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Writer's pictureBryan Alaspa

The Shining: Novel vs. Movie – Two Horror Icons, One Terrifying Legacy

When it comes to horror, few stories loom as large as The Shining. Whether you first encountered the eerie corridors of the Overlook Hotel in Stephen King’s 1977 novel or Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 cinematic adaptation, there’s no denying the lasting impact both have had on the genre. While the two versions tell the same core story of a family’s descent into madness inside a haunted hotel, they approach the material in wildly different, but equally brilliant, ways. Horror fans, it's time to celebrate both versions for what they are: two masterpieces of terror that stand on their own twisted merits!


The Shining Novel: A Deep Dive into Madness


Stephen King's novel the shining book cover

Stephen King's The Shining novel offers readers a slow-burn, psychological horror experience that's as much about the supernatural as it is about the human mind. King's writing shines (pun intended!) because of his deep exploration of the characters, particularly Jack Torrance. In the book, Jack is a deeply flawed but somewhat sympathetic man, grappling with alcoholism and a history of violence. His descent into madness feels tragically inevitable, which makes it all the more terrifying.


The novel takes its time exploring Jack's inner turmoil, his love for his family, and the demons lurking within him long before the Overlook starts to warp his mind. This careful character development is one of King's greatest strengths. It adds layers of psychological horror to the tale, as readers are invited into Jack’s deteriorating psyche, experiencing his paranoia, guilt, and frustration firsthand.


Then there’s the Overlook itself. In King’s novel, the hotel is practically a character of its own. It’s not just haunted—it's malevolent, full of history, and out for blood. The hotel’s sinister influence is vividly portrayed in scenes like the living topiary animals and the cryptic past of Room 217 (yes, 217—not 237 like in the movie!). King masterfully builds the tension as the hotel slowly tightens its grip on Jack, Danny, and Wendy, making the novel’s climax a terrifying, edge-of-your-seat experience.


The Shining Movie: Kubrick's Visual Nightmare


On the other side of the spectrum, we have Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining, a masterpiece of

Movie poster of Kubrick's The Shining movie

atmospheric horror. If King’s novel is a deep dive into psychological terror, Kubrick’s film is a visual nightmare that lingers long after the credits roll. Kubrick’s genius lies in his ability to make the viewer feel utterly unsettled from the very first frame. His methodical, often surreal style transforms the Overlook into a claustrophobic, disorienting maze—a perfect setting for Jack’s (played brilliantly by Jack Nicholson) spiraling insanity.


Kubrick made some key changes to the story that many King fans were initially critical of, but when viewed through the lens of the film’s unique style, these changes work in favor of Kubrick’s vision. For instance, while King’s Jack Torrance is more of a tragic figure, Kubrick's version feels like he’s always on the brink of losing control. From the moment Jack Nicholson first appears on screen, you get the sense that he’s teetering on the edge of madness, and when he finally snaps, it’s pure, unhinged terror.


The iconic imagery from Kubrick’s The Shining has become deeply ingrained in horror culture. Whether it’s the unnerving Grady twins, the blood pouring from the elevator, or the infamous “Here’s Johnny!” scene, the movie excels at leaving a haunting visual impression. Kubrick also relies heavily on atmosphere, using long tracking shots, the unnerving musical score, and the hotel’s eerie, symmetrical architecture to create a sense of dread.


One of the film’s most significant strengths is how it plays with ambiguity. Kubrick leaves many things deliberately vague, from the extent of the supernatural forces at play to the full nature of Jack’s madness. This open-ended approach allows the film to be interpreted in many ways, making it a work that invites repeat viewings and discussions among horror fans.


Why Both Versions Deserve Love


So, which is better—the novel or the movie? The answer is: both! Stephen King’s novel is a masterclass in building dread through character development and psychological tension. It delves deep into the minds of its characters, exploring themes of addiction, family, and the supernatural in a way only King can.


On the other hand, Kubrick’s film is a visually stunning, atmospheric horror experience that takes a more ambiguous, cerebral approach to the material. While it deviates from the novel in many ways, those deviations serve to create a uniquely terrifying experience that is equally iconic in its own right.


If you love character-driven horror and want a deeper understanding of the Torrance family’s tragic downfall, the novel is an absolute must-read. But if you’re looking for a horror film that will creep into your subconscious and leave you unsettled for days, Kubrick’s movie is an undeniable masterpiece.


The Overlook's Timeless Terror


Both versions of The Shining are crucial pieces of horror history, and each offers something different to the genre. Whether you're a die-hard fan of Stephen King's original vision or you appreciate the sheer terror of Kubrick’s cinematic masterpiece, there’s no denying that The Shining is a story that continues to haunt us all. The novel and the movie may take different paths to scare us, but they each carve out their own place in the pantheon of horror.


In the end, we don’t need to pick sides. The novel and movie are two sides of the same terrifying coin—each shining (there it is again!) in its own brilliant way. Horror fans, do yourselves a favor: read the novel, watch the movie, and appreciate the lasting nightmare that is The Shining.


This way, both The Shining the novel and the movie are celebrated as fantastic contributions to horror in their own unique ways, perfect for fans of horror fiction!


Be sure to pre-order my new psychological thriller Newcomers at Amazon.


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