The Shining is... quite simply, the best horror movie ever, ever. [Archive] - Message Board Basketball Forum

View Full Version : The Shining is... quite simply, the best horror movie ever, ever.

joe

04-20-2011, 03:27 AM

http://i51.tinypic.com/2el5nag.jpg

The Shining caught flack in both the 1980's and today, for being too slow, or lacking in the "scary" department. I understand that opinion, but I think those people are just the wrong kind of horror fans. They want Jason Voorhees, violently murdering someone every 15 minutes. They want killers popping out of closets. You don't get that with The Shining.

The Shining is psychological horror, that grains at your subconscious. Just the situation itself is unsettling. Imagine being trapped inside of a desolate hotel, out of reach of any human contact... with someone who's slowly growing insane?

The ghost story aspect only adds to it. The supernatural "shining" ability only adds to it.

But to me, the best things about The Shining are what you DON'T notice. The things you'd never understand in a first viewing. It's the subtext-rich plot, full of political and social themes. The Shining has been analyzed as:

1- The story of early America and the slaughter of the Indians.
2- A critique of televisions effect on people.

Among other things. Many of which are absolutely RETARDED, yes. They're written by people who dig a couple feet too deep. But the aforementioned themes are subtly woven into the movie, without a doubt in my mind. And probably a few others.

I must say, I find no other horror movie as re-watchable as the Shining. I notice new things about it every time I watch it. And that's why, it is quite simply, the best horror movie ever, ever, ever. :pimp:

What do you guys think of The Shining?

LT Ice Cream

04-20-2011, 03:30 AM

Stinky Dog

04-20-2011, 03:33 AM

Mr. Grieves

04-20-2011, 03:34 AM

http://i51.tinypic.com/2el5nag.jpg

The Shining caught flack in both the 1980's and today, for being too slow, or lacking in the "scary" department.

Those people are ****.

This movie is a masterpiece from filming (Kubrick) to acting (Nicholson).

It's in my top 5 favourites.

Riddler

04-20-2011, 03:40 AM

simply terrifying.... do not want to explore this thread.

wait a second:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAuo8IOFNuE

joe

04-20-2011, 03:55 AM

I thought it sucked. But then again, I only watched it once when I was 15 or so. After reading your post I will probably watch it again if I get the chance.

How was it a metaphor for American settlers killing the Native Americans?

I'd say, some people aren't going to like the Shining. So if you didn't like it, perhaps it's not your type of movie. I know a few people who absolutely just don't get its attraction.

On your second point..

There's strange, out of place references to Native Americans throughout the movie. We're told the hotel was built on an Indian Burial ground, and that the original builders had to propel a few Native American attacks while they were building it. Also, the hotel is filled with all sorts of Native American decorations, "mostly Navajo and Appache," I believe is the quote. There's also Native American chanting in a lot of the music. Finally, we see a "Camulet baking powder" item in the store room, which has the logo of a giant Indian head.

That basically lets the viewers know that some sort of thought is being communicated. Why would there be so many Native American references for no reason? None of these references were in the book, so director/writer Kubrick specifically added them to the film.

BUT... How do you make the leap from those references to saying the movie is a metaphor for Native American slaughter? That's a bit more difficult to explain and a lot less clear. It's up to the viewer to decide what all the "pieces of the puzzle" are actually communicating.

Some reasons I make that connection personally:

(NOTE: Many people just don't enjoy making metaphorical connections in film. They think it's always a stretch to assume the Director was putting in hidden messages. I don't agree with that premise at all, but let me say.. the rest of my post will be exploring metaphorical connections. So just be warned)

Jack (very randomly) mentioning "White Mans Burden," a poem written that justified white American's "manifest destiny."

The Overlook Hotel itself is often connected with America. There's American flags all over the place. Black and white photos of American parties decorate the halls. But most importantly, the quotes it was "built on an Indian burial ground" and the builders had to "repel a few Indian attacks while they built it," can both be applied to American itself.

The British ghost. Extremely out of place, and a very strange scene altogether. The British ghost was apparently the caretaker of the hotel before Jack. If you agree that the Overlook hotel ='s America, than the British being the previous "caretakers" makes sense, metaphorically.

Jack's tennis ball is metaphorically an axe. This sounds like a stretch but it's really not, if you listen to this: At one point, Jack is angrily throwing his tennis ball around. Finally, he slams the tennis ball down on the floor, then hurls it down the hallway. The spot where he slammed the tennis ball is the exact spot where he'd later kill someone (don't want to spoil it for those who haven't seen the movie). The place where he hurled the tennis ball is where his wife is standing when she spots the body.

