This movie is better than the book

Rating: 10/10 (24 February 2010)

There is a group of fans who seem to be disappointed by the fact Kubrick has drifted away from the book. The King is the King and who touches His Kingdom should be punished by 1/10. You know the truth is that King writes very repetitive books. They are not scary nor suspenseful. Kubrick actually took the good idea (moutains, the isolation) wasted by King's schematic writing and picked the best of best to create movie which is WAY better than the book. I have seen the TV series which is more adored by the fans because it is closer to the book and I have to say the TV series may have more ghosts in it but it is laughable. The "gradual descent" into the madness is laughable actually, especially the scene when everyone shouts at everyone. Good for the Simpsons, maybe. Kubrick actually created incredible atmosphere - ill looking child, the black cook who dies in attempt to save the family, scary twins, amazingly looking hotel, incredible sounds and the soundtrack. He simply took forgettable book and created amazing imagery and incredibly thick atmosphere. Kubrick's place is completely abandoned, mysterious, beautiful, the ill looking family seems to be so fragile. I would like to spent a winter on such place. No need for long talks or morale dilemmas. The movie may be slow and drift away from the book, but it is very beautiful creation. Best enjoyed with a glass of good wine, really. I like this move most of all other Kubrick's movies. If you like amazing imagery, great shots, astounding sounds and you are willing to accept slow flow of the movie, you will enjoy this masterpiece as well.