Reviewed by Melissa Garza
I love The Shining (1980) and I adore conspiracy theories. When I heard about Room 237 which delves into the conspiracies surrounding the film, I was certain I would adore it.
The documentary opens up with different narrators discussing their theories about the film and their thoughts about director Stanley Kubrick’s hidden and at times no so hidden intent. The most widely belief and the one I heard years ago was that it was about the massacre of Native Americans. Another thought is that Kubrick was subliminally providing insight into WWII. The former is far more popular and probable than the latter. The empirical evidence by far supports the theory about the Native Americans. Everything from the art on the wall to the way in which Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) gives credence to this belief.
Most of the theories including the one pertaining to WWII seem to reach and see symbolism in areas where it just does not exist. Certain elements are continuity errors while others are just people attempting to read into the mind of Kubrick’s genius with the hopes of appearing to be ingenious themselves. Sadly most fail and come across as rather pretentious jerks that hold themselves in high regard and believe themselves to have insight into areas where others do not. The truth is that these pathetic individuals are simply so insecure that to feel important they grasp at straws and speak in an articulate and intellectual fashion with the hopes of tricking one into thinking they are intelligent.
This may seem very critical and downright mean, but listening to the ramblings of these “thinkers” just made me want to bang my head against the wall.
It wouldn’t have been so bad if the documentary was put together well. Unfortunately, the creator decided that he wanted to be artistic and resemble the work of Kubrick rather than put together a good film. We never see the individuals who are speaking but instead just different scenes of movies that are intended to tell the story of those talking. It’s an affected piece without any heart.
Despite all the negativity, there were a few moments that were insightful and some that were so crazy that they entertained.
Overall, I wouldn’t suggest watching this but for avid fans of the film who are interested in how others interpret it. That said, do not expect to learn anything about Kubrick’s mindset or thought process.
Scared Stiff Rating: 4/10
