Room 237

ROOM 237

Jeri Jacquin, Movie Maven

On DVD this week from director Rodney Ascher and IFC FILMS comes an amazing look into the theories behind ROOM 237.

This documentary was made because of a film done by Stanley Kubrick entitled THE SHINING. Adapted from a book by Stephen King of the same name, this film has become the topic of some pretty amazing conversations.

There are theories and even shocking comparisons that 30 years later people are discovering about this film. Step by step and in some cases frame by frame the viewer is drawn into whether Kubrick was a mastermind or simple a filmmaker who wanted to scare us silly.

This documentary is not in a hurry taking each moment to let the information sink in.

FINAL WORD: This film truly does take a lot of energy to dissect. With each theory presented and explained one feels a tad bit insane! There are things in THE SHINING I never in a million years ever thought to look for. The visuals are so subtle yet hugely powerful.

From theories of the Calumet/Indian connection, to the 1942 German typewriter used by Jack Torrance, sex, society, mythology, history, the holocaust and even Kubrick being a part of the fake-moon landing theory – this film has it all.

This DVD has special edition features such as: The Mstmnd Speaks: Commentary with Kevin McLeod, Secrets of THE SHINGING: A panel discussion, 11 deleted scenes, The Making of the Music Featurette, Mondo Poster Design Discussion with Artist Aled Lewis along with trailers and alternate trailers.

TUBS OF POPCORN: I give ROOM 237 three and a half tubs of popcorn out of five. It took some time for me to completely understand what each chapter was saying. I had never in my wildest dreams ever thought of THE SHINING in any other way than one of the best films ever made.

With each theory pointed out in vivid detail I must admit to being jaw dropped at how easy it could be to believe that Kubrick had a larger plan within a plan hidden in a film! Just the explanation of the room number 237 can be explained by then I would have to ask myself, ‘could he truly have been that brilliant?’

ROOM 237 was the Official Selection at the Sundance Film Festival, Cannes Film Festival, New York Film Festival and winner for Best Director at the Fantastic Fest. It also took a win at the International Documentary Association festival for Ascher as well.

On the same day as the DVD ROOM 237’s release, Stephen King released his book DOCTOR SLEEP which is a sequel to THE SHINING. It is the continuation of the story of Danny Torrance now that he’s a grown man living in New England. He still has his gifts and this book is about how he uses them. Don’t think for one moment I won’t be hitting up the bookstore this weekend!

In the end – some movies stay with you forever…and ever…and ever…