Student Film Reviews

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1. Kelly Dissman 10.13.21 / 9pm

   I also recently viewed this film and I enjoyed reading your analysis of the fluidity amongst the camera movements. I admire how the camera follows the characters down the hallways and I agree that the acting is extremely convincing and the audience can tell that Jack’s insanity is slowly consuming him as he displays it through his realistic gestures and expressions. This film creates an overwhelming feeling of eerieness and it only builds the tension throughout the film. You add elements of humor that make this review intriguing and entertaining to read. In regards to the elements of mise-en-scene, I liked reading how the sound is often very impactful in horror films, and I also felt that other elements such as the setting adds depth to the film that puts the audience on edge. Such a large setting in a hotel almost creates both a suffocating and overwelming feeling that contributes to Jack’s anger and his decreasing mental state.
2. Arata Tomatsuri 10.14.21 / 10pm

   The review done by the author on the film, “The Shining ” was thoroughly done. It was outstanding to see how the author compared each character and their purposes to construct a conclusion with how these characters act, and who they resemble into an answer that ties up the film, “The Shining”. The author of this review described the mise-en-scenes that contribute to the fear and terror that builds up within the audience. For example, where Danny was riding his tricycle, and how this “juxtaposed” the situation of how Danny met the horrific Grady sisters. The abstraction between child’s play (Danny) and the polar opposite of that of fear and terror. The whole entire review expresses in detail how each attribute presented in the film was a key component to each and every situation, and I believe that is important towards creating a psychological horror film. If you have details that connect to one another, that foreshadow one another it creates, what I believe a complex but straightforward plot, which helps the film create and construct an eerie atmosphere.
3. Davis Parker 10.16.21 / 6pm

   “The Shining” is known as one of the most iconic horror/psychological films of all time. I enjoyed this review and how she mentioned that Stanley Kubrick has mastered the ability to scare an audience. I love that she mentioned how perfect the actors played their characters within the movie as well as the effects that were used. I feel that along with how well Stanley Kubrick directed this movie, the actors played their roles to perfection and was almost the cherry on top to Stanley’s masterful directing. The steady cam was probably the biggest takeaway from the factors that were introduced through the movie. As he invented, it allowed him to film scenes while characters were moving at fast speeds to enhance the quality and make it more realistic for the audience.
4. Stan Pearlman 10.23.21 / 2pm

   I didn’t know of Kubrick inventing the steady cam for smooth camera movement, before reading your review. I find that interesting I did like how the camera would slowly pan out the massive rooms that Jack was all alone in. I like your review of the music keeping you on your toes by having eerie music in scenes where nothing ends up happening. I totally agree that the actors performances alone carry the entire movie. I like how you talked about Danny’s tricycle scene even though it was a harmless scene of Danny having fun it still somehow managed to give me a sense of terror.
5. Sarah Gerbasi 10.23.21 / 2pm

   The film “The Shining” is an old-time horror movie. Since this movie was filmed in 1980 although it is classified as horror it is not as scary as what you would see nowadays, there was more pressure on the actors/addresses to make this film, which they completely nailed. This film is a classic and will always be. The author of this review stated that Stanley Kubrick truly mastered his role in scaring the audience. This you could say was a male-dominated movie with the husband tormenting his wife and the author did an amazing job analyzing the entire film.
6. Hudson Morris 10.30.21 / 3pm

   This was a great review and well explained. I also had not seen The Shining before and after watching it and reading this review it helped me understand it a little more. The way you explained the horror of this film was just phenomena. Great review and analysis of The Shining.
7. Hailey Aguilera 10.30.21 / 6pm

   After recently watching this film this review does a good job of describing the film in a way that explains it in-depth features and feels of the film. I agree, The sudden rise of the musical score invoked fear amongst and brought tension to me as an audience while watching the film. The use of mise-en-scene was also very well done as the shot itself told a story while the music played a huge part. An eerie part of the film I noticed where the musical score was used well within mise-en-scene is when Danny was playing with his toy car along the pattern of the carpet when a ball gets rolled to him. The movement of the camera as it flows up to reveal an empty hallway as the music intensifies makes the whole scene an shot of its own. It incorporated various elements and themes of mazes throughout the film especially with the design of the carpet. It really signified how everything in mise-en-scene is always intentional. It was a great film overall and I can agree with the overall description of the film in the review.
8. Mark Bolo 10.30.21 / 7pm