So, what does this have to do with Indians? If you agree that the tennis ball is a metaphorical axe, there's an earlier scene when Jack continuously throws his tennis ball, angrily, right at a giant Indian decoration in the main hall. He does it repeatedly for 10-15 seconds, and then the scene ends.

There's a lottt of other things, and honestly, perhaps a bunch of them are stretches. But when you start to look at all the different connections.... it almost seems foolish to imagine that each one of them is BS.

If you're interested in any of that, just google "The Shining + Native Americans." There's been a lot written on the subject.

joe

04-20-2011, 04:03 AM

I agree with the majority of your points. The Shining is definitely a thinking mans or sophisticated horror film and like you said has plenty of replay value. It's truly a masterpiece and unlike a lot of great horror films from it's era it doesn't feel too dated (say you're not a fan of the genre).

That being said people watch horror for different reasons. Some people like that jump out of the closet style horror (although I agree it becomes repetitive and loses it's effect rather quickly)...Some people like disturbing imagery (see torture porn) which is the only sub genre I try to avoid. Mainly because it doesn't do anything for me and is just kind of gross for the most part (NOT scary).

Yeah you're right on the second point. Actually I love those "jump out" horror movies as well, lol. Idk why I felt the need to diss the people who watch them, considering I'm one of them. But I just love horror in general, so I'm sort of biased..

And you're so right about the torture porn. I try to avoid it as well, although I must admit I've gotten sucked into a few of them. Namely, the Last House on the Left remake.

Stinky Dog

04-20-2011, 04:07 AM

Yeah you're right on the second point. Actually I love those kinds of horror movies 2, lol. Idk why I felt the need to diss the people who watch them, considering I'm one of them. But I just love horror in general..

And you're so right about the torture porn. I try to avoid it as well, although I must admit I've gotten sucked into a few of them. Namely, the Last House on the Left remake.
Last House on the Left is very good, especially for a remake. While it definitely incorporated some torture elements it mixed in a lot of other facets that kind of set it apart from being just a torture porn. The entire premise is realistic and Garrett Dillahunt plays one mean creepy motherf*cker. The original was pretty groundbreaking too for it's time but is very dated by today's standards. Wes Craven has made some great films in the past.

The parallels between Native American's and The Shining are very interesting and make a lot of sense.. I've never explored them before, thanks for turning me on.

joe

04-20-2011, 04:16 AM

Last House on the Left is very good, especially for a remake. While it definitely incorporated some torture elements it mixed in a lot of other facets that kind of set it apart from being just a torture porn. The entire premise is realistic and Garrett Dillahunt plays one mean creepy motherf*cker. The original was pretty groundbreaking too for it's time but is very dated by today's standards. Wes Craven has made some great films in the past.

The parallels between Native American's and The Shining are very interesting and make a lot of sense.. I've never explored them before, thanks for turning me on.

It's not strictly a torture porn to the level of some Saw movies, you're right about that. But some of it was just really intense. The rape scene is obvious.

I think the Last House on the Left is sort of... "mental" torture more than physical. I mean, it's SO realistic, and for like 99% of the movie you just feel absolute dread. Once the criminals apprehend the two girls in the motel room.. from then on you are just in a constant state of mental sadness/fear.

But hey, that's GREAT film making as well, so I can't bash it. I haven't watched many movies that had me so emotionally invested in the characters. But I don't think I could go through the pain of watching it again.

thanks for turning me on

any time ;-)

The parallels between Native American's and The Shining are very interesting and make a lot of sense.. I've never explored them before, thanks for turning me on.

lol but seriously... I totally suggest reading about the Native American thing online. There's guys out there who go into so much more detail than I did. It adds a whole new layer to the Shining.

baseketball4life

04-20-2011, 04:24 AM

saw it once in HS, want to see it again for sure. One of these days hope to rent it or borrow it from a friend remember it being epic epic.

pete's montreux

04-20-2011, 05:11 AM

did you see a youtube review of the movie? cause theres a guy who delves deep into the native american thing and this thread basically sounds exactly like his review

joe

04-20-2011, 05:20 AM

did you see a youtube review of the movie? cause theres a guy who delves deep into the native american thing and this thread basically sounds exactly like his review

I've read and watched soo much on this movie. I've watched some reviews on Youtube so there's a good chance I seen the one you're talking about.

RedBlackAttack

04-20-2011, 05:21 AM

I mean, it's Kubrick... Of course it is arguably the best horror movie of all-time. Just as any movie he ever made probably has an argument as 'best ever' in its specific genre. And, yeah... The Native American theme is certainly there and I've read a lot about it prior to the OP.

