Uncovering Curiosities: Documentary ROOM 237 Delves Into Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining

Fans of Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining won’t want to miss Room 237, the documentary detailing the many ‘conspiracy theories’ behind the Stephen King adaptation.

The film uses interviews from fans, scholars and journalists who offer up a variety theories which try to explain the subtext behind Kubrick’s terror tale. Director Rodney Ascher’s Room 237 has a dream like quality which mirrors the 1981 film, using clips and stock footage to weave a bizarre montage that complements the musings of those speaking off-screen.

The theories range from the belief that Kubrick used the Jack Nicholson starrer as a way of showing that he faked the Apollo moon landing, to how the film illustrates the plight of the Native American. Some of these theories are more plausible than others, but they are all riveting and you will come away wanting to watch The Shining again.

It does have its flaws. While the film is incredibly hypnotic, I was hoping that it would settle down and offer some ‘talking head’ style interviews. That’s just a personal preference, because I’m old school in how I like to watch things – but having said that, it doesn’t make it any less interesting.

Room 237 is the ultimate accompaniment to Stanley Kubrick’s film and they’d make one hell of a double bill.