The Shining (1980)
★★★½ — The Shining (1980)
Stanley Kubrick adapted Stephen King's 1977 novel of the same name for his ninth feature, producing it through his own Hawk Films company on a budget that, at around $19 million, reflected the kind of resources Warner Bros. were willing to extend to a filmmaker of his standing. Shooting took place almost entirely at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire, with Kubrick famously constructing full-scale interior sets rather than filming on location at a real hotel. The production ran well over schedule (estimates suggest the shoot lasted more than a year), a pattern consistent with Kubrick's working methods. Jack Nicholson arrived fresh from his Oscar win for One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, while Shelley Duvall has spoken at length about the gruelling conditions Kubrick imposed on her during filming. Young Danny Lloyd, cast as Danny Torrance, had no prior acting experience.
This is my 2nd or 3rd viewing so the score is a little affected by that. I get it. I really get it. This film is a masterpiece of atmosphere, cinematography, and slow-burn horror, and its influence is undeniable. Kubrick crafted something chilling, surreal, and unforgettable. The visuals alone (the endless hallways, the snowy maze, the blood-soaked elevators) are burned into cinematic history. But man… it’s slow . Like, really slow. And repeat viewings haven’t been kind. The pacing feels even more glacial the second or third time around. The iconic scenes are genius, yes, but they’ve been parodied, quoted, and memed to death, so it’s hard to feel their full impact if you’re coming in already familiar with the cultural references. Jack Nicholson is brilliant, of course, but the emotional distance Kubrick leans into makes it hard to connect with the characters the way you might want to. It’s more fascinating than frightening at this point. Still a must-watch, at least once. Just don’t be surprised if you end up more impressed than entertained.
Rating: ★★★½ | Year: 1980 | Watched: 2025-07-18
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Related on Movies With Macca
More from Stanley Kubrick: The Killing (1956) · Killer's Kiss (1955) · 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
More with Jack Nicholson: Chinatown (1974) · One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)
More from United Kingdom: Lessons of Darkness (1992) · Shinjuku Boys (1995) · The Curse of Frankenstein (1957) · Blue (1993)
More from the 1980s: Nightmare City (1980) · A Better Tomorrow (1986) · Style Wars (1983) · Garlic Is as Good as Ten Mothers (1980)
More horror: Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) · Viy (1967) · Nightmare City (1980) · Angst (1983)
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