[Tyson]

Man, I'm watching this again right now and the thing that strikes me is how seriously screwed up this family is!  Even the beginning of the movie, before all the crazy stuff starts happening.  Clearly "Tony", the kid's imaginary friend is his subconcious.  The idea of spending a winter in the overlook with his dad is traumatic to him.  So much so, that he goes into a fit at the thought of it.  And no wonder - Wendy (his mom) tells the pediatrician that comes that his dad dislocated the kids shoulder in a drunken rage a few months before. 

Christ, what the hell is wrong with this pediatrician?  Wendy is clearly an apologist for an abusive husband and the kid is already traumatized.  And she just sits there saying these "episodes" in kids are very common, and "Kids can scare you to death". 

IMO, the whole ghost story aspect is a smoke screen, and it's really about a physically abusive alcoholic destroying his family. 

"THIS is where we keep all of our MEAT."

[wushuliu]

Absolutely. That's the crux of the film alright, with a wonderful slant on the writing process to boot 

Did you see it on Blu-Ray? Amazing transfer on Blu-ray... the subtle presence of the native american burial ground via the colors and design on the walls, etc is more evident and adds to the creep factor.

[reddmadder]

One of Kubrick's films that I originally found disappointing when it was first released but has aged well with time.
I recall a reviewer (Pauline Kael?)who's take on the film was that it was a film about man's primeval subconscience hatred for his family.
The visual metaphor being the dolly shot of Jack  dragging the ax while limping which very much gives you that impression.

[Rclark]

Fantastic movie that was lovingly crafted and is gorgeous to watch. Story wise, pretty spooky although in a strange twist for me I think the late 90's TV remake was far far "scarier".

[JackD201]

I should watch this again. I was very disappointed with the movie because I had read the book beforehand. The book was a whole lot scarier. Jack Nicholson could not be faulted. He was too good IMO. He made the supporting cast looked like cutouts.

[ratso]

when i saw this thread i thought that it was going to be that they were making a remake (*GAG*)

[ratso]

BTW one of the great film gaffs (mostly because of how much of an insane perfectionist kubrick was yet he let it get past) is in the opening scene as the car is driving up the highway to the hotel you can clearly see the helicpter's shadow on the ground that is filming the aerial shot.

[wushuliu]

BTW one of the great film gaffs (mostly because of how much of an insane perfectionist kubrick was yet he let it get past) is in the opening scene as the car is driving up the highway to the hotel you can clearly see the helicpter's shadow on the ground that is filming the aeriel shot.

Could be wrong but I think that is because he anticipated the projected aspect ratio in theaters to cut off where the helicopter is visible i.e 1.85:1. He shot the film full frame or maybe 1.66:1, so the film was not seen as 'originally' shot incl. helicopter until released on VHS/dvd, etc.

[nathanm]

I recall a reviewer (Pauline Kael?)who's take on the film was that it was a film about man's primeval subconscience hatred for his family.

Stephen King essentially said the same thing in the TV-miniseries version.  He talked about a feeling of wanting to kill his children.

[nomeans]

Great movie! The TV remake was a HUGE flop though. I feel bad for anybody who had to follow Jack.

[jobrizzle7481]

Love this movie.  Jack is at his best with another role as in totally insane person and who could ever forget the twins and redrum.  Another one of Kubrick's great films.  I really enjoy Full Metal Jacket as well.