Review of The Shining (1980) by Luke N — 02 Sep 2013

Stephen King himself was unsatisfied with how Kubrick translated his novel about the pressures of fatherhood and alcoholism into one of simple-minded terror and axe-welding maniacs. But I have to say that Kubrick's version is much more powerful.

And with all the justification it needs, it has gone down in history as perhaps the most influential horror movie ever made. Despite its abandoning of the novel's more emotional themes, this movie is still an incredibly sophisticated working on the triggers of slowly-mounted fear and suspense.

With its trailing dolly-shots rolling through the empty hallways of the Overlook Hotel, the director effectively establishes a prodding sense of claustrophobia, which works in counterpart with Jack Torrence's rapid decline into hysteria, and eventually insanity.

The ominous music score is one of the creepiest ever heard in cinema, and while Jack Nicholson is excellent as the protagonist, I also think that young Danny Lloyd gave a notable performance as well. In addition to being a very versatile director, Kubrick also had the staggering ability to redefine every genre he dabbled in.

'The Shining' is definitely no exception.