Horror can't get better than this

Rating: 10/10 (14 August 2019)

Stanley Kubrick has been a filmmaker whose work has influenced many countless films and set a huge change within the industry. Each and every one of his movies has affected a lot of present and aspiring filmmakers but his most notable work, The Shining, was ground-breaking!
To this day people talk about this movie because of how convoluted the storyline is. This movie brings out one of the most tension filled, nail biting and horrifying experiences. Everything in this film is top notch. Kubrick's direction is amazing. His way of visual storytelling was like no other. The film begins with these gorgeous aerial shots of the scenery that make you feel you are there. The shot selection added a lot to the continuous eerie atmosphere. It's saddening to know how negative the reception was when the film initially came out. I mean Kubrick was even nominated for Worst Director at the Razzies.
The editing in this film is sharp. Not once do feel bored or have any intention of turning the film off. The film builds up a constant sense of dread and mystery which fully engrosses you and never lets your eyes off the screen. Aside from Kubrick's direction, the other aspect which made me shudder throughout was the haunting score. The music is used in a very meticulous way. Not once does it feel cheaply used to get a scare out of the audience. Each scene involving the music contributes to the harrowing atmosphere and insinuates an even darker feeling to the environment.
The performances in this movie are perfect. Words cannot describe how genuine and phenomenal Jack Nicholson's acting is. This is probably the best performance of his entire career. Shelley Duvall is incredible as well. She is consistently devastated. Her performance brings out the right amount of vulnerability to her character that we whole heartedly care for her. Young Danny Lloyd gives one of the best child performances I've ever seen.
Even though Stephen King hated Kubrick's adaptation of his book, many consider this to be the best horror film made. The ending of this movie is equally shocking and thought provoking. After 39 years, film lovers still create crazy theories about what the ending might suggest.
Thank you Stanley Kubrick for giving us this gem of a film.