Kubrikian magic in an isolated hotel

Rating: Null/10 (3 October 2019)

There possibly isn't a soul who hasn't at least heard of The Shining. Stanley Kubrick's take on Stephen King's novel is unique and has penetrated popular culture ever since its release in 1980. With its intensely claustrophobic atmosphere and suffocating sense of personality disintegration, The Shining is as unsettling as anything (except perhaps A Clockwork Orange) Stanley Kubrick made during his distinguished career. Yet the film has its share of pitfalls, not the least of which is the general incoherence of certain narrative elements. Because Kubrick elected not to integrate the supernatural aspects into the story in as concrete a manner as King did in his book, their presence is confusing and at times poorly realized. The combination of unimpeachable set design, perfect shot selection, long tracking shots, and an impeccable score (comprised primarily of a selection of classical pieces) creates an atmosphere in which suspense and dread ferment. By the end of the film, every inch of the hotel hints at something sinister and every frame is infused with a sense of the macabre.