Everyone has a photographic memory! Some people simply don't have film.
Everyone has a photographic memory! Some people simply don't have film.
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Before you read this I should warn you that I do give some of the plot away, though nothing to really spoil the story should you wish to watch it!
Shining according to this horror film is: when two people talk to each without using their mouths, - telepathy!
That out the way, this film is fairly old (1980 I think), but remains as enthralling today as when it was first released!
Overlook hotel is set to close for the winter months, and re-open on 1st May. However during those long cold winter months the place still needs someone there to take care of it, and any problems that occur – hence the advert placed in the paper for a caretaker!
Jack Nicholson plays the only man to apply for the position. Jack portrays his character Jack Torrance with sheer excellence- (even I was frightened of him). Luckily for him-however- the hotel isn’t too picky and he gets hired. Jack moves into the staff quarters of the hotel, with his wife Wendy (Shelley Duvall) and son Danny (Danny Lloyd).
All seems well for a while, and then things take a sinister turn. Jack tries to write a novel, and when his wife finally gets to view it, she is disturbed by what she reads: “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” written hundred or even thousands of times on reams of A4 size paper.
Luckily for Wendy she is carrying a baseball bat, and begins to back away from her ’loving’ husband whilst swinging the bat to ensure he keeps his distance from her. Suddenly Jack makes a grab for the bat - but to what effect?
Wendy somehow manages to drag her husband and ‘store’ him in a locked cupboard, only to be released by the previous caretaker (who is actually - please don’t lose the plot – not now)
Anyhow there is this one guy called ‘Holloran’, who is wising up to the antics of overlook hotel. Unfortunately he somehow manages to lose his life in the turmoil of Jacks anger.
Now having tried to do away with his wife in the bathroom (the window wasn’t big enough for her to escape from – but luckily Danny did) of their apartment, he hears a snow plough coming up the drive. Jack (still with Axe in hand) rushes to see who is invading his ous ploy. Not to be worried with the fact that someone has come to Wendy and Danny’s rescue, (just kill them if they get in the way after all!) He then pursues to seek and kill his son, who cleverly for him goes into the large maze, which is on the grounds of the hotel. Unfortunately, for Danny he forgets (until later) that going through snow leaves a track!
However, all in all it’s a happy ending – with Nicholson frozen in the snow!
The film is based on a novel by Stephen King, and adapted by Stanley Kubrick. Understandably, it certificate 18.
The film runs for about 115 minutes. The DVD has extras of:
· Behind the scenes documentary (40 minutes) · Trailer · Interactive menu · Scene selector
Overall: ========= I really enjoyed this film, despite its age (although it has been digitally remastered and restored). It is gripping from start to end, and although after the initial stage, there are only three (or four) actors involved in the film it never gets you that “I want to switch it off” feeling! Lloyd gives an excellent performance as the little boy Danny, as do the other two. The film is scary, and surprisingly very little spillage is included. Recommended.
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Thanks for the op, though not sure you need to go into too much detail about the various twists and turns of the plot! Also, it would be interesting to have explored one of the central tenets of the film - the sense of isolation and its effects.
Did Jack go barking mad because he was already that way inclined and the isolation pushed him over the edge? Or were there really darker forces affecting him?
I'm glad you liked this film, and thanks for writing about it. I'm now going to watch it again!
RobStead 12.01.2003 21:45
Great op. I just saw this film and love it! Well done. Rob :)
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![The Shining [DVD] [1980]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78525379.jpg "The Shining [DVD] [1980]")
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