When it comes to Kubrick, though, there is never just one theme... He almost always works with multiple themes. There is also very deep subplots in the movie that indicate how the cycle of violence in the Overlook mirrors that of American society and how classism is often at the root of that violence.

Great, great film. Kubrick is irreplaceable.

I find it sort of funny that Stephen King despised Kubrick's adaptation and created his own in the 90s... Which was horrible.

pete's montreux

04-20-2011, 05:24 AM

I've read and watched soo much on this movie. I've watched some reviews on Youtube so there's a good chance I seen the one you're talking about.

i believe he's australian

he does incredible reviews for a lot of movies, ill try and look him up

joe

04-20-2011, 05:33 AM

i believe he's australian

he does incredible reviews for a lot of movies, ill try and look him up

Yes! Rob Ager! A while back I binggeeddd on his website.

I lovedd his video review of the Shining, but the write up was somewhat "stretch-y." I mean, I love a good subtext-analysis, but I felt he went too far in some areas with the Shining.

Then again.... maybe he didn't. The Shining has so much to it, that even the stretches start to seem believable.

Stuckey

04-20-2011, 05:38 AM

i dont know about the best but it's up there

there was only one scary part about it, that room

joe

04-20-2011, 05:43 AM

You know what always bugs me about analysis of the Shining? Everybody seems to scratch their head at how the ghost was able to let Jack out of the pantry. They come up with elaborate schemes to explain it.

This theory has been mentioned before, but I haven't seen it used as an explanation for how the ghost was able to let Jack out of the pantry. It is that..

Jack has the ability to shine as well. And more importantly.. if your "shine" is strong, you may see visions of the past. But if your shine is SUPER STRONG, the past will be able to interact with you in the present. That, is how the lady in room 237 was able to choke Danny. And that is how the ghost was able to let Jack out of the pantry. This would also suggest that Wendy has the ability to shine, because she sees ghostly images during the climax.

Remember also, Dick Halloran said he and his grandma used to "have conversations with each other, without ever opening their mouths." So she was a shiner as well. Perhaps it's a genetic quality?

iamgine

04-20-2011, 06:37 AM

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Jackass18

04-20-2011, 08:11 AM

I like to use a broad definition for horror, so I put these all ahead of The Shining:

Psycho
The Terminator
The Silence of the Lambs
Nosferatu
Predator
Aliens
Jaws
Alien
Bride of Frankenstein

If you take out the ones that many people wouldn't consider horror, then it's way up there.

andgar923

04-20-2011, 12:32 PM

Texas Chainsaw Massacre (0riginal)>>>>>>

andgar923

04-20-2011, 12:42 PM

I'd like to also state that The Exorcist is just as good of a film, while being 10x scarier.

Patrick Chewing

04-20-2011, 02:15 PM

Yeah I've seen this movie a couple of times and it's easily the scariest movie I've ever seen. I love how it has elements of the Twilight Zone in it as well.

vitamink420

04-20-2011, 02:28 PM

I never really cared for The Shining. Too slow and plodding for me, though I admit it's probably been about 10 years since I last saw it. Only thing in it that scared me was the guy in the bear suit *shudder*

rufuspaul

04-20-2011, 02:40 PM

I absolutely hated Shelly Duval as Wendy. By the end of the film I wanted to strangle her, lol. I've heard she really butted heads with Kubrick too.

What I loved about it was the way Kubrick "floated" the camera seemlessly throughout the hotel. The scene with Jack walking up the stairs toward Wendy, the whole time getting more and more psychotic is just amazing. And in the conversation in the bathroom between Jack and the ghost they are standing between 2 mirrors and the shot keeps switching between the 2. How Kubrick managed this without the camera ever getting in the shot is incredible. Very tight editing.

Plus this scared the bejesus outta me:
http://cdn-images.hollywood.com/site/shining_twins.jpg

As for how Jack got out of the walk-in, I think the hotel just sort of "woke up" and let him out. Same reason Wendy was able to see what was hidden before.

Hotlantadude81

04-20-2011, 02:43 PM

rufuspaul

04-20-2011, 02:49 PM

The biggest problem the movie ever had was that Torrence seemed unhinged before they even made it to the Hotel.

The book does a better job setting it up with Torrence having a history of alcoholism and breaking Danny's arm (accidentally) and also hitting one of his students, thus losing his teaching job.

Hotlantadude81

04-20-2011, 03:08 PM

The book does a better job setting it up with Torrence having a history of alcoholism and breaking Danny's arm (accidentally) and also hitting one of his students, thus losing his teaching job.

