ROOM 237: Decrypting The Shining

Those bookshelves are filled with theories about The Shining. Okay, not really.

You were probably scared the first time you watched Stanley Kubrick's The Shining. (If not, then what's wrong with you?) Or maybe, like me, you read Stephen King's book first, couldn't sleep with the lights off for weeks, and THEN watched the movie, but you were still scared.

But how many times have you watched The Shining? Enough to think that it is a parable for Nazi Germany? Native genocide? Kubrick's admission that he helped fake the moon landing? (That last one kills me.)

The Associated Press has a nice article on Room 237, the documentary which exposes the various conspiracy theories about The Shining. And whaddya know, Room 237 is playing at the Toronto International Film Festival!

As for all the theories about The Shining, Room 237 producer Tim Kirk says, "I'm really confused about it at this point."

Luckily, you don't have to be confused. Check out one of the screenings of Room 237 at the Festival. Feel free to share your own theories in the comments. Or share Calumet recipes (you'll have to read the AP article to understand that reference, though).

In the meantime, f you want to see even more artistic interpretations of The Shining, check out The Overlook Hotel. You know they say all work and no play. . . oh, you know.

ROOM 237 Screening Times:
Thurs., Sept. 13th, 6:00 PM BLOOR HOT DOCS CINEMA
Sat., Sept. 15th, 5:45 PM CINEPLEX YONGE & DUNDAS 2
Sun., Sept. 16th, 12:00 PM TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX 3