The Verdict
"Though it deviates from Stephen King's novel, Stanley Kubrick'sThe Shiningis a chilling, often baroque journey into madness -- exemplified by an unforgettable turn from Jack Nicholson."
Movie Review and Other Insights
The Shining is a visionary Horror, Mystery & Thriller film directed by the acclaimed Stanley Kubrick (Robert Fryer). Released in theaters on May 23, 1980, Wide, this cinematic experience offers a fresh take on the classic narrative. Produced by Producers Circle and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, the film features a runtime of 2h 23m.
The story follows jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) becomes winter caretaker at the isolated Overlook Hotel in Colorado, hoping to cure his writer's block. He settles in along with his wife, Wendy (Shelley Duvall), and his son, Danny (Danny Lloyd), who is plagued by psychic premonitions. As Jack's writing goes nowhere and Danny's visions become more disturbing, Jack discovers the hotel's dark secrets and begins to unravel into a homicidal maniac hell-bent on terrorizing his family. Leading the cast are star performers Stanley Kubrick, Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, who bring depth and intensity to their roles.
Rated R , The Shining delivers a Mono audio experience presented in a Flat (1.85:1) aspect ratio. Critics have praised the film, stating: "Though it deviates from Stephen King's novel, Stanley Kubrick'sThe Shiningis a chilling, often baroque journey into madness -- exemplified by an unforgettable turn from Jack Nicholson."
Images
Cast & Crew
Critic Reviews
"The supernatural joins forces with psychosis in Stanley Kubrick’s superb adaptation of a Stephen King bestseller."
"Kubrick sabotages his own thesis in the most knuckleheaded way conceivable: we can't be charged as accomplices in horror when there is no horror."
"There are a few terrific thrills, and some eerie moments of dislocation that only Kubrick could achieve, but most of the movie is unfelt, unscary, and bizarrely heavy-handed. It's the first pompous haunted-house movie."
"'The Shining' is many things, but in the strictest sense, it is a highly disturbing and expertly crafted experience that, more than forty years after its original release, remains as relevant as ever. [Full review in Spanish]."
"It is a really important and influential film in the genre and in filmmaking as a whole. However, be prepared to be disappointed that it doesn’t live up to the hype, and like me, you find it slow and emotionally cold."
"A trip to the Overlook is the perfect antidote to any film buff who may feel bummed out after another mediocre trip to the movies; if all else fails, this is one you can boot up in any mood, at any time, for any reason, and it’ll do the trick"
Audience Reviews
Still one of my favorites.
The greatest horror film of all time
A masterpiece that stands the test of time.
One of Jack Nicholsons best performances. Awesome to see on the big screen.
An amazing movie that doesn’t jump scare but gives you chills. Music and acting are intense
So good on the big screen!!! Thank you 😊
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Shining released?
The Shining hit theaters on May 23, 1980, Wide. It became available for streaming on Aug 15, 2008.
How long is the movie and what is the genre?
The film has a runtime of 2h 23m. It falls under the Horror, Mystery & Thriller genre, featuring a sound mix in Mono.
Who is the director of The Shining?
The movie is directed by Stanley Kubrick. The script was penned by Stanley Kubrick, Diane Johnson.
Who are the main actors in The Shining?
The top billed cast includes:
- Stanley Kubrick as Director
- Jack Nicholson as Jack Torrance
- Shelley Duvall as Wendy Torrance
- Danny Lloyd as Danny
- Scatman Crothers as Hallorann
Why is The Shining rated R?
It is rated R
Which studio produced the movie?
The Shining was produced by Producers Circle and distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.
About the movie
NEWJack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) becomes winter caretaker at the isolated Overlook Hotel in Colorado, hoping to cure his writer's block. He settles in along with his wife, Wendy (Shelley Duvall), and his son, Danny (Danny Lloyd), who is plagued by psychic premonitions. As Jack's writing goes nowhere and Danny's visions become more disturbing, Jack discovers the hotel's dark secrets and begins to unravel into a homicidal maniac hell-bent on terrorizing his family.
- Director
- Stanley Kubrick
- Producers
- Robert Fryer, Stanley Kubrick
- Screenwriter
- Stanley Kubrick, Diane Johnson
- Distributor
- Warner Bros. Pictures
- Production
- Producers Circle
- Genre
- Horror, Mystery & Thriller
- Release Date
- May 23, 1980, Wide
- Run Time
- 2h 23m
- Rating
- R
- Sound Mix
- Mono
- Aspect Ratio
- Flat (1.85:1)