Ok, so we’re biased. We would be the first to admit it. Even Stephen King has said he is not the biggest fan of the film, because it strayed too far from the plot in the novel. That is the glory of Kubrick’s version though – the film is a whole new glorious creation. It is incredible. Tense, scary and brilliant. It is arguably the finest performance in Jack Nicholson’s career, and a good effort from Shelley Duvall and teeny tiny baby Danny Lloyd.
Just look at those eyebrows. Quiver.
Kubrick would have Nicholson perform each scene multiple times. One take would be angry, one would be calm, one would be crazy. Kubrick would then sit through and decide which portrayal perfectly captured the right tone for the film. So, props to Nicholson for repeatedly acting and entirely adapting each scene over and over again, and also props to Kubrick for knowing which exact mood would add just the right amount of drama to each scene.
It’s scary enough purely on its own – Kubrick used only one special effect (the maze sequence). If you think about modern (2000+) horror films, they are entirely packed with special effects. Budget-depending, some are obviously very effective whereas some are god awful. The Shining relies entirely on the acting from the cast, and although there could have been lots more special effects, it really doesn’t need them.
Duvall just plays the perfect simpering, whiny wife to complement Nicholson. With her big cow-eyes and frankly awful wardrobe choices, she is undeniably annoying. However, in this film (and this film only) it works. As Torrance becomes increasingly mad, she remains consistently annoying and helpless. Also, the scene between Duvall, Nicholson and the baseball bat took 127 takes, which I think was a record at the time.
Nicholson improvised the oh-so famous line… Here’s Johnny! It was from the Tonight show with Johnny Carson, and was just randomly spouted by Nicholson. Awesome. I think that is one of the most quoted film quotes ever. If I ever mention The Shining, people always shout that at me, which I enjoy. Nicholson improvised a lot of his scenes, and Kubrick and himself worked together to further develop Torrance’s character. Also, this clip of Nicholson warming up is amazing.
Danny is creepy. He has a very expressive face, and is incredibly good at acting for a wee one. Apparently real-life Danny had no idea that he was filming a horror film. He just thought it was a drama about a family in a hotel, which is pretty impressive considering how creepy some of the scenes are.
It remains the only horror film that I can watch over and over again and still find something new to appreciate. Whether you focus on another element, or a particular character, the film continues to deliver dramatic scenes.
You know you love The Shining too…
It's Under The Bed... 
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