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THE SHINING

With Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Scatman Crothers, Danny Lloyd
Directed by Stanley Kubrick

Based on Stephen King's novel, this modern horror classic is concentrated at the Overlook Hotel during the snowed under winter season, where a (recovered alcoholic) writer and his wife & son move in as off-season custodians. Besides mentions of a previous caretaker flipping and killing his family, Jack Torrence is not phased, as he's fired up to use the time to write his book (a classic King character device). His son Danny has a telekinetic gift and picks up on the bad energies haunting the halls and rooms of the Overlook, especially room 217. Slowly the creepy vibes from the other side start to reach into the physical realm of the deserted hotel. Kubrick's fantastic use of the (then still very new) steadycam system within the great hotel sets, hallways and external maze, adds to the dreamy character of this masterful film. As one of the best examples of brightly lit scares not depending on the cheap camouflage of darkness and shadows, this was one of the last films to scare me, and leaves a lasting impression on all who see it. Nicholson is perfectly cast and the soundtrack is absolutely brilliant. Many Stephen King purists bitched at Kubrick's alterations to the story. Never having read the book, I loved the movie, and I'm sure while related, they should be seen as separate entities.
Apparently the TV mini series made in the late '90s was more true to the book, but even so, the omitted details like the moving topiary animals, inclusion of the maze, and the croquet mallet switched with an axe were good moves on Kubrick's part. I personally prefer Kubrick's version.
Like many of the Warner Bros. Kubrick releases, this is shockingly NOT in widescreen, but at least the DVD has the Trailer and a behind-the-scenes documentary shot by Kubrick's daughter Vivian.

6 / A
- PB

1 2 3 4 5 6
A - B - C

never let a review decide for you, but for those who need a rating, see the Flamedrop scale below
6 - Volcanic
5 - Blistering
4 - Hot
3 - Smolder
2 - Room Temperature
1 - Fizzled
0 - Extinguished

A: Multi-Viewing Potential

B: Could Enjoy A 2nd Look

C: Once Should Suffice



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