Messing with your head

Rating: 9/10 (18 August 2019)

I saw this, read the book and years later I watched the mini-series.
The first thing that struck me was the esthetic beauty of the hotel and the surroundings (best opening scene ever). The story itself was executed fairly decent and, aware of Kubrick's behaviour on set, the performance of the actors were good to carry the story. It took me a while to realize what it was that made this movie so creepy and haunting, until I discovered that the hotel layout is complete nonsense, there are video's detailing this, and certain shots are placed so well it constantly throws you off. Be it subconsiously. So from that moment I rewatched it more for the visual trickery that Kubrick did.
One example: To me, the main object in the final scene is not what makes it so creepy or disturbing. It is the immaculate and spotless surroundings. Every room builds tension and throws you off.
A visual masterpiece.