The Shining (1980)
Jack Torrance accepts a caretaker job at the Overlook Hotel, where he, along with his wife Wendy and their son Danny, must live isolated from the rest of the world for the winter. But they aren't prepared for the madness that lurks within.
Details
Budget
$19,000,000
Rating
8/10 (17783 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
Warner Bros. Pictures, Peregrine, Hawk Films, The Producer Circle Co.
About The Shining
Stanley Kubrick's 1980 psychological horror film, "The Shining," draws from Stephen King's novel to present a story of isolation and descent into madness. The film focuses on Jack Torrance, a writer who takes on a winter caretaker role at the remote Overlook Hotel. He moves there with his wife, Wendy, and their son, Danny, who possesses psychic abilities. As they are cut off from the outside world by a snowstorm, the hotel's sinister influence and Jack's own demons begin to emerge.
The film explores themes of psychological decay, alcoholism, and domestic violence within the confines of the vast, empty hotel. Its deliberate pacing and atmospheric tension contribute to a sense of dread, rather than relying on jump scares. The setting itself, with its labyrinthine corridors and stark winter landscape, acts as a character, amplifying the family's growing terror and Jack's deteriorating sanity. "The Shining" has become recognized for its distinct visual style and unsettling narrative.
Why you might be searching for The Shining
People search for "The Shining" due to its iconic status in horror cinema. The film's memorable imagery, such as the twin girls, the blood-filled elevator, and Jack Nicholson's performance, has cemented its place in popular culture. Its themes of isolation, psychological breakdown, and the supernatural continue to intrigue audiences. The movie's unique visual language and deliberate pacing also make it a subject of ongoing discussion and analysis.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer describes the film as a masterpiece, highlighting Kubrick's direction, the cast's performances (including Nicholson, Duval, and the child actor), and the effective use of timing and music to create a tense atmosphere.
Read the full reviewDespite author Stephen King's reported dissatisfaction with the adaptation, a critic notes that the film achieved both critical and commercial success, praising its blend of beauty and terror through skilled filmmaking and strong performances, even if the screenplay itself was considered average.
Read the full reviewA reviewer found "The Shining" to be a strong Stephen King adaptation, appreciating its atmospheric and creepy elements, though they felt Nicholson's descent into madness wasn't fully convincing early in the film.
Read the full reviewThis reviewer points out how the film's musical score and cinematography contribute significantly to its elevated status, acknowledging Stephen King's view that Jack Nicholson appeared disturbed from the outset, which potentially lessened the dramatic impact of his character's decline.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can rent or buy "The Shining" on demand through platforms like Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango At Home. It is also available to purchase on DVD and Blu-ray.
No, "The Shining" is not based on a true story. It is a psychological horror film adapted from Stephen King's 1977 novel, which was inspired by King's own stay at a hotel in Estes Park, Colorado.
At the end of "The Shining," Jack pursues Danny into the hotel's hedge maze, but Danny outsmarts him by backtracking in the snow. Jack gets lost in the maze and freezes to death, while Wendy and Danny escape in a snowcat. The film concludes with a photograph from 1921 showing Jack's face among partygoers at the Overlook Hotel, implying he was always a part of the hotel's haunted history.
"The Shining" is widely considered a classic horror film, known for its chilling atmosphere and Jack Nicholson's performance. It has been critically reappraised over time and is often cited as one of the greatest horror films ever made, with an 84% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.