The Shining - A Movie Review

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"The Shining" is a horror film released in 1980. The screenplay was written by Stanley Kubrick and Diane Johnson based on a book of the same name by Stephen King. The movie was directed by Stanley Kubrick. Reviews at first were mixed; but then there was a reappraisal which garnered more positive feedback. Box office receipts were $44.4 million against a budget of $19 million. The Razzie Awards nominated Shelley Duvall for Worst Actress and Stanley Kubrick for Worst Director. I have a tendency to agree with the Worst Actress category. The Saturn Awards - nomination for Best Director, Stanley Kubrick; Best Supporting Actor - Scatman Crothers WON; nominations for Best Horror Film, Best Music - Wendy Carlos and Rachel Elkind. CAST Jack Nicholson - Jack Torrance Shelley Duvall - Wendy Torrance Danny Lloyd - Danny Torrance Scatman Crothers - Dick Hallorann Barry Nelson - Stuart Ullman Philip Stone - Delbert Grady Joe Turkel - Lloyd Anne Jackson - Doctor Recovering alcoholic and former school teacher, Jack Torrance, arrives at the remote Overlook Hotel in the Rocky Mountains. (We went to see the Timberline Lodge in Oregon (see above) which was the hotel used for outside shots.) Jack is now a writer since he lost his teaching position due to his volatile temper. Jack is to be interviewed for the job of winter caretaker. The hotel is built on the site of a Native American burial ground. The hotel closes during the snowed-in months. During the interview Mr. Stuart Ullman, hotel manager, warns Jack that he will be snowbound most of the winter and that there is a potential risk of experiencing cabin fever. He tells the story of caretaker Delbert Grady who went crazy and killed his wife, his daughters and then himself. Jack indicates that he understands and accepts the position. Meanwhile Jack's son, Danny, has a seizure while talking to his imaginary friend, Tony. He sees the Overlook Hotel with blood splashing out of an elevator. What is in Room 237? What is going on with Jack? If you want to find out, you will have to watch the movie. This is first-class entertainment from start to finish. Creepy enough and suspenseful enough to keep your interest. I wholeheartedly recommend this movie. WARNING: Depending on which version you see, there is one brief nude scene. This movie is rated R.