The Shining
The Shining is as perfect as the art of film gets. It’s the greatest horror movie of all time and Stanley Kubrick’s best.
Jack Nicholson as Jack Torrence is terrifying, and Nicholson should’ve won an Oscar for his performance. Very disappointed that the Academy didn’t get this one right because this is a performance for the ages. When Jack Torrence goes completely insane, it does feel like you’re watching someone act crazy but rather an actual psychopath. While watching this Nicholson’s performance in this film actually sent chills and shivers down my spine. He’s at that level in The Shining.
The best aspect of this movie is by far the atmosphere. This film contains little to no jump-scares along with not much epic scenery as well. But the Shining’s tone and musical score keeps you invested from the opening shot of the skyline of Colorado to the closing shot of the iconic ballroom picture. To me, the atmosphere and the Overlook Hotel feel like their own characters in of themselves. They feel like they have their own depths and are just as important to the story and intensity as the actors and actresses.
Shelley Duvall as Wendy is actually severely underrated. I know she gets a lot of flack for her performance but I honestly empathize with her because you can feel the fatigue and how mentally drained she is. I don’t know why people bash her for her performance. She’s great and gives an underrated performance. Danny Lloyd is also fantastic for a child actor in a film of this magnitude and intensity. He gives off an honest and innocent portrayal of a child and it doesn’t feel corny or take you out of the experience.
The Shining is the greatest horror film ever made and one of the greatest movies ever made. It is truly a masterclass of the art of cinema.
10/10