Our next film is The Shining (1980), directed by Stanley Kubrick.
October is spooky season, and what better way to start than some shiver-inducing, mind-bending psychological horror!
Kubrick’s The Shining is widely considered a masterpiece of the horror and thriller genres, visually stunning with iconic (and somewhat controversial) performances from Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall. Loosely based on Stephen King’s novel, the film follow the Torrance family as they take care of the historic and imposing Overlook Hotel, a luxury inn with a terrifying past.
This movie is a masterclass in atmosphere, with a chilling soundtrack and a story that creeps forward with psychological twists and increasingly bizarre imagery. Over the years, dozens of fan and critical theories have emerged about hidden symbolism, underlying themes, and untold backstories, giving The Shining a prominent place in American cinematic culture.
The Shining is streaming on HBO Max and AMC, and is available for rent on iTunes, YouTube, and Google Play for $3.99. We will be discussing the film on October 13th at 8:00pm EDT on Slack. Also check out our resources page for additional essays and videos.