Nicholson sucks all the horror right out of this movie

And yet it’s a classic spoken about and referenced to in films like “Ready Player One”.

The Turnip---pickin' it up|||layin' it down of a Sunday.

The old Turnip.

Classic film... Classic portrayal... A triumph of Brechtian cinema...

Does anyone remember the Steven King movie version? Nope...

I think Nicholson's performance is way, way over the top. But it works...mostly. It is certainly iconic by this point. Given the age of the movie, and the stature of Nicholson, again, it worked. But from a horror perspective, yes, it diminishes the effect. OTOH, it makes the movie very distinctive and memorable in other ways.

An analogy be like watching a really clever, unique commercial featuring a mega-star...are you focused on how innovative the commercial was, or the mega star on-screen? Then fast forward and realize they are completely entwined and the commercial becomes iconic.

What if what they were going for was comedy?

I liked his performance,his comedy timing is good also.

Not entirely. Nicholson's Jack was not perfect, but he wasn't ineffective either. While he may have had his flaws, Nicholson also has a creep factor that lent him VERY WELL to this portrayal. What's funny (or maybe a little chilling) about him is that he is most effective when he's just silent and motionless. Sitting on the bed, staring at nothing. The long shot staring out the window. The insane grin in the bathroom. Even the frozen dead look in the snow. It may just be me, but those are "look away" moments for me LOL (especially the long shot staring out the window).

I think the bigger problem wasn't with Jack Nicholson. See, I don't really put Kubrick on the same pedestal that most do. I just happen to like THIS movie better than most. Jack could have been better written, but I think Nicholson did the best he could with what was written for him.

As far as actors go, I'm not really sure who could have been cast better. In 1980 and at his age, not many come to mind. Anthony Hopkins maybe? I have heard that Robin Williams wanted the part, but I don't know if he auditioned for it or was ever considered. Hell Anthony James could probably have REALLY pulled it off. He's the guy who creeped everybody out four years earlier as "the chauffeur" in Burnt Offerings.

I don't agree. I think the moment he has with Danny sitting on his lap is terrifying and although there's definitely a sick sense of comedy injected, the axe through the door sequence is equally terrifying.