Review of The Shining (1980) by Dawdlingpoet — 20 Nov 2021

This is a very atmospheric and distinctly chilling film, with an unsettling and somewhat claustrophobic feel to it throughout. There are numerous hints about what's to come from quite early on and it has a somewhat slow plot but I'd say that works in its favour, for this film certainly as it leaves the viewer trying to second guess when things may suddenly 'come to a head', as it were.

Its certainly not an utter gorefest throughout, as horror films go but as you may have guessed, it is very tense at times and I really liked the way the wide-angle camera (pan) shots and the music (quite old fashioned, spooky music certainly, often featuring strings (stringed instruments - it has a Hitchcockian feel to it)) go well together. The cast does a good job, certainly Jack Nicholson as John Torrance and Shelley Duvall as his wife, Wendy. I can understand why this is regarded as a classic horror film, with both of their performances being quite memorable. Wendy's look of sheer terror when things come to a head is quite chilling and certainly memorable, as is Jack's when he embarks on the infamous rampage.

If your a fan of horror films and the like, then I'd definitely recommend this film.