The Shining — Hello …

17th August, 2016.

You know … 

I’ve had less hours, this week, than I had the last full week I worked.

And … ?

AND I’m not sure I like what that’s done — or going to do — to next week’s payslip.

They’re ALL over two days!

Makes you wonder why I’m job-hunting doesn’t it?

However?

However, when I’m not actually working … ?

I’m trying to write Teasers, make video, put together a social life … 

Oh … and catch a film or two.

Today … ?

Bit of a treat for my nephew, today: as he, his mother, and I, went to Basildon to see The BFG.   Which was fun: whizz-popping with the Queen got a LOT of laughter, I know that.

Of, course, this evening?   Having this evening free?  Well, that meant I could watch something I’d not seen: and that various people — over the past few days — urged me to correct.

You can tell it was the Stanley Kubrick directed, The Shining, can’t you?

The poster’s a bit of a clue … 

~≈Û≈~

Released in 1980, The Shining introduces us to Jack Torrence (Jack Nicholson): a former teacher and current writer, who’s being interviewed for a post as the winter caretaker for the Overlook Hotel.

He’s looking forward to it: the peace and quiet will give him time to write, and he and his family — wife, Wendy (Shelley Duvall), and son, Danny (Danny Lloyd) — can have some much needed time together.

Danny … ?   Danny is — his parents believe — rather ill.   But what Danny isn’t telling them is that he’s having nightmare visions about the hotel.

The only person he feels comfortable about confiding this too?   Is the hotel’s chef: Dick Halloran (Scatman Crothers.)

The kindly Halloran?   Tells young Danny to keep away from Room 237 … 

And that the hotel contains memories.

Not all of them good.

It’s only when Halloran and the rest of the staff leave the hotel for winter?

That the Torrence family nightmare REALLY starts … 

~≈Û≈~

I can feel you reading this.

Metaphorically, at any rate.

And, equally as metaphorically?

I can hear you saying, “Come on, Paul, what did you think of The Shining?”

I think I loved it … !

Now, I’ve not read the original novel: possibly something I should remedy.

Whether the film is an accurate portrayal of King’s* story, I couldn’t tell you.

The story I was told, tonight, however?

Was possibly one of the most riveting movies I’ve seen in a while.   Part supernatural horror, but mostly an intensely psychological piece: giving us hints (in part) on what alcoholism can do to a family, but ALSO telling us the havoc this — and intense isolation — can do to a family.

Through both acting — you can see why both this, and One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest built Nicholson’s reputation — scripting, cinematography, and soundtrack.

Frankly?

Frankly, I know of few other films like it: with the exception of Kubrick’s other great work, 2001: A Space Odyssey.

And, equally as frankly?

I’m wondering why it’s only now I’ve watched The Shining.

The Shining.

★★★★

*      Stephen King, himself, is a recovering alcoholic: I got the feeling some of what we see on screen is a reflection of King’s own life.   I also think Nicholson’s best scenes?   Were where he’s talking to the barman, Lloyd.   I’m a former barman, myself.   Nicholson’s a worryingly good barfly …