RATED- UNRATED
RUN TIME- 102 MINS
WRITER(S)- RODNEY ASCHER
STARRING- BILL BLAKEMORE, GEOFFREY COCKS, AND JULIE KEARNS
DIRECTOR- RODNEY ASCHER
Synopsis taken from IMDb
A subjective documentary that explores the numerous theories about the hidden meanings within 'Stanley Kubrick (l)' 's Kubrick' 's film The Shining (1980). The film may be over 30 years old but it continues to inspire debate, speculation, and mystery. Five very different points of view are illuminated through voice over, film clips, animation and dramatic reenactments. Together they'll draw the audience into a new maze, one with endless detours and dead ends, many ways in, but no way out.
Again, I don't usually review documentaries because it's hard to judge them as films, seeing as they're meant for more educational value than entertainment. I had to make an exception with this one though.
I didn't even know it was possible to like "The Shining" even more, but guess what? After watching this, I most certainly do! This has got to be the most in-depth documentary on a film I have ever seen! And the stuff you learn both about the movie and Kubrick can actually be jaw-dropping. The second the documentary ends you want to watch the film and look for all the hidden things spread throughout.
I've actually been doing my research, and went on to find more videos and articles on Kubrick's film, that's taken me in even deeper. I've never walked away from a documentary wanting to learn more, except for this one. It's absolutely fascinating! All the people who say that "The Shining" has flaws, need to watch this. It may not pull you into liking the film, but it will absolutely make you see the film in a new light.
There's a lot of hidden meaning, messages and images throughout the film, that you can't help but be enthralled finding out what some of it means. So much knowledge! I truly know now, that the film is a masterpiece, not just from my own opinion, but from knowing how flawless it is. Everything is intentional and has a meaning and purpose.
Finding out that Kubrick had an IQ of 200, and read up on subliminal messaging was when I knew "The Shining" would be laced with things right in front of our faces that we've probably never seen. And I was right. Kubrick also went to advertising corporations and got tips on their methods of subliminal images and messages. He really did his research, and then packed his film with stuff that people still haven't deciphered or discovered.
Also, in this documentary, it's brought to your attention of how obvious it is that the film is about Native Americans being slaughtered. There's a lot of history and politics involved in the subliminal underlining of the movie, that you really catch on to and see how obvious it is.
I appreciate that this documentary has such insightful people exploring the film's messages for us and making them obvious. It really does just put everything in a new light. I'm not going to go further into things that are discussed, I'm not spoiling anything because it's something you need to experience on your own. I mean, they even go into what Jack's typewriter means. Trust me, you'll never watch "The Shining" the same way again.
