Directed by: Stanley Kubrick

Cast: Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall

Kubrick’s only horror film is a creepy and effective adapatation of the novel by Stephen King. King was apparently very unhappy with the deviations that Kubrick chose to make from the original novel, but it is difficult to argue that any changes actually detract from the film.

Famous for it’s innovative steady cam and tracking shots, The Shining demonstrates Kubrick’s ability to ramp up an intense sense of dread. Music and sound effects are also used to great effect to create an atmosphere of suspense and horror.

The performances in the film range from understated to over the top. Jack Nicholson is excellent as Jack Torrance, a simmering, volatile man who is hired to stay - with his wife and daugther - at the isolated Overlook hotel over the winter as the hotel caretaker. Shelley Duvall’s character unfortunately comes off as annoying, which detracts from the film somewhat, but overall The Shining is a classic and epic horror film that should not be missed.