The Shining: 50 Years Later, a Classic Still Dividing Fans The Shining, released on May 23rd, 1980, is a horror classic that has been widely praised for its masterful pacing of Jack Torrance's descent into madness, as well as Jack Nicholson's and Shelley Duvall's performances. Despite author Stephen King's criticism of the film adaptation, both remain highly regarded by fans and critics. It's been nearly 50 years since Stanley Kubrick's The Shining released, and it continues to be a highly regarded horror classic, even after the author of the novel that inspired it expressed his dissatisfaction with the film adaptation. Despite this, the original novel and the film adaptation remain as relevant as ever, sparking debate on whether fans prefer the book or the movie, with different interpretations of Jack Torrance's descent into madness. The movie has captivated audiences and critics alike with its masterfully paced descent, nuanced performances by Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall, and remains a disturbing and expertly crafted experience