Comparing the movie to a book is almost never fair to the movie. Most movies are between 1 1/2 hours to 2 hrs and 20 minutes or so.

It's something people complain about all the time, but if movies try to equal books we would probably have a lot more 4-6 hour type movies and I don't think most people actually want that.

rufuspaul

04-20-2011, 03:31 PM

Comparing the movie to a book is almost never fair to the movie. Most movies are between 1 1/2 hours to 2 hrs and 20 minutes or so.

It's something people complain about all the time, but if movies try to equal books we would probably have a lot more 4-6 hour type movies and I don't think most people actually want that.

True. The Shining succeeds as a film I think because it uses the famework of King's story and let's Kubrick and Nicholson go with it.

CelticBaller

04-20-2011, 03:38 PM

olddangerfield

04-20-2011, 03:40 PM

Agreed with everything positive about this money, it's not the definitive absolute best but it's up there.

joe

04-20-2011, 03:52 PM

The book does a better job setting it up with Torrence having a history of alcoholism and breaking Danny's arm (accidentally) and also hitting one of his students, thus losing his teaching job.

I lovedddd the book, but one thing about the book.. the ending SUCKEDDD. Prior to reading the ending, I thought the book was clearly superior to the movie. But because of the ending, I prefer the movie 100%.

RedBlackAttack

04-20-2011, 06:08 PM

The book does a better job setting it up with Torrence having a history of alcoholism and breaking Danny's arm (accidentally) and also hitting one of his students, thus losing his teaching job.
The theme of the book was literally how alcoholism can rip apart a family and lead a man to insanity. It was semi-autobiographical (King had drinking problems). That is the reason that King didn't like the movie... The alcoholism angle wasn't one of Kubrick's main themes.

But, to me, the themes that Kubrick chose to use are a hell of a lot more interesting than alcoholism, which makes the movie superior to the book, imo.

Stephen King is a great author and all, but he isn't exactly on the artistic level of a Stanley Kubrick. The fact that he was so angered by Kubrick taking the broad outline of the book and making something different out of it is sort of funny to me.

Like... what did you expect?

joe

04-20-2011, 06:11 PM

The theme of the book was literally how alcoholism can rip apart a family and lead a man to insanity. It was semi-autobiographical (King had drinking problems). That is the reason that King didn't like the movie... The alcoholism angle wasn't one of Kubrick's main themes.

But, to me, the themes that Kubrick chose to use are a hell of a lot more interesting than alcoholism, which makes the movie superior to the book, imo.

Stephen King is a great author and all, but he isn't exactly on the artistic level of a Stanley Kubrick. The fact that he was so angered by Kubrick taking the broad outline of the book and making something different out of it is sort of funny to me.

Like... what did you expect?

Totally. I wish Kubrick would've taken on the "It" movie. Mannn, he could've made it a classic.

In fact, somebody else just needs to take on that movie in general. I thought it was scary as hell when I was little, but watching it again as an adult.. you see how poorly made it was. IMO

Nevaeh

04-20-2011, 06:37 PM

Totally. I wish Kubrick would've taken on the "It" movie. Mannn, he could've made it a classic.

In fact, somebody else just needs to take on that movie in general. I thought it was scary as hell when I was little, but watching it again as an adult.. you see how poorly made it was. IMO

I was a young adult when this first premiered and even then it felt more like an ABC Drama miniseries with Horror elements than a bonified Stand Alone horror flick.

I watched the Shining today, and I'll say it held up pretty well, except for Shelly Devall's "Terrified" version of acting towards the end (she almost B-Movie'd the flick with that crap :oldlol: ). Jack and Danny knocked it out the park though.

Joe covered all of the "Deep" elements of the film, and those Indian analogies made sense if you wanna look at it that way (Also noteworthy how the cook, Danny's confidant, had native Indian features as well).

Jasper

04-20-2011, 07:27 PM

redrum the book before the movie , watched the movie , and while vacationing in Estes Park, co .... walked the halls of the Motel.

Some what similar to the movie set , but quite a beautiful motel and views.
(pricey if I recall , the gal I was with , backpacked and also stayed in cheaper motels)

It's out dated , but for the time it was a massive hit... Helped Jack's cred.

heyhey

04-20-2011, 08:00 PM

The movie is superior to the book. I remember reading that King was actually upset with the changes that Kubrick made to the plot/theme but it was an improvement imo. Kubrick had a much more grandiose design fro the film than King ever envisioned in the book. The last shot of the film with the freeze frame of the photo dated 1930something with jack in it is such a poignant message.