   The film The Shining was an incredible horror movie that made me sit on the edge of my seat the whole time. There is not many movies that can keep me interested throughout the whole thing however The Shining did with ease. The way the movie was able to keep me scared almost the whole time was an incredible change. It is quite rare when a movie can do this since there are usually long enough breaks between scares. I really love the part when you say that if you had psychic powers and I really can feel you on that. The film was an absolute masterpiece and I am very grateful to be able to watch it.
9. Maya Parker 03.10.22 / 11pm

   After watching this film multiple times your review put into words what I could not. The “eeriness” that you described every sound and turn as is such a good way of illustrating the film. I completely agree with the fact you mentioned about how every bounce and creek was emphasized which left the audience to wonder if there is something to be afraid of or not. This kept me on my toes the entirety of the film. The pre-production and development of it were obviously done very precisely as the sound effects were astonishingly scary and ominous. I couldn’t imagine anyone else playing Jack, as you mentioned the two main characters were casted perfectly and portrayed the roles so realistically it almost made the audience forget they were acting. With the strange and creepy mise-en-scene and the terrific acting this film set the bar high and your review clearly identified that.
10. Chloe Kennedy 04.02.22 / 11pm

    After just recently (and finally) watching the film The Shining, this analysis was extremely interesting to dive into. The first thing I noticed and greatly appreciated was just how nicely articulated your thoughts and words were- the entire review had a clear and concise flow to it which not only made reading ten times easier but also far more enjoyable. It is evident that you took the extra time to really become knowledgeable on this film through your inserts like discussing Shelley Duvall’s 127 takes, which again, adds an entertainment factor that is greatly valued by a reader like myself. Carrying on, your talk on how the film’s sound is skillfully incorporated to add tension and keep the viewer on their toes is huge and one of the things I first noticed when watching the film for myself. Altogether, I sincerely enjoyed reading this beautifully done analysis on The Shining, and can absolutely agree that despite the true fear that may come from watching it, this movie is one that no person should be missing out on.
11. Simon Villanueva 06.04.22 / 12pm

    Sandra, thank you for your kind review. I recently saw this for the first time as well, and I’d say we had similar emotions to the film, with both actors’ performances being so compelling that they could carry the picture on their own. The film is about a man who starts a new work at a hotel and remains there for the whole winter, but he turns insane and tries to murder his family. However, the tension and surprise that pervaded numerous movie sequences, particularly the soundtrack, astonished me. When Danny was playing around in the hotel halls and suddenly stumbled into a pair of girl twins, it was a true surprise, and the tension that followed established the tone.
12. Aras Janusonis 06.04.22 / 12pm

    I enjoyed reading your review. You were able to write a meaningful review on the film and gave me some new perspectives on it. I really liked how you mentioned how the film utilized mise-en-scene well and how the sound played such a large role in this movie. The score certainly adds a lot to the movie. The movies opening shot, when the camera is flying over the Colorado mountains following the car (which is driving to the Overlook), creates a huge feeling of dread when watching it. Although it seems to be a calming shot, the use of music during this particular scene really brings it to another level; from calming to dreading something.
13. Katherine Perez 06.04.22 / 7pm

    I just recently saw the film for the first time ever too and I always expected a shocked reaction when I would tell my friends that I had never seen this movie. I think the use of steady camera in the film provided that eerie effect that made me want to look away but stay watching at the same time. I think the choice of music made the movie much scarier because half the time I had to turn the music down to keep watching. I also felt very convinced by the cabin fever Jack was experiencing and the fear that was consuming Wendy and Danny. The filmmaker did a great job of putting us in Danny’s shoes as he kept seeing things and was being controlled by his imaginary friend. I think this is a great film to watch with a loved one to hold on tightly to and to throw the popcorn in the air during the scary scenes.
14. Taylor Fry 06.04.22 / 8pm

    I just recently watched the film The Shining and I couldn’t have described it better myself. I like how you included the indescribable terror that was felt when Danny was riding his tricycle around the hotel and how the sound of the wheels would alternate from carpet to hard wood floor, creating a very eerie feeling. I was having trouble being able to explain the element of uneasiness it brought me while watching it but you were able to explain it perfectly. I agree with you in the fact that the main characters were casted really well, playing the part effortlessly and authentically. I really enjoyed reading your analysis of the film and felt like we had a really similar view on the film.
15. Finn Judge 06.04.22 / 11pm

