Movie Review: The Shining (1980)
Synopsis
Stanley Kubrick’s "The Shining," released in 1980, is a psychological horror film that reinterprets Stephen King’s 1977 novel of the same name. The film follows Jack Torrance (played by Jack Nicholson), an aspiring writer who takes on the role of the winter caretaker for the isolated Overlook Hotel, located in the snowy mountains of Colorado. He moves to the hotel with his wife, Wendy (Shelley Duvall), and their young son, Danny (Danny Lloyd), who possesses a psychic ability known as “the shining,” allowing him to perceive the supernatural occurrences that haunt the hotel.
As winter descends upon the hotel, Jack’s mental state begins to deteriorate after being influenced by the malevolent forces within the hotel. Meanwhile, Danny’s visions become more disturbing as he encounters the ghosts of the hotel, including the sinister figure of the former caretaker, Delbert Grady (Philip Stone). As Jack becomes increasingly unstable and violent, Wendy and Danny must fight to survive his descent into madness, culminating in a terrifying climax that showcases both the power of supernatural influences and the fragility of the human psyche.
Cast of Characters
- Jack Nicholson as Jack Torrance
- Shelley Duvall as Wendy Torrance
- Danny Lloyd as Danny Torrance
- Scatman Crothers as Dick Hallorann
- Barry Nelson as Stuart Ullman
- Philip Stone as Delbert Grady
- Lisa and Louise Burns as the Grady twins
- Joseph Turkel as Lloyd, the bartender
- Anne Jackson as Doctor
Review
Stanley Kubrick’s "The Shining" is often hailed as one of the greatest horror films ever made, and for good reason. The film transcends mere genre constraints, offering a rich tapestry of psychological terror, haunting visuals, and profound themes. Kubrick’s meticulous direction is a hallmark of this film; every frame is carefully composed, suffused with a sense of dread and unease that lingers long after the credits roll.
Jack Nicholson’s performance as Jack Torrance is iconic, embodying the gradual unraveling of a man under the weight of isolation and supernatural forces. Nicholson’s expressive portrayal captures both the charisma and instability of Jack, drawing viewers into his psychological decline. The famous line, "Here’s Johnny!" is not just a memorable quote but serves as a manifestation of Jack’s complete break from reality. Nicholson’s performance is heightened by Kubrick’s direction, which creates a disquieting atmosphere where every smile can turn into a snarl at a moment’s notice.
Shelley Duvall’s portrayal of Wendy is equally significant, providing a counterbalance to Jack’s escalating madness. Her journey from a supportive wife to a terrified mother is a poignant illustration of resilience in the face of horror. Duvall’s performance encapsulates a fragile strength, portraying Wendy as both nurturing and increasingly desperate as she confronts Jack’s violent transformation. The dynamics of their relationship unfold in an unsettling manner, revealing the complexities of love and fear, ultimately questioning the very nature of family bonds.
Danny Lloyd delivers a hauntingly effective performance as Danny Torrance, a child burdened with a gift he does not fully comprehend. His “shining” ability is both a blessing and a curse, allowing him to experience the hotel’s dark history while also marking him as a target for the malevolent spirits that inhabit the Overlook. The film’s ability to convey horror through the perspective of a child is particularly striking, further enhancing its psychological depth. Lloyd’s innocent portrayal amid the chaos around him creates an unsettling contrast that amplifies the film’s tension.
The supporting cast, including Scatman Crothers as Dick Hallorann, further enriches the narrative. Hallorann’s character is integral to Danny’s understanding of his abilities and serves as a paternal figure in contrast to Jack’s descent into madness. Crothers embodies warmth and wisdom, creating a sharp juxtaposition to the increasingly hostile environment of the hotel. The interactions between Hallorann and Danny are infused with a sense of hope that is ultimately crushed by the overwhelming malevolence of the Overlook.
Kubrick’s masterful use of cinematography is another defining characteristic of "The Shining." The film features hauntingly beautiful imagery, with wide shots of the hotel’s sprawling corridors and chilling close-ups that capture the characters’ emotional turmoil. The infamous long tracking shots through the corridors of the Overlook create a sense of claustrophobia and inevitability, making the audience acutely aware of the characters’ entrapment. The iconic hedge maze becomes a recurring visual motif symbolising both Jack’s psychological entrapment and the labyrinth of his own mind.
The score, crafted by Wendy Carlos and Rachel Elkind, is a character in its own right, enhancing the film’s unsettling atmosphere. The haunting synthesiser compositions create an eerie soundscape that resonates with the visuals, amplifying the tension and anxiety throughout the film. The juxtaposition of classical music with unsettling electronic pieces further underscores the film’s themes of chaos and shattered sanity.
A notable aspect of Kubrick’s adaptation is its departure from King’s original narrative, raising debates among fans regarding fidelity to the source material. While King’s novel delves deeply into Jack’s backstory and internal struggles, Kubrick’s interpretation strips away some of this contextualisation, leaving room for ambiguity. This ambiguity, while at times contentious, contributes to the film’s enigmatic quality, inviting endless analysis and interpretation. Kubrick’s depiction of the Overlook Hotel as a living entity—one that consumes and distorts its inhabitants—adds layers of meaning that invite audiences to question the nature of reality and the human psyche.
Moreover, "The Shining" engages with themes of isolation, madness, and the cyclical nature of violence. The hotel becomes a metaphor for Jack’s inner demons, as it manipulates his fears and desires, leading him toward violence against his family. The film subtly critiques masculinity and the struggles that accompany it, as Jack’s impending failure as a writer and husband drives him to despair and ultimately, violence. This complex characterisation adds depth to the film, transforming it from a traditional horror film into a profound exploration of the human condition.
As the film progresses towards its climactic conclusion, the tension becomes almost unbearable. The final chase scene in the hedge maze is a masterclass in building suspense, and the cinematography combined with the score creates a sense of impending doom. The juxtaposition of Jack’s manic pursuit of Danny with Wendy’s desperate attempts to escape encapsulates the film’s central themes of fear and survival.
The surreal climax of "The Shining" raises questions about time and reality, culminating in a jarring ambiguity that challenges viewers to ponder the true nature of the events that transpire. The film’s conclusion invites a myriad of interpretations that continue to spur discussion and debate among audiences and scholars alike. As Kubrick himself has remarked, "The Shining" exists not only as a horror film but also as an exploration of the human psyche, weaving a narrative that is rich with subtext and layered meanings.
In conclusion, Stanley Kubrick’s "The Shining" remains a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences, offering a unique blend of psychological horror and visual artistry. The film’s intricate exploration of madness, familial relationships, and the supernatural creates an unnerving experience that lingers in the mind long after viewing. The performances, direction, and thematic depth of the film establish it as a landmark in both horror cinema and film as a whole. For these reasons, I rate "The Shining" a formidable 9 out of 10. It is a film that demands multiple viewings, each revealing further layers of its chilling narrative and existential questions that challenge the boundaries of reality.
Whether one sees it as a profound commentary on the fragility of the human mind or merely a terrifying tale of a haunted hotel, "The Shining" undeniably cements itself in the pantheon of cinematic excellence.