Filming Locations of ‘The Shining’
Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of The Shining is infamous for its atmospheric use of filming locations, which play a critical role in setting the eerie tone of the horror film.
While the Overlook Hotel remains one of the most iconic settings in cinema history, its creation involved multiple locations and sets.
Primary Hotel Inspiration
The sinister Overlook Hotel from The Shining largely draws its inspiration from The Stanley Hotel.
Situated in Estes Park, Colorado, this hotel is where author Stephen King had the nightmare that led to the creation of the chilling story.
Interestingly, Room 217 of The Stanley became the room of horror in King’s novel, although the movie adaptation changed it to the infamous Room 237.
On-Site Hotel Filming
For the exterior shots of the Overlook, Kubrick used Timberline Lodge on Mt.
Hood in Oregon.
This location was chosen for its isolated and foreboding appearance, which greatly contributed to the unsettling atmosphere of the film.
Contrary to some reports, no actual filming took place at The Stanley Hotel in Colorado.
Studio Set Filming
The intricate interior sets of the Overlook Hotel were meticulously constructed at Elstree Studios in England on a soundstage.
Kubrick, known for his attention to detail, created a sprawling and disorienting set that became as much a character in the film as Jack Nicholson’s portrayal of Jack Torrance.
The hedge maze, another iconic element from the film, was also a product of the soundstages at Elstree Studios in Borehamwood, England, showcasing Kubrick’s dedication to a controlled shooting environment.
Themes and Influences in ‘The Shining’
Exploring “The Shining,” both the film adaptation by Stanley Kubrick and the original novel by Stephen King reveals a complex interplay of themes and influences.
Different visions of fear and isolation are intertwined with the setting, unfolding within the ominous corridors of the Overlook Hotel.
King’s Novel vs. Kubrick’s Adaptation
Stephen King’s novel paints a vivid picture of the Torrance family’s descent into madness, driven by the haunted Overlook Hotel.
The character of Jack Torrance is highlighted as a victim of his own alcoholism and temper, struggling against the hotel’s malevolent influence.
Kubrick’s adaptation, however, puts a stronger emphasis on Jack’s descent into violence and madness, implicating the Overlook itself as an entity influencing his spiral.
This shift in focus highlights a divergence in the portrayal of the Torrances’ ordeal and the forces at play within the hotel.
Symbolism and Setting
The setting of the Overlook Hotel is central to the narrative.
In Kubrick’s film, the Ahwahnee Hotel served as the inspiration for the Overlook’s design, encapsulating the isolation and overwhelming nature of the building.
The infamous Room 237 and the hedge maze are rich with symbolism, representing the entrapment and confusion that reflect the characters’ minds.
The film cleverly uses these elements to explore the themes of solitude and madness, with the hotel mirroring the characters’ internal struggles.
Cultural Impact
“The Shining” has left an indelible mark on pop culture and the horror film genre through its haunting portrayal of the Torrance family’s winter caretaking stint gone horribly wrong.
It deals heavily with ideas of psychic ability, seen in the character of young Danny, and plays on the inherent fear of the unknown with its subtle hinting at paranormal activity.
Stanley Kubrick’s meticulous attention to details and thematic elements have invited endless analysis and interpretation, contributing to the film’s status as a classic in horror cinema.
The film’s impact has even led to a follow-up in the form of Doctor Sleep, King’s sequel that explores the lasting effects of the Overlook on Danny’s life.