Everything shines on this movie

Rating: 10/10 (21 November 2002)

As some on this site have said, Kubrick´s The Shining is a horror classic. Everything on this movie, from the extraordinary direction of Kubrick, to the superb acting given by Nicholson, Duvall and Lloyd, is a highlight.
The first thing that comes to my mind when i think of The Shining, are those long, long lanes of that empty hotel (remember the scene with the tricycle). It plays directly with the psychology of the viewer, who sees in those lanes a path leading straight to the unknown. That´s real terror.
Also, the mixture between the hallucinations and reality may be nothing new, but the scenes are so involving and suspense full (here we can see the hand of a master like Kubrick)that you can do nothing but wait what will happen next.
I personally think that some of the greatest movies, specially in the horror/fantasy/sci-fi genre, are so good because they intentionally leave a part of the plot unsolved. They leave big or maybe little mysteries to the viewer, so that he can start using his brain and imagination to get the answers. This element makes you want to watch a movie over and over again, in order to find something new, something you missed when you firstly watched it.
The Shining has this element of not-completely-clear plot, and that makes it more interesting and terrifying. If you don´t believe me, then watch David Lynch´s movies, unsolved mysteries are the essence of his movies.
Those who believe in that "it´s all about native americans theory", not be so sure. That is only an element barely mentioned, just another viewer theory. But you´re playing the game that Kubrick wanted you to play, so in that sense, you´re in the right to think what you want, but don´t try to impose your thoughts to everyone.
Anyway, this is a classic movie that everyone should watch, not only the horror fans, but any cinema lover.