The Shining (1980) rated R for violence, language, brief nudity and brief sexuality

This film is a prime example of atmospheric horror.  It's also one of my preferred Kubrick films.

Former teacher turned writer Jack Torrance (played by Jack Nicholson) accepts a winter caretaker position at the Overlook hotel located high in the mountains of Colorado.  Jack decides to bring along his wife Wendy Torrance (played by Shelley Duvall) and their young son Danny Torrance (played by Danny Lloyd) to stay at the Overlook with him.

When the audience first meets Danny and Wendy, it appears that Danny has a very active imagination that involves an "imaginary friend" named Tony.  According to Danny, Tony tells him things but he is reluctant to discuss what exactly Tony shows him with anyone.

On the day that Danny, Wendy, and Jack move into the Overlook, Danny meets a man named Hollarann (played by Scatman Crothers).  Hollarann has "the shining" just like Danny.

At first things seem to be going well for the Torrance family.  As time passes the audience observes that Jack seems to be acting a little strange.  After the snow settles in, the atmosphere of the hotel seems to become more sinister and oppressive for all but Jack.

Has Jack lost his mind or is the hotel really haunted?  As things escalate, Wendy is forced to try to keep Danny safe all while staying alive and avoiding Jack.

Overall, for atmospheric horror, this movie is excellent.  The influence of this movie is pretty obvious in The Witch.

I once watched an interview with Stephen King talking about this film.  He said that he didn't like this film because it was a very cold movie and the novel isn't.  Years after seeing the movie I finally read the book.  I personally found the book to be so scary that I couldn't read it alone in the daylight.  After reading the book I understood what Stephen King was saying in regards to the Kubrick movie versus the novel.  If you haven't read the novel I recommend it.  (I also recommend reading the sequel Dr. Sleep and sincerely hope that someone turns that book into a movie sooner than later).

This film is essentially an alternate interpretation of the novel.  It's good on its own but it isn't quite the same as the novel.  The impression that I get from this movie is that Jack is spiraling into insanity and his family is suffering as a result.