I sat down to watch The Shining last night with high expectations. Over the years, I had read countless reviews praising Stanley Kubrick’s mastery — a chilling psychological horror, a mesmerizing performance by Jack Nicholson, and a film that redefined the genre. Yet, my own experience left me conflicted.
To begin with, the atmosphere Kubrick creates is undeniably superb. The Overlook Hotel is a character in itself — isolated, grandiose, and suffused with an uncanny tension that keeps you on edge. The tracking shots, the long corridors, the mirrors reflecting an unsettling reality — these visuals are genius. You cannot deny Kubrick’s eye for framing, lighting, and composition. Every shot is painstakingly crafted, and for anyone who appreciates cinematic precision, this is pure joy.
Jack Nicholson’s Jack Torrance is iconic. His descent from a frustrated writer into madness is hauntingly portrayed. The infamous “Here’s Johnny!” moment is ingrained in pop culture for a reason — Nicholson channels both charm and menace simultaneously. Shelley Duvall as Wendy Torrance delivers a performance full of fear, tension, and vulnerability, and Danny Lloyd as Danny, the boy with the 'shining,' evokes genuine empathy.
However, here’s where my skepticism comes in. I went in expecting a gripping story, something more than visual terror. And while the movie excels in mood and suspense, the narrative itself left me wanting. The pacing sometimes drags, and certain subplots — like the history of the hotel and the enigmatic hedge maze — feel underexplored. Kubrick’s obsession with perfection and control sometimes comes at the cost of emotional resonance. There were moments where I found myself detached, appreciating the artistry but not fully invested in the story.
This is a movie that rewards multiple viewings, I suspect, but I have to admit that as a first-time viewer, I wanted more substance alongside the style. In many ways, The Shining is a classic you admire intellectually, rather than one that grips you from start to finish emotionally. It’s a masterclass in cinematic horror, but perhaps not the visceral thrill ride it promises.
If you’re interested in exploring more iconic horror and psychological tension, check out my thoughts on Joker, which also features a descent into madness, albeit in a modern setting.
In conclusion, The Shining is worth watching — for Nicholson, for Kubrick’s vision, for the craftsmanship. But for a movie buff who prioritizes story, it may feel like a beautifully dressed ghost without enough narrative soul.
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