The Shining… Wow such a crazy, thrilling and entertaining classic!! I saw it for the first time 2 days ago and it was absolutely amazing! One of my favorite films now. Jack Nicholson is such a great acting and he brings such a great vibe to the production. I honestly have never seen his supporting actors before but they brought an ok performance.
Well the story starts of with a normal, quite family that just wants to go somewhere. Jack(Jack Nicholson) plays the father of a small family. His wife Shelley(Shelley Duvall) plays an odd character. She is one of those people that looks like their on drugs. Their son Danny(Danny Lloyd) plays a child who has a weird imaginary friend who talks to him by moving his finger. Jack Nicholson’s character starts off rather normal, a man with a small family looking to go somewhere in life by writing novels. When he gets a job staying at a hotel to watch over it over the winter, he and his family begin to see changes in him. He seems to be going crazy, his only desire is to finish his novel in peace. Of course Danny finds some fun in the hotel by riding around in his tricycle, but his mom not so much. She feels alone and bored. Seeking attention from Jack she finds his true side.
The relationship between Jack and Shelley is pretty dry. Its not very intimate and is looks like they are just together for the kid. There isn’t any violence or negative talk between them but there isn’t any emotion towards each other that often in the film. Same situation between Jack and Danny. Jack is a workaholic (alcoholic as well) and doesn’t seem to care much for Danny, and is probably why Danny has an imaginary friend in the first place. I believe that there is some sort of relationship with Danny and Shelley. Shelley isn’t his mother but there seems to be a comfortable bond between the both of them.
The setting is incredible. The hotel and the scenery surrounding it is amazing. Although this film gives it that creepy feel. One of the most famous scenes in the movie is when Jack is chasing his family throughout the hotel with an axe. The lighting adds so much effectiveness to the creepiness of the hotel and the music just like any other horror movie, gives it that extra scary rush.
I believe that this is one of Jack Nicholson’s greatest performances and I would recommend this movie to anyone who likes a thriller.
