A masterpiece of Modern Horror

Rating: Null/10 (8 May 2003)

Stanley Kubrick has already accomplished himself to be one of the greatest directors in cinema at the time. Releasing classics such as Doctor Strangelove, Barry Lyndon, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and more. He then came out with The Shining. Possibly known to many fans of the genre as the best horror film out there, The Shining is remembered as being one of the scariest films. The atmosphere, set design, photography, music all build up to create a very memorable sense of place. Note the dangerous foreshadowing in certain scenes, that really add to the effect. The performances are first rate, Jack Nicholson in a very emotional and crazed performance. Somehow though, it seemed like he was a little over- the- top so doubts around whether it was worth of an Oscar- nomination (it didn't get one). Shelley Duvall really irratated the hell out of me, but her performance was solid, it's just the character that got on my nerves. The kid who played Danny also does an excellent job, adding to great effect the horror. The script is mesmerizing, pouring out fresh and powerfull words onto the screen all while maintaining a very terrifying atmosphere. Stanley Kubrick's unflinching direction bores deep into the skull, crafting powerful images though disturbing ones (blood rushing through the hallways). For some odd reason, this film was nominated for two Razzie Awards: Worst Director and Worst Actress (Shelley Duvall). I can understand why it was nominated for actress, but the directing one was atrocious. It also seems like the Academy really ignored this one, though it has now become a classic by both cult and fans of film. The Shining stands in the mind, it sometimes gets too over- the- top, or too weird (Beaver costume scene) but it manages to maintain such a pace and atmosphere throughout while being beautifully made. Stanley Kubrick wasn't a filmaker. He was an artist, and this, by all means, is one of his best portraits. 9.5/10