The twins scene is really unsettling, they didn't actually use twins but took two girls and made them look alike, and films like The Ring etc drew a lot from it imo.

pete's montreux

04-20-2011, 08:07 PM

Texas Chainsaw Massacre (0riginal)>>>>>>

two completely different kinds of horror movies that should never be compared

RedBlackAttack

04-20-2011, 08:10 PM

It's out dated , but for the time it was a massive hit... Helped Jack's cred.
How in the hell is it 'out-dated'?

pete's montreux

04-20-2011, 08:14 PM

How in the hell is it 'out-dated'?

I'd like to hear this as well.

He probably means Jack's coat, no one wears that color brown anymore. He can't possibly mean anything else.

RedBlackAttack

04-20-2011, 08:15 PM

I'd like to hear this as well.

He probably means Jack's coat, no one wears that color brown anymore. He can't possibly mean anything else.
Maybe he means the haircuts? :confusedshrug:

pete's montreux

04-20-2011, 08:15 PM

Yes! Rob Ager! A while back I binggeeddd on his website.

I lovedd his video review of the Shining, but the write up was somewhat "stretch-y." I mean, I love a good subtext-analysis, but I felt he went too far in some areas with the Shining.

Then again.... maybe he didn't. The Shining has so much to it, that even the stretches start to seem believable.

Yes! Rob Ager, that's the one. You should check out his other reviews if you haven't already.

pete's montreux

04-20-2011, 08:17 PM

Maybe he means the haircuts? :confusedshrug:

Ah, right.

Well, I mean, Jack's hair is quite simple and mundane, and Danny's is something every young boy gets at one time or another. Wendy? Just straight hair. However, if we're talking about hair, we need to mention this guy:

http://www.wearysloth.com/Gallery/ActorsN/12728-17207.gif

Jasper hit the nail on the head. And look at that f*cking tie. Yuck.

RedBlackAttack

04-20-2011, 08:24 PM

Ah, right.

Well, I mean, Jack's hair is quite simple and mundane, and Danny's is something every young boy gets at one time or another. Wendy? Just straight hair. However, if we're talking about hair, we need to mention this guy:

http://www.wearysloth.com/Gallery/ActorsN/12728-17207.gif

Jasper hit the nail on the head. And look at that f*cking tie. Yuck.
:oldlol:

In fairness, I think I saw a Cleveland hipster (yes... Cleveland has hipsters) wearing that exact tie last weekend at an outdoor art exhibit. So, that tie is so in-style, only those truly on the cutting edge know about it.

If that is what Jasper is talking about, he's dead wrong. Wait a year from now when he has that haircut and that tie hanging loosely around his collared shirt.

Now, this wallpaper, on the other hand...

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/1909/the20shining200313.jpg

....completely out-dated and it totally ruins the movie.

Jackass18

04-20-2011, 08:45 PM

The Exorcist??

I have it at #20.

11. Frankenstein
12. The Birds
13. The Night of the Hunter
14. Night of the Living Dead
15. The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari
16. The Sixth Sense
17. Shaun of the Dead
18. The Phantom of the Opera (1925)
19. Halloween
20. The Exorcist

ukplayer4

04-20-2011, 08:58 PM

I really wish that Kubrick didn't burn all of the deleted scenes and whatnot. I'd love to have seen some of the fabled missing clips, and other takes that didn't make the final cut.

agreed, ive often wanted to see the bulk of kubricks rushes. he was afforded huge luxuries as a film maker, he shot miles of film and shoots that (almost)literally lasted years! and years more in post production. he must have shot mountains of stuff that just didnt work at all, thats not to take away from him whatsoever but i think it go's to show(as if it was needed) the artistic approach that the good film makers have. making a good film is rarely about absolute precision. the time constraints put onto studio films these days and release dates scheduled before preproduction even starts is completely counter productive to a quality film(not that the quality of a film has ever been hollywoods concern).

its been many years since ive seen the shining(keep meaning to rewatch it). im sure i will appreciate it alot more when i do rewatch it but i cant see anything supplanting the exorcist for greatest horror film ever for me.

joe

04-20-2011, 09:12 PM

Yes! Rob Ager, that's the one. You should check out his other reviews if you haven't already.

Yeah I checked out someee of his other stuff, but I haven't watched many of the movies he reviews. He has some other cool stuff that I like on Youtube. He did a video on fear tactics in womans magazines that was good. Some other random topics like that. He's really good

Jasper

04-20-2011, 09:28 PM

How in the hell is it 'out-dated'?

