Few movie sets in Hollywood history have captivated audiences quite like the Overlook Hotel from Stanley Kubrick’s iconic film “The Shining.” This fictional Colorado hotel served as the eerie backdrop for Jack Torrance’s chilling descent into madness, leaving viewers spellbound by its haunting atmosphere. Now, a new documentary titled “Shine On – The Forgotten Shining Location” is set to shed light on the legendary hotel sets that have become a symbol of Kubrick’s unparalleled filmmaking artistry.
Produced in collaboration with the Stanley Kubrick Film Archive and the director’s estate, this documentary delves into Kubrick’s meticulous process of selecting filming locations and working closely with his design team to bring his vision to life. Narrated by Martin Sheen and directed by Paul King, the film features insightful interviews with key figures such as the film’s art director Les Tomkins, producer Jan Harlan, and Stanley Kubrick’s daughter Katharina Kubrick. Together, they revisit the remaining studio sets from “The Shining” that were believed to have been lost to time.
Director Paul King expressed his excitement about the discovery of these sets, stating, “There have been so many rumors about some of the sets from ‘The Shining’ still existing at Elstree Studios, but to actually find them and walk around them was like discovering a holy grail of film history.” This revelation has reignited interest in the film’s enduring legacy, more than forty years after its initial release.
“The Shining” has continued to captivate audiences and spark scholarly debates since its debut. In 2012, the documentary “Room 237” explored the various interpretations and hidden meanings within the film, while in 2023, Pixar veteran Lee Unkrich published a comprehensive three-volume book detailing the making of “The Shining” titled “Stanley Kubrick’s ‘The Shining.'”
“Shine On – The Forgotten Shining Location” is scheduled to premiere on Stanley Kubrick’s official YouTube channel on Friday, July 26. This documentary promises to offer viewers a rare glimpse behind the scenes of one of cinema’s most iconic films. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the secrets of the Overlook Hotel and unravel the mysteries of Kubrick’s visionary masterpiece.