Review of The Shining (1980) by L L — 04 Mar 2017

Though a fan of Kubrick, but not a fan of scary movies, I waited a long time to see The Shining. I enjoyed the imagery but did feel it was reminiscent of David Lynch, which I later learned Kubrick was inspired by (Lynch's Eraserhead) prior to making The Shining. I wish there was more of a distinct character change in Jack Nicholson's character. There didn't seem to be a huge arc from when he began. I read that King (whose novel the film is based on) was hugely disappointed by how Nicholson's character seemed to change based on the hotel's 'evil spirits' rather than because of the natural stress factors that would cause any person to insanity.

Perhaps Lynch's eerie style over-influenced Kubrick, and made him underestimate his own ability to show psychological impact and change (which we saw in A Clockwork Orange).

I agree with King that it would have been more interesting (or maybe cliche... not sure) to see the effects of 'cabin fever' (isolation) driving a relate-able character who was struggling with alcoholism to madness. However, despite originating from an interesting semi-autobiographical book by King, I enjoyed the departure, and Kubrick's manifestation of King's story. I tend to be one that prefers to the exploration of departing from original material (books), rather than merely being a visual copy of the original manuscript/book. The open interpretations and deviation from the original material make both versions (book and movie) independent, creative entities; two works of art from the same source, told in different ways. That to me is more interesting.

The film is definitely memorable; and in my opinion, the sound design and cinematography are at least 60 to 70 percent of what contributes to its impact. Nicholson is great as usual; and I did not mind the weird appearance of the female actress Shelley Duvall. In fact, the annoying naivete of her character made it more understandable for her to drive her husband mad. Her big eyes and narrow face made her expressions of terror contributing factors to the insanity inside the hotel. It reminded me of Edvard Munch's The Scream painting.

Overall, I found this film to me the one to convince me of Kubrick's brilliant versatility in covering a wide range of genres. His satire is prevalent in Dr. Strangelove, Barry Lyndon; but this film went deeper into psychological darkness; further than Clockwork Orange, and I enjoyed it.