Hummm .. The movie was made in 1980. (31 years ago)

last time I saw it , about 15 years ago , I basically laughed through the film.
I had seen it probably 6 or so times.

Maybe you are a horror film addict. (Then I understand this comment)

But when I watch 1920's,30's,40's,50's and 60's horror films I get very bored , because I rate them lower due to age and how the film industry has changed.
I do understand the value of classics , and even though the Shining is a classic ... for me it's like watching butter melt on popcorn.
-------------------------
I am a western 'cowboy' show and movie fan.
U may get bored with those flick's .. but I am highly entertained , because the majority of those movies and shows like Gunsmoke , Rawhide , Clint Eastwood westerns and the Duke had some very good story lines as well as action that required horses etc ...

For me a western would never go out of style.

pete's montreux

04-20-2011, 09:45 PM

pete's montreux

04-20-2011, 09:48 PM

Our posts on hair and ties were totally spot on.

Jackass18

04-20-2011, 09:53 PM

The shining doesn't really scare me what so ever, and neither does the excorist. I never understood what was so great about them.

Try watching them again? I probably should since it's been so long. Horror movies don't scare me, so it's not something I hold against a movie. I like horror movies to have a great atmosphere to them. It's been a while, but from what I remember The Shining has a nice, eerie atmosphere to it.

Jasper

04-20-2011, 10:05 PM

Note to self: completely dismiss your opinion on film
Now that is funny.. you make it sound like you've seen more movies than me

pete's montreux

04-20-2011, 10:16 PM

Now that is funny.. you make it sound like you've seen more movies than me
And now you endorse quantity over quality? Holy shit, what next pal? :oldlol: You don't like Star Wars because It's not realistic?

rufuspaul

04-20-2011, 10:17 PM

But, to me, the themes that Kubrick chose to use are a hell of a lot more interesting than alcoholism, which makes the movie superior to the book, imo.

Exactly. Kubrick's adaptations of books: The Shining, Lolita, A Clockwork Orange, 2001, all take extreme liberties with the plots of the originals but not for the typical reasons that that sort of thing usually happens (commercial appeal, etc.). For Kubrick it was to fit his artistic vision of what the novel translated on film. He was a true visual artist and a master film-maker.

I'm certainly no student of film but the mastery Kubrick has shown, without any of the modern techniques of cgi, etc. is extraordinary.

One oft overlooked film: Barry Lyndon.

joe

04-20-2011, 11:35 PM

I'm certainly no student of film but the mastery Kubrick has shown, without any of the modern techniques of cgi, etc. is extraordinary.

I feel like CGI is more a negative than a positive sometimes. I mean, it lets movie makers do sooo much more, visually.. which is awesome. But more often than not, CGI is a way to save money without really adding anything to the movie itself.

I mean, seriously... watch the first Ninja Turtles movie. Look at how incredible the Ninja Turtles looked. Today, they would just be made with some crappy CGI.

joe

04-20-2011, 11:38 PM

Hummm .. The movie was made in 1980. (31 years ago)

last time I saw it , about 15 years ago , I basically laughed through the film.
I had seen it probably 6 or so times.

Maybe you are a horror film addict. (Then I understand this comment)

But when I watch 1920's,30's,40's,50's and 60's horror films I get very bored , because I rate them lower due to age and how the film industry has changed.
I do understand the value of classics , and even though the Shining is a classic ... for me it's like watching butter melt on popcorn.
-------------------------
I am a western 'cowboy' show and movie fan.
U may get bored with those flick's .. but I am highly entertained , because the majority of those movies and shows like Gunsmoke , Rawhide , Clint Eastwood westerns and the Duke had some very good story lines as well as action that required horses etc ...

For me a western would never go out of style.

I hear you, sometimes the classics can move too slow. I honestly don't see the Shining that way, but maybe it's just cause I love horror..

But I don't see how you could talk about old movies aren't as good due to how the movie industry has changed.... but then talk about how you like old westerns. lol. To each his own though.

I think with a movie like the Shining.. if you're INTO IT... the slow pacing works to its advantage. But if you're not interested.. it makes it unwatchable. I think the original Psycho fits the same bill.

RedBlackAttack

04-21-2011, 01:38 AM

Exactly. Kubrick's adaptations of books: The Shining, Lolita, A Clockwork Orange, 2001, all take extreme liberties with the plots of the originals but not for the typical reasons that that sort of thing usually happens (commercial appeal, etc.). For Kubrick it was to fit his artistic vision of what the novel translated on film. He was a true visual artist and a master film-maker.

