Guide Note

The Shining is a horror novel by Stephen King, later adapted into a popular 1980 film by Stanley Kubrick. In 1997, it was made into a three-part TV miniseries.

The story follows struggling writer Jack Torrance, who takes his wife and son to his new job as caretaker of the mysterious Overlook Hotel. The hotel is completely isolated and free from alcohol, which instigates Torrance's descent into madness.

Fast Facts

1. Film Directed By: Stanley Kubrick
2. Novel Written By: Stephen King
3. Film Starring: Jack Nicholson
4. Robert De Niro and Robin Williams both considered for the role of Jack Torrance
5. Nicholson ad-libbed the famous line "Here's Johnny!"

King came up with the idea for The Shining after staying with his family at the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, just before it closed for the off-season. King recalls walking through the long, empty corridors by himself, and being served by a bartender named Grady. King cites alcoholism and the destruction of the family unit as the major themes of his novel, which he argues are heavily ignored in the film adaptation.

Nearly all indoor footage was shot at studios in England, and the set for the Overlook Hotel was the largest ever built at the time. Kubrick, a notorious perfectionist, shot some scenes many times before moving on. For one scene featuring Shelley Duvall, Kubrick took 127 takes before he was satisfied.

The film opened to mixed reviews in 1980, but has since been regarded as a classic of the horror genre.