July 30th 2024.
The UK is currently buzzing with excitement as the iconic 1980 horror film, The Shining, is now available to stream. Directed by the legendary Stanley Kubrick and based on Stephen King's best-selling novel, this cult classic is the perfect choice for a movie night.
Initially met with negative reviews, The Shining has since become a beloved adaptation, following the story of Jack Torrance, a recovering alcoholic who takes on the role of winter caretaker at the infamous Overlook Hotel in Colorado. He moves in with his wife Wendy and their psychic son Danny, who is plagued by disturbing visions. As Jack's mental state deteriorates, he becomes increasingly violent towards his family.
Despite its rocky start, The Shining has now cemented its place as an enduring classic in the horror genre, with its behind-the-scenes tales also making history. In fact, the film holds a Guinness World Record for the "most retakes for one scene with dialogue" after shooting one particular scene a whopping 148 times. And who could forget the iconic "Here's Johnny!" moment, when Jack famously sticks his head through the axed-down door while wielding a butcher's knife.
The late Shelley Duvall, who sadly passed away at the age of 75 earlier this month, delivered a defining performance as Wendy in the film. In a 1980 interview with the BBC, she revealed the grueling process of filming, stating that her stamina had greatly increased since taking on the role. She also shared that she would think of sad moments in her own life to get into the emotional mindset required for her character.
Despite its initial lack of critical acclaim, The Shining has since received praise from critics, earning an 83% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a place in cinematic history. The Radio Times gave it a five-star review, calling it a "chilling" and "eerie" horror film, while Time magazine hailed it as a "masterpiece" and GQ as "genre-defining." Empire also praised the film for its ability to simultaneously explore themes of madness, murder, and the supernatural.
Now, whether you're watching The Shining for the 50th time or the very first, you can enjoy it on BBC iPlayer for the next 28 days. So gather your friends and family, and get ready for a night of thrills and chills with this iconic film. And if you have a celebrity story, video, or pictures to share, don't hesitate to contact the entertainment team at The Agency – they'd love to hear from you.
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