I'm certainly no student of film but the mastery Kubrick has shown, without any of the modern techniques of cgi, etc. is extraordinary.

One oft overlooked film: Barry Lyndon.
Indeed. Another one that I really, really like that is often looked at as a Kubrick 'toss away' was his final effort... Eyes Wide Shut.

I watched it recently for the first time in years and was on the edge of my seat for virtually the entire film. The way that it builds the tension is extraordinary, even for Kubrick.

And, as always... Incredible depth.

Hummm .. The movie was made in 1980. (31 years ago)

last time I saw it , about 15 years ago , I basically laughed through the film.
I had seen it probably 6 or so times.

Maybe you are a horror film addict. (Then I understand this comment)

But when I watch 1920's,30's,40's,50's and 60's horror films I get very bored , because I rate them lower due to age and how the film industry has changed.
I do understand the value of classics , and even though the Shining is a classic ... for me it's like watching butter melt on popcorn.
-------------------------
I am a western 'cowboy' show and movie fan.
U may get bored with those flick's .. but I am highly entertained , because the majority of those movies and shows like Gunsmoke , Rawhide , Clint Eastwood westerns and the Duke had some very good story lines as well as action that required horses etc ...

For me a western would never go out of style.

I don't want to be mean or come off sounding snobbish, so I'll choose not to respond. Let's just make a pact never to discuss movies with one another again...

Okay? Okay.

rufuspaul

04-21-2011, 09:37 AM

Indeed. Another one that I really, really like that is often looked at as a Kubrick 'toss away' was his final effort... Eyes Wide Shut.

I need to re-watch that. At the time I hated that Tom Cruise was in it. How would you rank Kubrick's films? Mine:

1. 2001 A Space Odyssey
2. A Clockwork Orange
3. The Shining
4. Dr. Strangelove
5. Barry Lyndon
6. Lolita
7. Full Metal Jacket
8. Spartacus
9. Eyes Wide Shut

I'm probably forgetting some.

Jackass18

04-21-2011, 11:11 AM

Paths of Glory. I don't know why that one doesn't get a lot of mention. It's a top 5 war movie. I'll throw my list out there.

1. 2001: A Space Odyssey
2. Paths of Glory
3. Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb
4. Clockwork Orange
5. Barry Lyndon
6. The Killing
7. The Shining
8. Full Metal Jacket
9. Eyes Wide Shut

rufuspaul

04-21-2011, 11:20 AM

Paths of Glory. I don't know why that one doesn't get a lot of mention. It's a top 5 war movie.

Just put it in my netflix queue. Thanks.

talkingconch

04-21-2011, 04:07 PM

possibly

andgar923

04-21-2011, 04:32 PM

two completely different kinds of horror movies that should never be compared

The OP didn't specify which type of horror movie, he just stated that it was the best horror movie ever ever ever.

And I actually wasn't comparing them.

I did do that when I mentioned The Exorcist.

Legend of Josh

04-21-2011, 04:50 PM

red rum... Red Rum... RED RUM! RED RUM! RED RUM! RED RUM!

:bowdown:

While I love this film, it's still not on the same level as the original Exorcist. I also loved Exorcist: The Beginning. Another one of those films that builds up until the end when it really comes to life and makes it all worthwhile.

KevinNYC

04-21-2011, 05:36 PM

What I loved about it was the way Kubrick "floated" the camera seemlessly throughout the hotel. The scene with Jack walking up the stairs toward Wendy, the whole time getting more and more psychotic is just amazing.

Kubrick was able to do that due to the talents of Garrett Brown, the inventor of the Steadicam (http://www.garrettcam.com/bio.php). At the time he was the only Steadicam operator in the world. He actually had to train someone else because the shoot for the Shining went on so long. The Blu Ray of the Shining features a commentary from him that is very interesting. If ask anyone about the sound in The Shining, most of them will talk about the scenes where Danny races around on his big wheel (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cy7ztJ3NUMI)and you get silence when he is on carpets followed by a loud rumble any time he is on bare floors. This was completely not planned for and just picked up by the mike on the Steadycam rig.

KevinNYC

04-21-2011, 05:47 PM

Also this version of the trailer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9VENpikujs), doesn't make it look scary at all.

1987_Lakers

01-17-2016, 02:47 AM

Saw it for the first time in years last night and I agree, it's simply the best horror movie ever made and it's not even close.

