Review of The Shining (1980) by Jordan K — 16 Feb 2016

The Shining is one of the finest horror classics out there, chock full of suspense, later famous catchphrases, and intriguing plot twists, not to mention a simply fantastic performance by Nicholson.

The Torrance family, compiled of writer Jack, his wife Wendy, and his son Daniel, agree to move into an abandoned hotel in the middle of nowhere to further influence Jack's writing. However, a bad case of cabin fever soon hits Jack, as he turns homicidal and insane towards his family.

I often find Kubrick's work to be iffy. I think of his films as often kind of strange and off putting, but if anything this is his best film. The Shining is the definitive Stephen King adaptation film, with Kubrick behind a nonstop sense of suspense and a climax that builds and builds on even more. Suspense is key to The Shining and it mastered that aspect. The performances, albeit not many, are fantastic. Jack Nicholson is obviously the breakout star, and his performance is fantastically realistic, entertaining, and even a little eerie. DuVall is also very good at her role, but she doesn't do much else besides be scared and cry. The Shining isn't so much scary, but it's rather a little eerie and it toys with the viewer's thoughts on characters often. The Shining is a horror classic and a must see - it paved the road for so many great horror films and nobody will ever do it better.