Based on a Stephen King novel of the same name (although Kubrick famously made changes in the film version that King hated) The Shining is a suspenseful horror film from 1980. I personally have gone back and forth on this film over the years. The first time I saw it, I loved it. After a few more viewings my feelings became a bit more mixed and critical of certain aspects. Eventually, over the years, I've settled somewhere in the middle.
The film stars Jack Nicholson, Shelly Duvall, and Danny Lloyd. It's about a writer named Jack Torrance (played by Nicholson) who accepts a job as the winter caretaker at the remote Overlook Hotel, and he brings his wife Wendy and son Danny along. The problem is, this hotel was built on a Native-American burial ground and has a dark past. Danny, who has a telepathic ability known in the film as 'shining' is the first to see ghosts and frightening images in the hotel. However, Jack soon starts to see them as well and begins to spiral into madness. Eventually, attempting to murder his family.
While this one isn't my favorite Kubrick film, it's hard to deny it's impact and influence of on the horror genre. Everything from the great acting, to the camerawork and pacing, to the iconic moments and the eerie musical score make this one a true horror classic.
I give The Shining a 4.5 out of 5.
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