I've probably seen "scarier" movies, but this film does an excellent job with cinematography, acting, and story telling, all that is very rare in a horror movie.

fsvr54

01-17-2016, 03:49 AM

The Thing (1982) and Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978) are better imo.

dunksby

01-17-2016, 04:15 AM

Terahite

01-17-2016, 11:21 AM

Dummies here putting Eyes Wide Shut last when it's arguably his best film. :facepalm

I agree The Shining is a great horror movie. One of the best-looking Blu-rays I've watched too. :rockon:

tomtucker

01-17-2016, 12:15 PM

when the black dude Dick Hallorann, is lying in bed and get that premonition of what

Norcaliblunt

01-17-2016, 01:19 PM

The Shinning and Hotel California are talking about the same shit. Cult initiation into becoming one of the beautiful people. Thats why you have that picture with Jack at the end.

Long Duck Dong

01-17-2016, 01:26 PM

TheMan

01-17-2016, 02:00 PM

One of my absolute fave movies all time.

Kubrick is a genius, I love all of his work.

senelcoolidge

01-17-2016, 05:17 PM

The Thing (1982) and Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978) are better imo.

I really like those two movies too. But I would put the Shining ahead of them. It's a great movie. Really used to creep me out as a kid. So atmospheric, which for me makes the best horror.

RedBlackAttack

01-17-2016, 09:42 PM

The Thing (1982) and Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978) are better imo.
I love The Thing (1982 version, of course) and I'd even put it up there with The Shining, though in a completely different way. It's an incredible movie nonetheless.

I do not have Invasion of the Body Snatchers quite on that level.

It's funny reading the posts of mine from five years ago that I don't remember writing. lol

I do agree with myself in most cases, though.

Norcaliblunt

01-18-2016, 02:24 AM

Misery is a good "mature" persons horror movie.

NBAplayoffs2001

01-18-2016, 02:26 AM

iBandwagon

01-18-2016, 02:29 AM

The Shining feels more psychological thriller than horror to me.

Draz

01-18-2016, 02:47 AM

I'll check it out.

fsvr54

01-18-2016, 03:00 AM

Misery is a good "mature" persons horror movie.

Fantastic, underrated movie.

Lamar Doom

01-27-2016, 05:04 PM

http://youtu.be/i17pORf_iE4

Draz

01-27-2016, 06:13 PM

Forgot to check it out, let me try to find it..

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081505/

Found it, will watch it tomorrow.

SugarHill

01-27-2016, 08:35 PM

The Shining is a great movie, categorizing it as horror is an insult to the film, since horror is the worst genre of film, they almost never manage to reach their which is to horrify the audience, unless it's by being horrifyingly garbage. Other than a handful of movies, you can easily dismiss the rest of horror flicks.
horror genre isn't scary because it's very hard to inspire fear when you're aware that you're completely safe and have expectations of fear. When you're young, they get you with jump scares and then that quickly becomes a cliche you expect and the classier films rely on atmosphere or psychological horror, neither of which I'd consider "scary". Horror is going to peak in popularity with VR videogames because the immersion factor will trump the problems the films face. Even if you know you're safe, you're horrified to turn that corner.

KiiiiNG

01-27-2016, 08:57 PM

horror genre isn't scary because it's very hard to inspire fear when you're aware that you're completely safe and have expectations of fear. When you're young, they get you with jump scares and then that quickly becomes a cliche you expect and the classier films rely on atmosphere or psychological horror, neither of which I'd consider "scary". Horror is going to peak in popularity with VR videogames because the immersion factor will trump the problems the films face. Even if you know you're safe, you're horrified to turn that corner.
Oh, thanks. Didn't know any of this.

Thank God we have an expert on the horror genre here on ISH.

tmacattack33

01-27-2016, 10:47 PM

Saw it when i was in high school. I think the expectations of it made me not like it. I was shaking my head the whole time like "Really... THIS is considered one of the best horror movies of all time?". I guess i was expecting some more fast pace sh*t.

I like "slower" movies now though. Ones where you gotta get deeply involved and actually use your head a little. So i'd probably like it a lot better now.

ROCSteady

01-27-2016, 11:24 PM

This joint and The Thing are probably the two best

Godzuki

01-27-2016, 11:35 PM

lol the shining is so overrated. Jaws is the best horror ever made :bowdown:

even that poster with the bitch swimming and Jaws coming from underneath looking huge scares me from going into the ocean :coleman:

ArbitraryWater

01-27-2016, 11:43 PM

https://i.gyazo.com/f4967324eef81819470f78474ec26fe7.png

https://i.gyazo.com/59fa7b12aafc67b6e9a29edad34863fb.gif

RepMe

01-28-2016, 12:00 PM

This joint and The Thing are probably the two best
:applause: