Steven Spielberg, renowned for capturing childlike wonder in films, initially disliked the 1980 adaptation of Stephen King‘s The Shining, directed by Stanley Kubrick. Over time, however, the famed director developed a deep appreciation for the movie, admitting to having watched it 25 times. This shift highlights a complex relationship between Spielberg’s sensibilities and the horror classic based on King’s novel.
Why Spielberg Initially Disliked Kubrick’s Adaptation of The Shining
Spielberg’s filmmaking often celebrates innocence and wonder, which contrasted sharply with Kubrick’s The Shining—a story focused on a child facing unimaginable horrors in a haunted hotel. Unlike Spielberg’s usual narratives where a child might find hope or compassion through supernatural experiences, Kubrick’s film depicts a chilling descent into madness and terror. This difference in tone made Spielberg uneasy when he first encountered the movie.
Stephen King himself had envisioned a different direction for the adaptation, one that Spielberg might have favored. When Spielberg first watched The Shining, he was particularly put off by Jack Nicholson’s performance as Jack Torrance. Instead of embracing the madness portrayed, Spielberg thought Nicholson’s acting went beyond reasonable limits. Nicholson’s intense and unhinged portrayal was meant to reflect the character’s mental collapse, but Spielberg initially saw it as excessive.
Stanley Kubrick and Spielberg’s Early Connection Over The Shining
In 1980, while Spielberg was filming Raiders of the Lost Ark at Elstree Studios in England—the same location where The Shining was made—the two legendary directors were indirectly linked. Kubrick, who had settled in England after leaving America, later invited Spielberg to his home in Childwickbury, Hertfordshire, after Raiders wrapped. During this dinner, Kubrick asked Spielberg if he liked The Shining.
Spielberg admitted,
“I’d only seen it once, and I didn’t love ‘The Shining’ the first time I saw it,”
sharing that although he pointed out elements he enjoyed, Kubrick quickly saw through his hesitant praise. Spielberg confessed to finding Nicholson’s acting a “great kabuki performance,” referencing kabuki theater’s exaggerated style. When Kubrick pressed him, Spielberg agreed that Nicholson went a bit “over the top.”
Kubrick then challenged Spielberg’s ideas about acting by asking about his favorite actors. Spielberg listed renowned names like Spencer Tracy, Henry Fonda, Jimmy Stewart, Cary Grant, and Clark Gable. Kubrick pointedly questioned the absence of James Cagney, asserting that Cagney was among the top actors and explaining,
“This is why Jack Nicholson’s performance is a great one.”
This exchange showcased Kubrick’s belief in the power of Nicholson’s bold and theatrical portrayal.
How Spielberg’s Opinion of The Shining Evolved Over Time
With time, Spielberg moved past his initial criticism and embraced The Shining. In the 1999 interview, he revealed,
“I have since seen it 25 times, it’s one of my favorite pictures,”
showing a remarkable change of heart. He praised Kubrick’s films for their enduring appeal, noting,
“Kubrick films tend to grow on you. You have to see them more than once.”
Spielberg went further in describing Kubrick’s unique ability to captivate audiences, stating,
“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.”
This admiration revealed how Kubrick’s mastery influenced Spielberg’s appreciation for complex storytelling and filmmaking.
Spielberg’s Homage to Kubrick Beyond The Shining
Spielberg’s evolving respect went beyond words to creative tribute. His 2018 sci-fi movie Ready Player One included a nod to a famous moment from The Shining, demonstrating Kubrick’s lasting impact on him. Furthermore, Spielberg took over Kubrick’s project to adapt Brian Aldiss’s “Supertoys Last All Summer Long,” resulting in the 2001 film A.I. Artificial Intelligence after Kubrick’s death. These projects underscore the profound role Kubrick played in Spielberg’s career and artistic influences.
Despite Spielberg’s changed views, The Shining was not without its critics, including Stephen King himself, who famously disliked Kubrick’s film adaptation. King also disliked Nicholson’s exaggerated performance, aligning with Spielberg’s original reaction. The contrasting opinions surrounding The Shining highlight the distinct interpretations of King’s novel between the author, Kubrick, and Spielberg.
