MovieChat Forums > The Shining (1997) Discussion > I find it impossibly hard to comprehend

I find it impossibly hard to comprehend


how anybody could find this version superior to the Kubrick film

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Possibly because this version followed Stephen King's book the closest? I do not prefer one to the other, because they are both decent in their own ways, however, Kubrick's is more of a different movie with equally different themes.

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I agree. It's because this version follows the book a bit more. I like both films but do prefer this film over the original.


"I have to return some videotapes."

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yeah because the shining (1980) starts about halfway through the books whereas the shining (1997) starts at the start. you get way more character development, you see the change in the characters that isnt seen in the 1980 version. You never see Jack as a loving father in 1980 so when he goes mad its not as effective as in the book/mini series where Jack starts off as extremely attentive and doting on his son and by the end is trying to kill him, it's a much bigger change and in ways, more scarier!

I love 1980 for its visuals and the twins and the bloody hallway but the mini series just goes much deeper and for people who have read the books, it can be more satisfying. but hey, each to their own really!

The mini series also goes far more into how the hotel and "the shining" works. Though the book then goes into even more!

I think it depends on what you saw/read first and your general tastes!

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