in a sense, is America itself. Contained within are ghosts which slowly pervade Jack's mind, turning him into a murderer. Much as a father passes his beliefs to his son, these ghosts represent people's belief systems passed on from generation to generation.
The child is pure, being able to perceive what others can't. He is able to see the truth, and is fearful of his father's dark potential. The cook possesses the same gift, communicating with the child without words. His murder at the hands of Jack symbolizes the plight of the African race at the hands Europeans. Shelley Duvall is the feminine, maternal power which tries to placate Jack, but realizes that he has gone completely insane when she reads his manuscript. There is nothing more she can do but try to find a way to escape.
I realize that this sounds pretty "out there", but if you watch the movie with these ideas in mind, you will understand what I am talking about. Besides, I wouldn't put anything past Kubrick. He has a flair for being mysterious and cryptic. Look for the native american designs, the calumet baking powder, as well as the other weird symbols.
As a horror film, "The Shining" is very good. It is exceptionally creepy, and there are numerous scenes which remain etched into my memory - but I think that the metaphorical aspects are what make it much more than a horror film.