The Shining
The Shining
A family heads to an isolated hotel for the winter, where a sinister presence influences the father into violence. At the same time, his psychic son sees horrifying forebodings from both the past and the future.
Halim Mellick reviewedMay 24, 2025
What can I say about The Shining that hasn’t been said already? Only leaving a review as it’s my favourite film by my favourite director.
The real horror lies within human nature - more is said by what isn’t said in this movie. Does Jack lose his mind or did he never have it to begin with?
What happens between Jack and Danny that we don’t see?
I think Shelley Duval’s performance in this movie is even better than Nicholson’s. Kubrick put her through hell to create this film but the result is one of the greatest horror stories of our time. Her character is what drives home the horror of the situation - but Jack’s performance is also him at his best.
This movie should be enjoyed as a standalone - do not bother with Doctor Sleep.
Also, I’m one of the few people who enjoys the home video 4:3 aspect ratio release over the widescreen. The 4:3 frame adds to the feeling of isolation within the overlook hotel. I’m really glad that Kubrick framed for both.
If you want to see it in 4:3 check out the DVD release from around 2001 or any VHS copy