    The Shining is an all time classic movie that even my parents used to watch when they were young too. The filming, acting, and overall creepiness of the film makes it such a great film. I agree with what you said with the way it is filmed which adds to the “eeriness” of the film. For example, the scenes in the hallways of the house are very creepy. It’s crazy how well the directors did with the camera work from the beginning of the film. It would be hard to picture any other actor playing the character of Jack in the film other than Jack Nicholson because of how great his facial expressions are making the movie that much better. Good post, it really interested me.
16. Matthew Magana 07.09.22 / 11pm

    I relate to your review of The Shining in terms of being one of those people who’ve never seen The Shining before. I’m glad to say I didn’t watch it when I was younger because I think it would have warped my perception of the film. So when I watched it for the first time about two years ago I was completely fascinated by the scenery, acting, soundtrack, and everything else the movie had to offer. The Shining’s soundtrack always felt present, but in a way where you could feel it in your chest from how booming it was. As well as the top-tier acting from Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, and Danny Lloyd. You can tell Jack Nicholson had so much fun with this role, from the facial expressions to the line delivery, he was able to show clearly that Jack Torrance was becoming a monster, controlled by something not of this world. Then there’s Danny Lloyd who as a child actor does an astonishing job since he was only a kid you can only expect so much emotion and fluidity from a kid acting, nonetheless, Danny sells the possession or more so the taking over by Tony wonderfully.
17. Keala Starr 07.11.22 / 1am

    Sandra-
    I really enjoyed your review that you wrote. I think it is so funny just how scary The Shining made you. If I am honest, I wish I got more scared from it, but it just didn’t make me feel any sense of sacredness for some odd reason. I think that is crazy that the actress had to do the baseball bat scene 127 times, that is so sad, she is such a trooper! While watching this movie for a film class, I noticed that the non-diegetic aspects of the movie played such a huge role. Without the suspenseful and thrilling music, The Shining would still be good, but just not as scary. The movie gave the viewers such amazing verisimilitude. Well done to the director, Stanley Kubrick.
18. Tayler Krebs 07.16.22 / 7pm

    I also watched “The Shining” for the first time very recently. I had a similar experience as I was watching. I would classify myself as a wimp as well when it comes to horror films. I was practically hiding under my covers throughout the duration of the film. And although I was scared I was so intrigued that I couldn’t actually look away. I think what was so intriguing about the film to me was the actors performance. There fact that Danny and Jack are such similar characters and they play off their coherent unified character so well had me paying such close attention. They even looked the part as well. Danny looked like a mini version of Jack, so the fact that they looked the part and their acting is so amazing they really seem like the mini and big versions of each other. They also played these characters so well by taking advantage of the mis-en-scene. They used the hotel setting perfectly and it really just made the smallest parts seem so big and important. I’m glad I was able to relate to your reaction. Thank you of sharing!
19. Mason Kim 07.16.22 / 8pm

    I agree with you about the film’s realistic aspect. The actors function with the mise-en-scene extremely well, adding to the realism effect. Without the iconic hotel they were in, the movie could have been underwhelming. It really brings life into the film and creates a horror vibe(especially since the hotel is empty). I can definitely agree with you about the fact that this film is one of the best horror films in history. It’s what intrigued me to watch other horror movies and branch out. The music score does really add an eerie feel while watching the movie, like you stated.
20. Bella Levine 07.18.22 / 7pm

    I watched the Shining relatively recently and I think its one of my favorite movies (under hereditary of course). I also was late on the train to watch it which is surprising because I love horror and thriller movies. I really like your review and I thought it was funny and light hearted for reviewing such a grim movie. I had no clue about the 127 takes that adds such a new level to my respect for the icon Shelly Duvall. To finish your undecided answer I think everyone who has not watched it is missing out because it is so entertaining and to this day is important to current culture.
21. Vincent Migliaccio 10.17.22 / 2pm

    This review does a very good job of describing the different aspects of the film and then attributing them to why its so good. The breakdown of the baseball scene was interesting. I had no idea it took so many takes, however I agree that it shows the fruit of its labor by being an absolutely amazing, and memorable scene. I also agree that the use of sound in this movie was done so perfectly, it felt like it was happening right in front of me and many scenes just sucked me in through them. I wasn’t aware that Kubrick revolutionized filming with the stead cam but the tension that is built up in conjunction with the musical score as you said is truly astounding. Something i would add to this review however would be some talk about how lighting played into the atmosphere and mood of some of the scenes, an maybe how it set up the scary nature o the film as well.
22. Taylor Halvorson 10.29.22 / 1pm

