Stanley Kubrick’s film The Shining was released in 1980.
The psychological horror film opened in the United States on May 23, 1980, distributed by Warner Bros. It stars Jack Nicholson as Jack Torrance, Shelley Duvall as Wendy Torrance, and Danny Lloyd as their son Danny. The story follows the family’s stay at the remote Overlook Hotel during the winter season.
Kubrick adapted the film from Stephen King’s 1977 novel, working with novelist Diane Johnson on the screenplay. Production took place largely at EMI Elstree Studios in England, where elaborate hotel interiors were built. The film became especially notable for its use of the Steadicam, which created fluid tracking shots through the hotel and outdoor maze.
A frequent mistake is dating the film to 1979, the year before its theatrical release. The novel came first in 1977, while Kubrick’s film reached American cinemas in 1980; European theatrical versions were later shortened.