Steven Spielberg initially disliked the 1980 film adaptation of Stephen King The Shining, finding it disturbing and uneasy to watch. Over time, however, the acclaimed director shifted his opinion and grew to appreciate Stanley Kubrick’s dark vision, eventually viewing the film numerous times and acknowledging its unique power.
Spielberg’s First Reaction to Kubrick’s The Shining
As a filmmaker known for capturing childlike wonder and innocence, Spielberg was unsettled by The Shining’s harrowing portrayal of a child subjected to terrifying experiences in a haunted hotel. Unlike his own films, where children often discover hope or compassion in extraordinary circumstances, Kubrick’s adaptation follows a grim narrative where the young boy narrowly escapes his father’s violent descent into madness. This stark contrast made Spielberg’s first viewing uncomfortable and unsatisfying.
In a 1999 interview, Spielberg expressed reservations specifically about Jack Nicholson’s portrayal of Jack Torrance. He felt Nicholson’s performance was exaggerated, describing it as a “kabuki performance,” a reference to the stylized and highly dramatic nature of kabuki theater. The intensity Nicholson brought, while deliberately unhinged to reflect the character’s psychological breakdown, initially left Spielberg unimpressed, as it clashed with his sensibilities.
During the time Spielberg was preparing Raiders of the Lost Ark at Elstree Studios in England—the same location where The Shining was filmed—he and Kubrick grew closer. Kubrick invited Spielberg for dinner at his Childwickbury home in Hertfordshire after Raiders concluded. During this meeting, Kubrick confronted Spielberg about his true feelings toward The Shining.
The Dinner Conversation: Kubrick Challenges Spielberg’s Opinions
Spielberg admitted at the dinner that he had seen The Shining only once and did not love it initially. Kubrick quickly saw through Spielberg’s diplomatic compliments and pressed him for honesty. Spielberg candidly critiqued Nicholson’s acting style as too theatrical and over the top. Kubrick, however, defended the performance, insisting that such a bold, exaggerated portrayal was essential to illustrating the character’s descent into madness.
Kubrick went further, asking Spielberg to name his favorite actors. Spielberg listed names like Spencer Tracy, Henry Fonda, Jimmy Stewart, Cary Grant, and Clark Gable. Kubrick then challenged him, asking,
“Okay, where was James Cagney on this list?”
Spielberg responded that he considered Cagney to be among the top actors, to which Kubrick replied,
“Ah, but he’s not in the top five. You don’t consider James Cagney one of the five best actors around? You see, I do. This is why Jack Nicholson’s performance is a great one.”
From Dislike to Appreciation: Spielberg Embraces The Shining
Despite his initial reservations, Spielberg eventually came to admire The Shining and Kubrick’s work as a whole. He revealed that he had watched the film twenty-five times, calling it one of his favorite movies. Spielberg praised Kubrick’s filmmaking style, noting how Kubrick’s films grow on viewers the more they watch them. He conveyed amazement at how difficult it is to stop watching a Kubrick film once it has started, likening the experience to
“he’s got this fail-safe button or something.”
“Kubrick films tend to grow on you. You have to see them more than once. But the wild thing is, I defy you to name me one Kubrick film that you can turn off once you start it. It’s impossible. He’s got this fail-safe button or something. It’s impossible to turn off a Kubrick film.”
— Steven Spielberg, Director
Spielberg’s evolving respect for Kubrick extended beyond The Shining. In 2018, Spielberg paid homage by recreating a famous scene from Kubrick’s film in his science fiction adventure Ready Player One. After Kubrick’s death, Spielberg also adapted the director’s unmade project Supertoys Last All Summer Long into the 2001 film A.I. Artificial Intelligence. These gestures demonstrated Spielberg’s recognition of Kubrick as a mentor and influential figure in his career, despite early disagreements.
The Shared Discomfort with The Shining’s Harshness
Spielberg was not alone in his conflicted feelings toward Kubrick’s adaptation. Stephen King himself was famously unhappy with the film, particularly disapproving of Nicholson’s exaggerated performance and Kubrick’s cold tone, which deviated from the novel’s intent. King’s vision had been more optimistic, centering on a child’s resilience and hope rather than the bleak horror Kubrick presented.
This tension between creators and viewers highlights the complex reception of The Shining. Kubrick opted for a nightmarish, psychologically intense portrayal, whereas King and Spielberg initially favored a warmer, more family-centered narrative. Spielberg’s journey from discomfort to admiration underscores the film’s power to affect audiences differently over time.
Looking Ahead: The Legacy of The Shining and Kubrick’s Influence
Spielberg’s eventual embrace of The Shining proves the lasting impact this film has within the filmmaking community and popular culture. His experience shows how powerful cinema can challenge initial tastes and provoke deeper appreciation through repeated viewings. Kubrick’s insistence on a distinctive performance style and bold narrative choices created a film that remains unsettling yet unforgettable.
As Spielberg continues to acknowledge Kubrick’s contributions in his own work, The Shining remains a cornerstone of horror cinema that shapes artistic perspectives decades after its release. Its uneasy blend of supernatural terror and family trauma ensures ongoing discussion and analysis, securing its place as a film that resonates uneasily but profoundly with viewers and creators alike.
