A masterpiece!

Rating: Null/10 (10 May 2002)

This is a gorgeous film. I have never seen such beautiful cinematography. This is an all around great film. One of the truly great horror movies. Kubrick basically re-wrote the script on the genre with this film. Since it's release much of it's content has become clichéd through its use in other films. In many ways this movie mocks the conventional horror film. There are many occasions where the plot builds up the the point you would expect the typical boo or surprise, but Kubrick then side-steps to something else. The terror in this movie does not come from boo's or things jumping out of closets. It is a more realistic attempt to portray what the supernatural might be like. The scary elements come from slow pacing, mood, character development, and an objective camera point of view with the steady-cam. Many people also tend to miss some of the symbolic subtleties of this film. Many complain about the black man dying in the movie when in the book he saves the family. However this is essential to Kubrick's underlying message which is the suppression by white american males of women, children, indians, and blacks. This film also takes time to comment on child abuse, and spousal abuse. As well there is a commentary on the weak female figure who refuses to acknowledge what's happening. All in all this is a movie that works on so many levels. Truly horrifying. Great ensemble cast with toned down performances early, which really accentuate the over the top performances in the latter part. This is definitely a must see. But if you want gore, lots of boos, and rather unrealistic dramatical structure then this is not the film for you.