Sometimes you find a horror film with the perfect storm of
psychological freak-outs and gore. THE SHINING (1980) fits the
bill. Author Stephen King’s novel was adapted for the screen by
Stanley Kubrick, who also directed the film. Any film fan knows,
that when you combine the talents of Stephen King, Stanley
Kubrick and Jack Nicholson, you’ve hit “Horror Film Jackpot”.
From start to finish, THE SHINING is a nail-biter. Watching the
lead character, Jack Torrence, slowly lose his mind and soul
makes you fight the impulse to yell “GET OUT OF THERE!” at
the screen. This film draws you in completely, by playing on core
feelings. One minute you are sympathizing and the next you are
despising. Then you find yourself feeling warm and fuzzy, only
to feel disgusted the next. The end shot of THE SHINING, is
masterfully haunting and leaves you questioning all that you just
watched.
One of the oldest films on the American Film Institute’s lis