Review of The Shining (1980) by Googolendtimes — 23 Dec 2014
"The Shining" is an unfortunate missed opportunity. Stanley Kubrick's adaptation squanders its source material, sacrificing the complex characterisation, themes and nuance that made Stephen King's novel so distinctive and compelling.
Given the sheer brilliance of what it had to work with, and the immense talent attached to it, the film should have turned out to be far more than what it was: a disappointingly basic and stunted "chiller" does not do any semblance of justice to King's masterpiece.
It lacks any form of suspense, thrills or chills, manages only to be slightly and sporadically unnerving. "Here's Johnny" and "Room 237" are memorable vignettes. But the film as a whole is forgettable.
I will concede Jack Nicholson is excellent - the role of Jack Torrance is a perfect showcase for his talents. But even he cannot override the film's waste of potential.
This review of The Shining (1980) was written by Googolendtimes on 23 Dec 2014.
The Shining has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
