The Shining

ALL WORK NO PLAY MAKES JACK A DULL BOY I rarely use this word for movies, but: Masterpiece. It’s hard to describe, but this movie feels incredibly balanced. The family dynamics are accretive to each characters personal journey, and each characters personal journey is so unique and dependent on the development of the rest of the cast. There is such a visceral fear for Nicholson that the worries of his families will interfere with his work, that, although extremist, is almost relatable. The necessity for the head of the family to care for his family is so strong that he is willing to kill them to prevent them from interfering. This irrationality is why Nicholson’s insanity is so frightening. It almost feels rational.