Belief, Symbolism, Fantasy, Obsession
I wrote this two years ago, but I just got a question about this interesting documentary. Please enjoy the post and the film!
Let’s take a fascinating look at a simple documentary. A film that focuses upon the “true meaning” of a popular film from the early 80s. The director of this documentary allows people with many different interpretations explain how and why they know “the truth”. This is a movie that is fascinating, weird, unique and, sometimes, sad. It is also an interesting movie that you might have missed!
2012’s ‘Room 237’ is the creation of director/writer Rodney Ascher. He noticed hundreds of different people with very different interpretations of Stanley Kubrick’s thriller ‘The Shining’. ‘The Shining’ is based on the book by Stephen King and stars Jack Nicholson and Shelley Duvall. Originally ‘The Shining’ received less than stellar reviews and a lukewarm reception by audiences. However, with time, the critical and fan response and respect has grown.
‘Room 237’ allows some very dedicated and, at times, crazed fans explain the “true meaning” of ‘The Shining’. The theories are amazingly divers unique and, to me, incredibly over-the-top. I do, however, respect the passion and dedication that each of these fans/conspirators apply to their beliefs. Each one is completely certain that their’s is the real story of ‘The Shining’ and they have spent years proving that “fact”. Ascher allows each of them the time and respect to explain how they came to believe. He also gives them the opportunity to convince us of their “truth”.
This makes ‘Room 237’ not only an in-depth look at a Kubrick epic, but a story of fandom and its obsessions. Each individual can be seen as dedicated, distinct and/or troubled. That is for the viewer to experience. I do believe that each of our conspirators are stronger for their beliefs and their dedication to those beliefs. I may not find truth in hidden symbolism or secret stories, but I respect anyone who adds to life in their own, individual way.
The documentary is filled with footage from ‘The Shining’ along with all the other Kubrick films. No matter what you think of the Kubrick original, ‘Room 237’ is an amazing look at the human condition. Mary Pols, of Time Magazine, says it best;