    Hey Sandra, I really enjoyed reading your review on the film, “The Shining”. You did a great job describing different aspects that the film contained and you did a really good job expressing how you felt while watching the movie. I too am not a huge fan of horror movies but this movie is truly astounding. I did not know that the baseball scene in the film took 127 takes! I completely agree with you when you were talking about the fruit of labor and how amazing it is that people can come together to create a masterpiece like this one. I also wanted to say that I liked how you talked about Kubrick’s cinematography and the steady cam that was invented to create “fluid and smooth” camera movement for many scenes throughout. Once again great job with this review and I really enjoyed reading what you had to say!
23. Natalie Swanson 11.09.22 / 5pm

    Hello Sandra,
    This is a very well-thought-out review and I genuinely really enjoyed reading through it! The Shining is a really popular movie, and like you, I had not seen it until recently. I am with you when you say “While cringing and terrified I tried my best to actually physically watch..” as I am also terrified of scary movies! However, I am glad I got to watch it as the camera work and sound effects are really impressive. The eerie-sounding music in specific scenes builds suspense and always leaves the audience at the edge of their seats, ready for a jump scare. I agree with you that the sound was used masterfully, and the actors involved did a tremendous job playing their parts. All of the aspects of the film put together are what make this movie a phenomenal one, definitely ahead of its time!
24. Eric Lyke 03.04.23 / 7pm

    Hello Sandra, I reallyv enjoy reading your review about, The Shinning. I recently rewatch the film an being a older age I felt that I understood it a lot more an was able to understand some of the deeper meanings of the film an really enjoyed the watch! The addition of mise-en-scene was something that that was much needed an made for a better an more immersive feeling.I agree with you how sound was used very beautifully an overall inprovied the film.
25. Bobby Homem 03.08.23 / 7am

    “The Shining” One of the things that really stuck with me was Little Danny riding his tricycle throughout the hotel’s walk ways and how the sound has been carefully crafted to suit that scene alternating from hardwood floors to carpet and back. such a small yet crucial detail which would make the audience feel great suspense. A very interesting fact about the 127 takes Mr. Torrance had to do on the baseball bat scene. It is what takes sometimes to achieve perfection in what I believe this movie achieved in so many ways, from Danny to Winiefred, to Dick Hollorann and so forth. From the perfect lighting and sound to the brilliant performance of Jack Nicholson and amazing design and landscape. A masterpiece in my eyes!
26. John Luke Hernandez 03.16.23 / 8am

    Greetings Sandra,
    I too am one of those people that struggled to watch this film as I have no bone in my body built for scare but we survived! I found your analysis of the shining to be quite impressive and I agree with you on a lot of your points. The most interesting to me has to be the perfect used soundscapes to provide further emotion and direction to the film! I agree that the ability to have subtle music along with the tricycle provided a feeling that was eerie, to say the least, but without both sounds I feel something would’ve been missing.
27. John Luke Hernandez 03.16.23 / 8am

    I too am one of those people that struggled to watch this film as I have no bone in my body built for scare but we survived! I found your analysis of the shining to be quite impressive and I agree with you on a lot of your points. The most interesting to me has to be the perfect used soundscapes to provide further emotion and direction to the film! I agree that the ability to have subtle music along with the tricycle provided a feeling that was eerie, to say the least, but without both sounds I feel something would’ve been missing.
28. Eva Hoffmann 03.25.23 / 7pm

    I recently re-watched the film “The Shining” and while I agree it was definitely scary and shocking, I also agree with you that the cinematography was amazing and made the whole movie worth the watch. One thing I really loved about your analysis of the film is everything you mentioned about the acting skills of the actors. I found their acting to be incredibly convincing as well which is something that played a huge part in the film overall. You mentioned that Shelly Duvall had to go through 127 takes to nail her baseball bat scene which is something I did not know. It is crazy the dedication and commitment these actors put into their work. It was wonderful reading your interpretation and it was nice to see that someone also appreciated the artistic skills that went into the acting.
29. Miranda Magana 03.25.23 / 11pm

    I am totally on the same boat as you. I was in the small population of people that didn’t watch ”The Shining” but, once I watched it, it was so admirable. Everything fit the movie so perfectly, especially the whole mise-en-scene with acting. I constantly got fooled that the characters in the movie weren’t actors and that I was watching their life crumble apart. With the setting taken place in a huge empty hotel there was no doubt that this movie was going to be scary so, with the costumes, scene shots and overall storyline coming together, it made the viewer visualizes what you can’t imagine when you read the book. I can truly say that this film is definitely one of my favorites.
30. Bishop Hill 03.26.23 / 8am

