cool, sunlit vision of hell, born in the bosom of the nuclear family, but his imagery -- with its compulsive symmetry and brightness -- is too banal to sustain interest, while the incredibly slack narrative line forestalls suspense.

As a ghost story and adaptation of the Stephen King novel, it's largely a failure. On the other hand, as an example of directorial bravura and as a study of madness and the unreliable narrator, it's a brilliant success.

Jack Nicholson's performance alone defines this frightening motion picture. Stanley Kubrick's The Shining may stray away from the Stephen King novel,… MoreJack Nicholson's performance alone defines this frightening motion picture. Stanley Kubrick's The Shining may stray away from the Stephen King novel, but the film's disturbing tone and psychological barrage is memorable and,of the film with a beautiful, familiar-yet-askew atmosphere that overtakes viewers as it overtakes the characters. While I can't say I enjoy the ambiguity of the story, which becomes rather convoluted in its concepts (a more contemporary comparison would be Donnie Darko), "The Shining" is a classic for a reason, and has aged exceptionally well.

Kristijonas Fussman

A landmark horror film from a legendary director, "The Shining" not only set the standard for horror flicks made over the last three decades, but also… MoreA landmark horror film from a legendary director, "The Shining" not only set the standard for horror flicks made over the last three decades, but also featured Jack Nicholson's best performance since "Chinatown."

Eric S

Stanley Kubrick's brilliant adaptation of Stephen King's novel about a frustrated writer forced to