I first saw this in the late 80s on a vhs, then again in the early 2k on a dvd which I own. Revisited the 144 mins director's cut recently as i am anxious to check out Doctor Sleep n the tv version of The Shining.
Everything has already been said about this film n there seems to be little left to say but as a fan of horror movies (especially to do with isolation n eeriness), lemme contribute by praising how good this film is n at the same time why it doesn't deserve a full 10.
The film has solid amount of tension n scare factor.
The vast isolation, the snow capped peaks, the valleys, the mountains, the narrow, winding roads, the snow covered roads, the eerie corridors, they all add to the film's narration.
The start scene wher Jack is driving and the background music, itself gives goosebumps n a sign that something sinister is awaiting.
On a technical level this film is gr8, the music, the visuals, the camera angles, etc all add to it except the lead actor Nicholson.
Nicholson was already well known for playing unstable characters and his character Jack in this film is shown to be a bit wierd from the beginning.
They shud have asked him to potray a normal family loving person in the beginning n later show the gradual transition into madness n possession.
Who wud discuss Donner Party in front of a kid?
Also the way Jack gives an evilish smile when his kid tells about watching cannibalism on tv.
What kinda parent wud approve of that?
Also most of the time Jack's behavior is more laughable.
Even when he is hit on the head by his wife n he falls down, it is a big lol.