    I also watched this film for the first time recently and found it very well done. I agree that the masterful sound design was excellent at creating tension and suspense while creating an ever present eerie feeling. I did not know that Kubrick invented the steady cam and it explains the large number of very smooth tracking shots in the film. One scene that I noticed and appreciated was the helicopter footage at the very beginning of the movie. In this opening scene we follow the Torrance’s car as it drives up the mountain pass in a helicopter that you can briefly spot at 1:08. I thought the shot was incredibly smooth and impressive as well as in this scene the music slowly devolves and becomes more and more eerie building suspense and discomfort right from the start.
31. Jose Perez 04.01.23 / 1am

    Like you it also took me a long time to watch The Shining due to me not being a huge fan of horror/thriller movies. I agree with the use of sound or its nondiegetic elements. The filmmaker does a excellent job in syncing the nondiegetic and diegetic elements together to provide a tense experience. One good example is when Danny is having a episode and the frame shifts back and forth between him and the others while creepy music starts to play.
32. Tanner Krebs 07.22.23 / 3pm

    I really appreciated your final sentence of your review as you express that the film can be appreciated by anyone no matter their preferences to certain genres, and I think this is why the film is so timeless. I agree with you in that Stanley Kubrick has “mastered how to scare an audience for generations to come.” Rather than using cliche jump-scares to frighten the audience, Kubrick displays his genius through elements of psychological horror. Kubrick’s genius only goes so far, as the characters have to be played correctly as well, and boy did they deliver. Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall’s performances were spectacular and it allowed Kubrick’s genius to be on full display.
33. Melody Flores 11.04.23 / 12pm

    In likeness to Sandra, I had went a long time without ever seeing “The Shining”. I am happy I was able to watch such a staple film in the horror/thriller genre. I agree with Sandras take on the music that accompanies some scenes. During active horrifying scenes, the music is eerie and unsettling. I noticed that this type of music will play during calmer scenes where there is no apparent threat which leaves me filled with suspense because I have no idea if I should expect something terrifying to happen or not. In this film I was highly impressed with Shelly Duvalls performance as Mrs. Torrance. I know Shelly Duvall experienced mistreatment by the crew behind the scenes and physical and mental exhaustion but she was able to translate all of that into her performence.
34. Keiara Leveroni 11.08.23 / 12am

    I enjoyed reading your analysis of The Shining. I have not gotten around to watching this classic, but your description is quite convincing to do so. I see you mentioned the amount of times Shelley Duvall had to refilm the famous baseball bat scene. Stanley Kubrick actually received a lot of criticism for how he treated the actors on set, especially Duvall. It calls to question is this mastermind, works of art cinema are worth the detrimental effects possibly given to actors/actresses?
    I was unaware the invention of the steady cam was created during production of this film, that is truly groundbreaking for cinema and makes this film even more worthwhile. Thank you for finally getting me to watch this historical horror classic!
35. Amir Yaish 03.02.24 / 10pm

    Hi Sandra, I loved your analysis of The Shining, I don’t think there’s anybody who watched the film who hasn’t been traumatized by it (: I found your review of The Shining very interesting especially the parts you talk about the actors’ acting, Yes I agree, the actors played amazingly and really made us feel that it’s real, making the film even more terrifying, how do you think the actors were able to deliver such an amazing performance, what parts of the acting made it feel real?
    Thank you so much, I really loved your well-written review on The Shining Amir Yaish
36. Gabi Turnbull 03.10.24 / 8pm

    This review is incredibly personable and uses humor to critique a horror film very well. It is interesting to reflect on the parallels between simple cabin fever and the “evil spirits” in this movie- and where they may become the same thing. I fully agree that this movie (though fantastic in many ways) is carried by it’s acting. The Shining without Jack Nichols and Shelly Duval would in my opinion fall flat- it is their characterization that drives the intrigue and truly disturbs the audience. That being said, the soundtrack, set, and clothing design (the mise-en-scene overall) is astounding, and is deserving of it’s place in the shelves of Hollywood staple movies.
37. Liborio Gudino 03.23.24 / 1pm

    I was also someone that had hesitation when it came to watching this movie due to me not really liking horror films. You do a good job of summarizing this film and adding your style to it. It is very interesting to hear that Shelly Duval had to do a scene 127 times because that must not be easy. It shows that she had a lot of patience because I certainly would not be able to do it. I also agree that even though I am not a fan of these films, I do have to show my respect because it is a really good film.

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