Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 masterpiece “The Shining” remains the most uneasy piece of cinema ever. In honor of the new 4K remaster, numerous theaters were showing the digitally enhanced version of the horror classic. Fortunately, Destiny USA in Syracuse was one of those venues. Being able to see this on the big screen was an incredibly satisfying experience.

As soon as audiences meet Jack Torrence (Jack Nicholson, “How Do You Know”), we can feel the looming sense of dread within the troubled man. Torrence’s life is forever altered when he is hired as the winter caretaker for the Overlook Hotel. Along for the painstaking journey are his wife Wendy (Shelley Duvall), and son Danny (Danny Lloyd).

Kubrick’s ability to turn the hotel into its own entity demonstrates his vast understanding of how to create a terrifying atmosphere. Using a mounted camera system allowed the director to play around with the overwhelming landscape of the setting. Eventually, our characters are going to be “caged” inside this massive building with only their minds as a way out.

It is understandable why audiences originally did not get this adaptation of Stephen King’s novel; it is disturbing and different. Horror was a genre that previously relied on straightforward monsters, slashers and alien invasions. “The Shining,” added elements of what it means to be human with various displays of unsettling imagery. Hypothetically, all of us when isolated, might act on our darkest thoughts. 

Nicholson gives his most sinister performance as Torrence. Every moment he is on screen, audiences’ eyes are glued following his transformation to insanity. Even though the “Here’s Johnny” sequence has become the most iconic moment in the film, more subtle scenes perfectly show the decomposing qualities of a man. Jack feels like a failure who will always face the burden of a “drunken mistake” he made. 

A great set design is needed to ensure that viewers become immersed in the world you envision. Using contrasting color schemes, we are given a place that feels like an endless habitat of demons. Two notable scenes in bathrooms are highlighted with auras of disgusting murky green and a brilliant overuse of red.

There are so many iconic scenes in this film that even if one has not seen it, they know. It is hard to fathom why Kubrick and Duvall both got nominated for Razzies (anti-Oscars). Kubrick’s visionary imagery along with masterful performances lead to perfection on the set. 

The only negative thing about the film is some behind the scenes stories about Kubrick’s treatment towards Duvall. He wanted to ensure that she stayed in character and constantly left her in fear and torment by making her redo shots and verbal abuse. 

There are so many questions that still remain unanswered; who was possessing Jack? (Grady, tribe leader) why was Danny wearing an Apollo 11 sweater? (moon landing), and finally who was in the bear costume? These only enhance the legacy of a timeless classic that has grown tremendously over time. It’s great that in 2019 we still have the chance to visit the Overlook Hotel in theaters. As John Lennon sung in his 1970 solo hit “Instant Karma,” “Well we all shine on,” and shine on we will with the sequel, “Doctor Sleep,” coming out next month.

Image via Warner Bros. Home Entertainment via YouTube