In this book, Chris Wade explores Stanley Kubrick's 1980 adaptation of Stephen King's novel, The Shining. The film concerns Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson), who takes on the job of winter caretaker for the isolated Overlook Hotel, taking with him his wife Wendy (Shelley Duvall) and Danny (Danny Lloyd), only to find the vast establishment is home to a host of spirits and dark forces. The Shining is one of the most discussed, dissected and popular films of the past fifty years, garnering an intense cult following which seems to grow as the years go on. Wade explores various themes prevalent in the film, examines the differences between Kubrick and King's visions, and digs deep to look at the various subliminal and metaphorical layers beneath the surface.